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Statistics are the key to understanding many elements of our society. And cognitive levels across professions come as no exception. The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a frequently used measure of cognitive ability and intellectual potential. This figure comes in handy. Exploring average IQ by occupation data might provide intriguing information about the distribution of intelligence across many areas.

It raises some concerns and questions. Are some jobs more cognitively demanding than others? Do some businesses attract people with high IQs? These are some of the questions that IQ-related stats answer. In this blog article, we'll dig deeper into this theme.

So keep reading to know the average IQ by occupation to find patterns, trends, and possible consequences. Get a better grasp of the unique relationship between intellect and employment.

People in Administrative Roles (Av. IQ = 104)

According to recent research data, professionals in management and administrative jobs have an average IQ score of 104. The average IQ score is set at 100, with around 68% of the population falling within the range of 85-115. So, the results imply that managers have somewhat better IQs compared to ordinary people. 

Surgeons and Doctors (Av. IQ = 125–130)

Those working in surgery and medicine have higher levels of intellect as evaluated by an IQ test online. Surgeons and physicians typically have IQ scores ranging from 125 to 130. It indicates that most professionals in these fields require above-average intelligence. While some people may have scores that vary slightly, the overall trend highlights the prowess for success in healthcare professions. Higher IQ levels are often linked to enhanced problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and adeptness at handling information – all qualities for excelling in this field.

College Professors (Av. IQ = 115–130)

College teachers typically have above-average IQ scores — ranging from 115 to 130 according to the data from CerebrumIQ. While IQ tests measure certain types of cognitive abilities, teaching requires a broad range of skills beyond just raw intelligence. Effective teachers need strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, patience, creativity, and the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.

Electrical Engineers (Av. IQ = 110–130)

The field of electrical engineering is a highly technical and specialized area. It requires a deep understanding of complex systems and principles. Therefore, those who work in the industry have above-average cognitive abilities. The fact that electrical engineers have an average IQ range of 110-130 proves the level of expertise and skill that is required to excel in this field. It also highlights the importance of education and training in developing the cognitive abilities necessary to succeed in such a technical and demanding profession.

Sales Representatives (Av. IQ =  85-100)

The average intelligence quotient of sales representatives and tradespeople is typically in the range of 85 to 100. These professionals need to have strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt to different customer needs and preferences. They should also have a deep understanding of their products and be able to effectively negotiate and close deals. All these skills are not necessarily captured by standard IQ tests, which tend to focus more on abstract reasoning and academic performance.

Lawyers (Av. IQ = 115–130)

When it comes to the intelligence quotient of attorneys, statistics suggest that they tend to fall within a range of 115 to 130. This may not come as a surprise to those who have interacted with lawyers on a regular basis, as they are known for their sharp minds and quick thinking. However, it is important to note that IQ is not the only factor that contributes to a lawyer's success.

However, attorneys need more than intelligence to succeed in their field. Effective communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity are also crucial. These qualities play a role in researching cases drafting documents and presenting arguments in court.

Schoolteachers (Av. IQ = 110-120)

The average intelligence quotient (IQ) of schoolteachers typically falls within the range of 110 to 120. Educators with these high IQ levels can grasp complex ideas and present them to their students in a straightforward way. Moreover, they are inclined towards developing teaching techniques and approaches to captivate their student's interest and enrich their learning journey. According to research data, teachers with high IQ scores perform well in problem-solving, which is critical for addressing challenging classroom scenarios. Additionally, they demonstrate qualities, such as creativity, adaptability, and quick decision-making skills. All these are the attributes of effective teaching practices.

IQ Impact on Career Advancement

The impact of IQ on career advancement is significant, but it is far from the only thing that determines success in the workplace. A high IQ can be advantageous in professions that require technical expertise and complex problem-solving, like engineering or scientific research. However, Emotional Intelligence plays a crucial role in career success as well. The latter involves understanding and managing emotions, empathy, social awareness, and effective communication. According to research data, people with high EQ are more likely to be promoted, earn better salaries, and experience greater job satisfaction than those with lower EQ levels. 

Practice introspection and self-reflection to understand your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses better. Communicate complex ideas clearly to inspire confidence and alignment among your team. Invest time in nurturing relationships, building trust, and fostering collaboration within your team. Firmly hold onto your beliefs and don't let others question your self-worth. All these approaches come in handy for balancing IQ and EQ in the workplace.

So, while a high IQ can open doors to certain career opportunities, EQ is essential in almost all professions for building relationships, effective leadership, conflict resolution, and team management. Balancing both IQ and EQ can enhance one's career advancement by improving interpersonal skills, communication, and adaptability in the dynamic world of work.

Let’s Wrap up

Analyzing average IQ by profession sheds some light on the cognitive talents linked with different occupations. While IQ alone does not predict success or competency in any job, these numbers may serve as a starting point for understanding the basic cognitive demands and skill sets needed in some industries.

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