— Occupational IQ research

Average IQ of Engineer (general)s: 124

Average IQ

124

Percentile

95th

Why Engineer (general)s cluster at this IQ level

The profession selects for, and then trains, the cognitive abilities required to do the work. Engineer (general)s show particular strength in spatial, numeric, logical — the cognitive axes that most predict performance in this field. These traits cluster because the work itself demands them and because entry filters (degrees, exams, certifications, interviews) screen for them.

Within the engineering field, Engineer (general)s sit relatively high compared to peers. The standard deviation within the occupation is typically 10-15 IQ points, meaning roughly two-thirds of working Engineer (general)s fall in the IQ 109-139 band.

Cognitive demands of the work

The IQ figure for Engineer (general)s reflects the cognitive load of the actual job:

Sustained reasoning under uncertainty. The work requires holding multiple constraints in working memory while reasoning through partial information.
Pattern recognition. Recognizing structurally-similar problems despite surface differences is a major performance driver.
Communication precision. Whether technical or interpersonal, the work demands articulating ideas without ambiguity.
Decision-making with consequences. Errors carry weight — financial, physical, reputational, or all three.

Profession	Avg IQ	Percentile
Aerospace Engineer	130	98th
Electrical Engineer	128	97th
Civil Engineer	127	96th
Mechanical Engineer	127	96th
Robotics Engineer	128	97th
Engineer (general)s	124	95th

Find out YOUR exact IQ

Take a 20-minute calibrated test and see how you compare across all six cognitive axes — including the ones Engineer (general)s score highest on.

What this average does NOT mean

An occupational IQ average is a statistical mean, not a hiring criterion. 124-level cognition is the typical Engineer (general), not the minimum. Plenty of working Engineer (general)s score below 109, succeeding through experience, conscientiousness, deep domain knowledge, and motivation — none of which IQ tests measure.

The average also describes the people who entered and stayed in the profession. It does not predict whether you specifically could succeed as a engineer (general). Personal interest, work ethic, and circumstance matter at least as much.

How to read your own IQ against the Engineer (general) average

If you score within 114-134: you are in the typical range for Engineer (general)s. Your cognitive profile is well-matched to the work.
If you score above 139: you have meaningful cognitive headroom. The abstract demands of the role are likely to feel easier than for most peers.
If you score below 114: the profession is still entirely accessible to you. Many successful Engineer (general)s score below the mean, relying more on structured systems, persistence, and specialization than raw speed.

Frequently asked

What is the average IQ of a engineer (general)?

The estimated average IQ for Engineer (general)s is 124, based on occupational sampling and GRE-derived data. This corresponds to roughly the 95th percentile.

Do you need a high IQ to be a engineer (general)?

There is no formal IQ requirement. The 124 average reflects who tends to enter and stay in the profession, not a minimum threshold. Successful Engineer (general)s exist well above and below this number.

What's the highest-IQ profession?

Physicists, mathematicians, and astronomers cluster around 131-132 average IQ. The top tier of professions are within 3-4 IQ points of each other.