Best ESTP Careers: Top 5 Jobs for Action-Oriented Individuals

Our ESTP career guide will introduce you to the best job paths for Entrepreneurs, such as marketing, finance, and emergency services.

By Lucas Bennet

Published on 31 October 2025

The best ESTP careers allow this personality type to showcase their confidence, decisiveness, and energetic, dynamic nature. When these strengths are taken into account, ESTPs typically thrive in marketing, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and emergency services.

The ESTP personality type, known as the Entrepreneur, can succeed in most careers thanks to their endless charm and self-assuredness. However, if the job isn’t exciting enough, they quickly lose motivation, which can significantly impact their performance.

In this article, we will share an ESTP careers list, containing both the best and the worst job paths for these personalities. Furthermore, we will discuss what they look for in a career and give a few tips for professional development.

So, let’s dive in!

What Are ESTPs Like in the Workplace?

ESTPs are equally as active, dynamic, and spontaneous in the workplace as they are in their private lives. Their almost inexhaustible energy can be an indispensable asset to any company, as it often becomes a driving force to other employees.

As a result, Entrepreneurs frequently find themselves in leadership roles where they can utilize their strengths to the fullest. They are also more likely to grab a position of authority than many other types since they are naturally ambitious and love to challenge themselves.

However, the downside is that people with the ESTP personality have a low tolerance for boredom, routine, and monotony. If the workplace doesn’t meet their expectations in terms of excitement, their productivity and motivation decrease significantly, and they are unlikely to stick around for long.

That said, here are three main traits ESTPs exhibit in their professional lives.

#1. Action-Oriented

Thanks to their dominant extraverted sensing (Se), ESTPs are grounded in the present and highly responsive to their surroundings. This makes them particularly suited for jobs where quick responses and on-the-spot decision-making are crucial for success.

It’s not only that ESTPs are born for such jobs, though; they also crave action and enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with it. That doesn’t mean they can only find fulfillment as first responders in emergency situations, but they do bring this proactive approach to everything they do.

In other words, they are likely to take risks even when most other personalities would back down, simply for the thrill.

Sometimes, this approach pays off, and Entrepreneurs enjoy great success and admiration. However, other times, this can lead to a disaster, so it’s wise to take a step back and consider the consequences before taking the plunge.

#2. Competitive

ESTPs are bold, confident individuals who like to show off their abilities and skills. Naturally, this makes them highly competitive—if someone shines brighter than them, they take that as a personal challenge.

That doesn’t mean they harbor negative feelings toward other top performers in their workplace or try to sabotage them. On the contrary, ESTPs often show respect through this form of rivalry, and others’ success motivates them to be even better and try harder.

In fact, Entrepreneurs might be somewhat bored if they have no one or nothing to compete against. What other employees find stressful, they consider encouraging, so their employers should account for this aspect of their personality to improve their job satisfaction.

#3. Adaptable

Considering their high stress tolerance and desire for a dynamic, exciting work environment, it’s hardly surprising that ESTPs easily adapt to new circumstances. If anything, they welcome any change of pace, as it provides the novelty and challenge they often crave.

As a result, an ESTP is likely to accept most requests and projects they’re given without much complaint, even if it’s something they’ve never done before. Blessed with endless confidence, they rarely worry about their ability to handle things—they simply trust themselves to adjust to whatever comes their way.

What Are ESTPs Like as Team Members and Leaders?

ESTPs are energetic, dynamic, and bold as team members and leaders, much like they are in all other aspects of their lives. Generally speaking, Entrepreneurs love working with people, so both of these roles come to them quite naturally.

Ambitious as they are, ESTPs often end up in managerial roles, though they aren’t particularly interested in leadership as a whole. For instance, they find little joy in directing others, assigning tasks, and supervising performance, as these responsibilities may feel tedious and limiting.

However, their competitiveness, drive, and confidence make them an excellent candidate for a leadership position—an opportunity no ESTP is willing to pass. The challenge alone is enough to draw them in, even if they aren’t as suited to this role as ENTJs or ENFJs.

Leading with unique boldness and decisiveness, ESTPs may sometimes be too intimidating or overwhelming to some of their employees. This is further exacerbated by their somewhat abrasive nature, which often seeks conflict instead of resolving issues peacefully.

So, even outside the context of leadership, having an ESTP team member can be equally rewarding and challenging. They are a powerful driving force for the entire team but may also seem impossible to reason with, especially when they’ve made a firm decision.

What ESTPs Look For in a Career

ESTPs look for excitement and variety, autonomy, and tangible results in a career. They are rarely drawn to professions where abstract theories and hypotheses take precedence over concrete action.

Below, we will review the key elements that make up an ideal career path for ESTPs.

Excitement and Variety

Monotony and routine spell death to ESTPs’ motivation, making them feel drained, bored, and restless even if the job is simple. In fact, many Entrepreneurs would choose a challenging career over a dull but stable one in a heartbeat.

That’s why these active personalities seek dynamic positions with constantly changing tasks, projects, and responsibilities. While other types may consider such a lack of stability stressful, ESTPs welcome it with open arms, glad for the opportunity to show off their skills and learn something new.

Autonomy

No one likes being micromanaged, but ESTPs have a particular aversion to it—having to conform to a strict hierarchy’s rules immediately awakens their rebellious side.

This is especially true if the rules in question make no logical sense. Then, Entrepreneurs’ auxiliary introverted thinking (Ti) kicks in, and they refuse to follow along only because they are supposed to.

So, ESTPs typically seek careers where they can work on their tasks independently without anyone looking over their shoulders. They don’t mind even if this means extra responsibility—they’d rather deal with that than strict hierarchies.

Tangible Results

When ESTPs complete a job, they want to see, feel, and experience the results in the real world—not just theorize about their validity. For instance, they would struggle in fields such as theoretical physics or philosophy since these are highly abstract and intangible.

Instead, they opt for careers in emergency services, where their fieldwork immediately brings results, or entrepreneurship, where they can track their company’s growth. These professions, though by no means simple, are far more grounded in reality, which is generally ESTPs’ domain.

5 Best Career Paths for ESTPs

The best career paths for ESTPs include sales and marketing, emergency services, sports and entertainment, entrepreneurship, and finance. Jobs in these fields emphasize Entrepreneurs’ decisiveness, quick wit, and action-oriented nature, simultaneously providing the challenge, versatility, and excitement they need so much.

That said, let’s examine closely some of the best jobs for ESTPs.

#1. Sales and Marketing

Charismatic and confident, ESTPs know how to establish rapport with people, even if they’ve only just met them. This trait is particularly beneficial in sales and marketing, where a direct, self-assured approach can make a world of difference.

Moreover, the dynamic nature of a sales-related job is exactly what ESTPs are looking for. They are more than happy to accept the challenge of finding ways to reach demanding customers who may not be responsive to most tactics for impactful marketing.

Some of the best ESTP jobs in this domain include:

ESTP Sales and Marketing Careers

• Sales Manager
• Insurance Agent
• Real Estate Agent
• Marketing Specialist
• Sales Representative
• Social Media Manager

#2. Emergency Services

Emergency services are an excellent career match for both female and male ESTPs, as these jobs suit quick thinkers who respond to their surroundings almost instantly. Due to their dominant Se, both ESFPs and ESTPs fit this description, but Entrepreneurs tend to perform much better in high-stress environments.

Instead of getting overwhelmed and paralyzed like their feeling counterparts, ESTPs thrive on the adrenaline rush, feeling extra focused in stressful situations. Whether it’s saving someone’s life or fighting crime, they are the best at making sound decisions on the spot and following through with them.

So, the best ESTP professions in emergency services include:

ESTP Emergency Services Careers

• Lifeguard
• Firefighter
• Paramedic
• Police Officer
• Medical Examiner
• Emergency Physician
• Emergency Helpline Operator

#3. Sports & Entertainment

Dynamic, charismatic ESTPs do well in front of cameras, quickly commanding others’ attention with their presence, confidence, and straightforwardness. Consequently, this personality type is common in the entertainment industry—particularly sports, which combine their camera-ready charm with their active, competitive spirit.

In addition to sports, ideal ESTP careers in the entertainment industry include:

ESTP Sports & Entertainment Careers

• DJ
• Actor
• Singer
• Musician
• Influencer
• Talk Show Host
• Television Reporter

#4. Entrepreneurship

Considering ESTPs are known as Entrepreneurs, it’s hardly surprising that entrepreneurship is one of their top career paths. Furthermore, when we take into account typical traits an entrepreneur must possess—confidence, adaptability, and high risk tolerance—the correlation becomes even more obvious.

ESTPs particularly love entrepreneurship for two reasons: the dynamic nature of the job and the complete autonomy over their actions and decisions. As their own bosses, they answer to no one but themselves, which is precisely how they prefer it.

Here are some good jobs for ESTPs in this field:

ESTP Entrepreneurship Careers

• CEO
• COO
• Business Owner
• Project Manager
• Business Analyst
• Business Advisor
• Innovation Manager

#5. Finance

Finally, ESTPs thrive in finance for similar reasons they perform well in entrepreneurship—they aren’t afraid of taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities as leaders when they present themselves. This is important in finance, too, especially when dealing with stock markets and investments.

In addition, interpersonal skills can also be of great importance in finance—financial advisors, for instance, must establish a trusting relationship with their clients. As we have established, ESTPs are excellent at this, too, so they shine in various positions in the financial sector.

Here are some of the best ESTP careers related to finance:

ESTP Finance Jobs

• Stockbroker
• Budget Analyst
• Trading Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Planner
• Investment Banker

4 Careers ESTPs Should Avoid

Careers ESTPs should avoid include highly repetitive, structured, isolated, and caretaking jobs, as these don’t typically take advantage of their strengths. Quite the opposite—most ESTPs feel trapped, bored, and uninspired when they find themselves in these positions.

That being said, let’s look into common jobs ESTPs should avoid.

#1. Highly Repetitive Jobs

Prone to boredom, ESTPs struggle with mundane, routine jobs with repetitive tasks and routine procedures. Of course, some degree of repetitiveness can be expected in any career, but when it’s constant, it can become unbearable.

ESTPs stuck in routine jobs can feel as if all their talents and skills are going to waste. Eventually, this can progress into a lack of motivation, resentment, and, finally, total dislike for their workplace.

So, careers ESTPs should steer clear of include:

Examples of Highly Repetitive Jobs

• Librarian
• Bookkeeper
• Data Entry Clerk
• Quality Inspector
• Assembly Line Worker
• Administrative Assistant

#2. Structured Jobs

ESTPs like to have space to make their own decisions and come up with unique strategies that may not always be by the book.

As a result, they struggle in highly structured environments with rigid hierarchies and step-by-step procedures that must be observed at all costs. Such jobs usually make them feel restricted and like there’s little room for their ideas to form.

Taking that into account, careers ESTPs should avoid are:

Examples of Structured Jobs

• Nurse
• Judge
• Lawyer
• Train Operator
• Lab Technician
• Dental Hygienist
• Network Administrator

#3. Isolated Jobs

As extroverts, ESTPs are energized by other people and drawn to careers with plenty of interpersonal interaction. They aren’t necessarily repulsed by jobs where they must work alone for a while, but at the end of the day, the social element is paramount in their career.

In other words, if that social element is missing, they may start feeling bored and frustrated with time. Even if their personal lives are rich with interaction and socializing, that still may not be enough to fill the hole left by their isolating job.

Thus, here are careers ESTPs should stay away from:

Examples of Isolated Jobs

• Editor
• Writer
• Mechanic
• Electrician
• Astronomer
• Truck Driver
• Software Developer
• Scientific Researcher

#4. Caretaking Jobs

Though ESTPs have excellent people skills and enjoy working with others, they aren’t ideally suited for careers in caretaking. Namely, these personality types tend to come across as insensitive, direct, and even somewhat aggressive, so they have difficulty putting others at ease.

Moreover, caretaking is not their personal preference, either. It’s not that they are incapable of looking after others, but it doesn’t come naturally like it does for ESFJs or ISFJs—far more nurturing personalities. Instead, caretaking takes special mental effort that many Entrepreneurs are unwilling to put in.

Taking that into account, careers ESTPs should think twice before choosing include:

Examples of Caretaking Jobs

• Teacher
• Babysitter
• Social Worker
• School Counselor
• Hospice Care Worker
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Occupational Therapist

What Are the Best Majors for ESTPs?

The best majors for ESTPs include those that prepare them for their ideal careers and play to their strengths, such as adaptability, high energy, and a proactive approach.

Some of the best majors for ESTPs include:

ESTP Best Majors

• Economics
• Advertising
• Criminology
• Communications
• Forensic Science
• Computer Science
• Sports Management
• Tourism Management
• Broadcast Journalism
• Business and Finance

On the other hand, majors that prepare ESTPs for careers in highly abstract, theoretical fields, where ideas take precedence over tangible results, aren’t an ideal match. Similarly, excessive focus on caretaking and people’s needs doesn’t suit competitive, goal-oriented Entrepreneurs.

So, the worst majors for ESTPs include:

ESTP Worst Majors

• History
• Nursing
• Fine Arts
• Linguistics
• Philosophy
• Psychology
• Mathematics

How to Excel at Work as an ESTP: 3 Tips You Need to Know

An ESTP can easily excel at work by leveraging their networking skills, being patient, and showing appreciation to their employees and colleagues.

Having said that, let’s focus on specific ESTP career advice to help Entrepreneurs thrive in their chosen professions.

#1. Leverage Your Networking Skills

ESTPs are excellent communicators who easily build connections with others, creating vast networks of people they can rely on to boost their careers.

This is particularly important when they are building their own company or looking for new employment opportunities. Namely, the more connections they have, the more likely they are to find skilled employees or competent employers, depending on what they need. Similarly, large professional networks can bring new clients and open all sorts of unexpected doors.

#2. Be Patient

Patience is not a virtue most ESTPs possess, yet it can be vital in professional life, where waiting for the right moment can pay off significantly. For instance, profits may not be instantaneous in entrepreneurship, yet after a year or two, they can skyrocket seemingly out of nowhere.

However, impatient ESTPs might never see those profits—if they take their usual approach to work, they move on as soon as the business doesn’t show immediate growth. That’s why it’s important to exercise some patience; after all, a rough or monotonous patch may just be a temporary setback.

#3. Show Appreciation

Even if they are satisfied with their employees’ and coworkers’ performance, ESTPs are unlikely to say it out loud, simply because they aren’t used to it. Generally speaking, they are rarely motivated by praise or words of appreciation, so they forget that others may draw motivation from them.

Still, Entrepreneurs should remember to show appreciation to those who work with them, especially if they are in a leadership position. This will boost their coworkers’ morale and become an additional incentive for them to perform better.

The Bottom Line

Overall, ESTP careers are those that provide them with a fast-paced, dynamic atmosphere where these action-oriented personalities can show off their skills and talents. They particularly love challenging jobs that involve a degree of risk—be it physical or financial—as they work best under pressure.

If you’re unsure whether you’re on the right career path, take our personality test to find out which of the sixteen personalities you are. This will help you better understand your professional preferences and guide you toward your ideal job position.

Lucas BennetPsychologist & Researcher

Dr. Lucas Bennett is a licensed psychologist specializing in personality assessment and human behaviors. He has over 10 years of experience in cognition and emotions research, and his mission is to create tools to help individuals know their strengths and motivations. Lucas has published a number of research papers and enjoys making psychology easier for everyone. In his free time, he learns about mindfulness exercises and writes about emotional intelligence and personal growth.

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