Do Higher IQ People Earn More Money?

While a higher IQ is often linked to higher income, there are various other factors that can influence an individual’s earning abilities

There is a general perception that people with higher IQ tend to earn more money. This topic has been widely debated and studied by various expert groups including researchers, scientists and sociologists. Available data indicates that there is a positive correlation between higher IQ and income. It implies that people with higher IQs often have relatively higher income on average.

However, the link between higher IQ and higher income needs to be studied in more detail. Here are some important aspects to understand, in terms of how higher IQ people earn more money.

Higher education – It is likely that an individual with higher IQ will perform better in higher education. Higher IQ people usually look for more challenging tasks. As a result, they may be more willing to pursue higher education. With higher education, people with high IQ may get high-paying jobs. They can also excel in their respective business or profession.

Advanced skills – People with higher IQ often pursue careers that are both challenging and highly rewarding. Some relevant examples include medicine, finance, engineering, law, etc. These professions are naturally higher paying in comparison to other job opportunities.

On the job performance – With more brain power, people with higher IQ can perform better in their respective jobs or profession. This in turn allows them to get promotions quickly and be eligible for a higher pay package. People with higher IQ can also explore new opportunities, as various other entities may be looking to hire such talent.

While higher IQ people may generally earn more money, there are other factors that can influence an individual’s income. Here are some examples.

Emotional intelligence – Higher IQ alone may not be enough to earn more money. Things like emotional intelligence are also necessary. In our day-to-day life and our job or profession, one comes across a variety of challenges. It is only with emotional intelligence that we can handle these challenges with a cool mind. Emotional intelligence also helps us understand the views and understanding of people around us. Such factors can be crucial in our career, especially when we are in a leadership role. Other emotional aspects such as motivation levels, social skills, determination and perseverance are also important.

Economic situation – A lot will depend on the economic situation of a country. If the economy is weak, job and professional opportunities will be relatively fewer. In such a scenario, there will be limited growth of people with higher IQ.

Social discrimination – If there is bias or social discrimination in society, the professional growth of people with higher IQ could be impacted. Across certain geographies, an individual’s career graph can be impacted by their race or gender.

Luck – While many people may not agree, luck plays a significant role in our daily lives and careers. Luck can have an impact, although we can overcome it with our hard work and perseverance.

Health – A higher IQ has to combine with good health to achieve extraordinary results. If an individual’s health is adversely impacted, their earning potential may decrease even with higher IQ.

There can also be exceptions to the positive correlation between higher IQ and higher income. For example, there have been several cases where people with lower IQs have performed exceptionally well in their careers. Such individuals are known for their creativity, talent and entrepreneurial skills. So, while a high IQ may be desirable, it does not limit the possibilities for people with relatively lower IQs. It is all about following your dreams and pursuing it to the best of your abilities with full passion and determination.