Average IQ of Engineers: By Type, With Real Sources
The average IQ of engineers is usually estimated at around 115 to 125, which is above the general average of 100 but far from "genius" territory. Those numbers come from occupational studies and test-score data rather than a single definitive survey, and the range inside engineering is wide: plenty of successful engineers score below 115, and some score well above 130.
If you're thinking about engineering and want to know whether your numerical, logical and pattern reasoning are ready (and which one needs work), IQ Tester finds your weak spots: Find my weak spots.
Average IQ of engineers: short answer
- Typical estimate: roughly 115-125.
- What that means: most engineers score above average, often in the top quarter or so of the population.
- The spread: huge. Studies of occupations consistently find wide ranges inside every job.
- Engineering students: similar ballpark, with the usual caveats about who stays in the major.
So the median iq of engineers is "clearly above average." Not "must be 140 to apply."
Where the numbers come from
There's no national registry of engineers' IQ scores. Here's where the typical iq of engineers estimates really come from.
1. Wartime army testing
During World War II, the US Army gave millions of recruits the Army General Classification Test. A well-known 1945 paper by Thomas and Margaret Harrell grouped those scores by the recruits' civilian jobs. Engineers, accountants and lawyers landed near the top of the list. It's old data, but it's one of the few huge datasets linking a reasoning test to occupations.
2. Long-term studies of workers
Sociologist Robert Hauser analyzed the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which followed thousands of people from high school through their careers. His big takeaway: occupations differ in average IQ, but the range within each occupation is very wide. That's the most important caveat on this whole page.
3. Test scores by intended major
SAT and GRE averages by intended major put engineering in the upper tier, just below physics and math. See average IQ by major for the ranking and the caveats about converting test scores.
Why "Reddit says 130" is unreliable
Average iq of engineers reddit threads tend to be self-reported scores from online tests. People with high scores are more likely to share. That pushes the "average" up. Fun to read, not great data.
By branch: software, electrical, civil, mechanical
Here's the honest part: no solid study reports IQ separately for each engineering branch. What we can compare is what each field leans on.
| Branch | Leans most on | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Abstract math, physics, signals | Often among the most math-heavy branches |
| Chemical | Chemistry, math, process thinking | Heavy on equations and systems |
| Aerospace | Physics, math, spatial reasoning | Small, competitive field |
| Mechanical | Spatial reasoning, physics, design | Very broad, from robots to HVAC |
| Civil | Applied math, spatial, planning | Big-picture projects, regulations, teamwork |
| Software | Logic, abstraction, problem breakdown | Huge range of roles and paths into the job |
Average IQ of software engineers
Software engineering has exploded, with people entering through degrees, bootcamps and self-teaching. That variety means a wider range. The core skill is logical reasoning: breaking a problem into steps and spotting where it breaks. If you love debugging, that's a good sign.
Average IQ of electrical and chemical engineers
These branches are math-intensive, so students who stay in them tend to be strong in numerical reasoning. That's likely why test-score data places them high.
Average IQ of mechanical and civil engineers
These lean heavily on spatial reasoning (picturing parts, loads and structures) plus applied math. They're just as demanding, just in different ways.
The hard part is judging your own readiness. You can't tell from homework grades whether your numerical or spatial reasoning is strong or you just memorized the method. IQ Tester scores number series, logic, pattern and verbal questions separately and shows your strongest categories, so you know where you're solid and what to drill. Find my weak spots
Do you need a high IQ to be an engineer?
No. You need enough reasoning ability plus a lot of other stuff. Think of it like height in basketball: it helps, but it's not the whole game.
Is 110 IQ enough for engineering?
Usually, yes, if you're willing to put in the work. Engineering degrees are hard because of the volume of math and the pace, not because every problem needs genius. Consistent practice, good study habits and asking for help early often matter more than a few IQ points.
UK and Canada paths
- UK: you'll usually need strong A-levels (Year 13) in maths and often physics, or equivalents. Degree apprenticeships are another legit route into engineering without a traditional uni path.
- Canada: most programs want strong grade 12 math, physics and often chemistry or calculus. Co-op programs let you work while studying, which is a big deal in Canadian engineering.
- US: a bachelor's in engineering is the usual route, with calculus and physics as the gatekeeper classes.
Skills that matter more
What actually separates good engineers from average ones? Mostly these:
- Persistence. Debugging for two hours without rage-quitting is a skill.
- Clear communication. You'll explain designs to clients, managers and teammates. Being unable to explain it is a real problem.
- Teamwork. Big projects are group projects, but with actual consequences.
- Attention to detail. One wrong unit can wreck an entire calculation.
- Curiosity. Engineers who ask "why did that break?" keep improving.
- Time management. Deadlines are constant, especially in your first years.
Notice that none of these is "have an IQ of 130." For more on what college students score in general, see average IQ of college students.
Test your numerical and spatial reasoning
If you're considering engineering, here's a quick self-check routine:
- Numbers: can you spot the rule in a number sequence fast? Try mental math daily for a week and see if you speed up.
- Patterns: do shape puzzles feel natural or painful?
- Logic: can you follow a chain of "if this, then that" without losing track?
- Focus: can you work on one hard problem for 25 minutes straight?
The goal isn't a perfect score. It's finding the one area to practise before calculus hits.
Beat the average iq of engineers myth with a real check
The average iq of engineers is a crowd statistic; your readiness is personal. In the next few minutes, IQ Tester's 20 untimed questions show your score band and three of your four category strengths, and its guides turn weak spots like mental math, patterns or focus into a short daily drill.
FAQ
What is the average IQ of an engineer?
Estimates typically land around 115 to 125. They come from occupational studies and test-score data, and the range within engineering is wide.
What is the average IQ of software engineers?
There's no solid study just for software engineers. Because people enter the field through degrees, bootcamps and self-teaching, the range is wide, and logical reasoning matters more than a specific number.
Do you need a high IQ to be an engineer?
You need solid reasoning, especially in math, but not a genius score. Persistence, study habits, communication and teamwork matter a lot for success.
What is the average IQ of engineering students?
It's likely in a similar range to working engineers, above the average for college students overall. Engineering students tend to post high math test scores, which is what most estimates are based on.
Is the average IQ of engineers on Reddit accurate?
Not really. Reddit numbers are usually self-reported online test scores, and people with high results share more often. That pushes the apparent average up.