Careers for Holland code IR

90 careers · typical salary €4,000 gross per month (Netherlands)

The Holland code IR stands for Investigative and Realistic, where Investigative is the strongest interest area followed by Realistic. This code is part of the RIASEC model, which helps match your personality with career types that suit you. If you have this code, you likely enjoy working with ideas and practical tasks that involve problem-solving and hands-on activities.

Careers that fit the IR code often involve scientific, technical, or engineering work. You might find yourself analyzing data, conducting experiments, or designing and building systems. These roles require curiosity, attention to detail, and a preference for working with concrete results rather than abstract theories alone.

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All 90 careers

What is the work like?

The 90 careers linked to the IR code mainly involve investigative tasks combined with realistic, practical work. Many of these jobs focus on science, technology, engineering, and environmental fields. For example, you could work as a Chemical Engineer, Environmental Scientist, or Geologist, where you apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Some careers might involve laboratory work, such as Biological Lab Technician or Clinical Laboratory Technician, while others focus on design and engineering, like Electrical Engineer or Pipeline Design Engineer. These roles often require precise work and a strong understanding of how things function in practice.

Who fits these careers?

If you identify with the IR code, you probably enjoy exploring how things work and solving technical problems. You prefer tasks that involve analysis and hands-on work rather than social or artistic activities. You might be curious, methodical, and enjoy working independently or in small teams focused on concrete goals.

This combination suggests you are practical but also like to think deeply about complex issues. You may enjoy experimenting, researching, and applying scientific methods to understand and improve systems or processes.

Education and route

Most careers for the IR code require higher education, with 75 of the 90 careers needing university-level studies. Applied bachelor's programs also prepare you well, with 82 careers accessible at this level. Vocational training suits fewer careers here, about 13, typically for technical support roles or lab assistants.

To pursue these careers, you might study fields like engineering, natural sciences, environmental science, or technology. University programs often focus on theory and research, while applied bachelor's degrees emphasize practical skills and direct applications in the workplace.

Salary

Typical salaries for IR careers in the Netherlands range around €4,000 gross per month, based on the median of the mid values across these jobs. Entry-level salaries can start lower, from about €2,600, especially for roles requiring vocational or applied bachelor's education.

As you gain experience or take on more responsibility, salaries can rise to approximately €5,200 per month. For example, an Aardkundige (Earth Scientist) or Chemical Engineer might earn between €3,200 and €5,200 monthly, depending on education and experience.

Tips for choosing

  • Explore internships or projects in science and engineering to get practical experience.
  • Focus on developing problem-solving and analytical skills, as they are essential in IR careers.
  • Consider university or applied bachelor's programs in technical or scientific fields.
  • Look for careers that combine research and hands-on work to match your interests.
  • Use your investigative mindset to stay curious and keep learning about new technologies and methods.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What does the IR Holland code mean?

The IR code stands for Investigative and Realistic. It describes people who enjoy solving problems, working with scientific ideas, and applying practical skills to real-world tasks.

What kinds of jobs suit the IR code?

Jobs that involve science, engineering, technology, or environmental work fit well. Examples include Chemical Engineer, Geologist, and Biological Lab Technician.

What education do I need for IR careers?

Most IR careers require university or applied bachelor's degrees in scientific or technical fields. Some roles are accessible with vocational training, especially technical support jobs.

What salary can I expect in an IR career?

Typical salaries are around €4,000 gross per month in the Netherlands, starting from about €2,600 and going up to €5,200 with experience.

How do I know if IR careers are right for me?

If you enjoy investigating how things work, solving technical problems, and working hands-on with scientific or engineering tasks, IR careers might suit your interests and skills.