10 Of The Most And Least Stressful Jobs

It’s Elementary My Dear Watson:

• Some people can manage stress better than others.
• Some jobs have high levels of stress, while others are not as stressful.
• It makes sense for people to pick a job, which matches the amount and type of stress they are comfortable with.

So where can you get information on job stress levels?

One source is CareerCast, where they did some analysis on 200 different jobs. Their ranking system for stress considers 11 different job demands which can reasonably be expected to evoke stress (see list below). Each demand is assigned a range of points. A high score is awarded if a particular demand is a major part of the job, fewer points are awarded if the demand is a small part of the job, and no points are awarded if that demand is not normally required. For example, “deadlines” was one demand measured. Journalists, who often face daily deadlines, received the maximum of 9 points in this category. In contrast, barbers, who seldom face deadlines, received no points. The demands measured and the point ranges assigned to each area are as follows:

To compute a score for each occupation, points are added together for all 11 categories.

It might not be the most scientific study, however, the information is still interesting and can be useful as a starting point. As they mention in the study:

The scores reflect only a typical stress profile for any given occupation. For any individual worker, stress can vary greatly depending on the particular working conditions, his or her boss and co-workers, mental outlook and a multitude of other factors which play a part in stress.

 

And So, The 10 Most Stressful Jobs Are:

1. Commercial Pilot: The pressure is high for commercial airline pilots. They are not only expected to guarantee the safety of passengers, but to also keep their flights on-time, even when flying in inclement weather. A pilot’s irregular working hours and routes lead to continual layovers in various cities and, often, to jet lag.
2. Public Relations Officer: Public Relations Officers are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive image with the public for many companies and government agencies. They typically are responsible for giving presentations and making speeches, often in front of large crowds. This highly-competitive field and tight deadlines keep stress at high-levels for specialists. Some PR officers, also, are required to interact with potentially hostile members of the media.
3. Senior Corporate Executive: Corporate Executives are in charge of formulating the policies and strategies for their companies, while also directing the operations. Senior executives are expected to have in depth knowledge in many different fields at once. They face pressure to make company-wide decisions that can have far-reaching effects for the employees.
4. Photojournalist: Photojournalists capture their stories through the lens of a camera. They are often on the frontlines of dangerous situations in order to get the story. Danger in the field, deadlines and technological glitches are factors why their jobs can be considered stressful.
5. Newscaster: Newscasters prepare and deliver the news over the air on television or radio. They typically deliver the day’s news from inside the studio, but for larger stories they may broadcast from the field. In this 24-hour news-cycle society, the stress level for newscasters can be intense. It’s a highly competitive field to out-scoop their competitors and get the story out first.
6. Advertising Account Executive: Advertising Account Executives are responsible for acquiring and maintaining major accounts for their companies. The work requires a high-level of creativity, attention to detail and self-motivation, all while under strict deadlines. In this cut-throat industry, competition is fierce leading to emotional and mental stress. The long and irregular hours can be taxing as well.
7. Architect: Architects plan, design and oversee the construction of spaces for commercial or residential spaces. Their drawings and specifications are the roadmap that contractors use before a hammer hits the first nail. Architects often must cope with stress and pressure of turning work out under tight deadlines.
8. Stockbroker: Stockbrokers facilitate the purchase or sale of stocks, bonds and securities for their investor clients. They often work for large brokerage firms. Their stress levels can ebb and flow with the ups and downs of the market.
9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Emergency Medical Technicians are typically the first responders to emergency situations where medical care is needed. These technicians are often the lifeline for patients between the location of the accident and the hospital. The hours are long and often require 24-hour shifts.
10. Real Estate Agent: Real Estate Agents are the intermediaries between buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Agents work long, erratic hours including working most weekends, spending much of their time showing properties to clients. The field is highly competitive, which can cause high levels of stress.

And The 10 Least Stressful Jobs Are:

1. Audiologist: An Audiologist diagnoses and treats hearing problems by attempting to discover the range, nature, and degree of hearing function. The job is not typically physically demanding or stressful, but it does require a keen attention to detail and focused concentration.
2. Dietitian: Dietitians’ assess patients’ dietary needs, plans menus, and instructs patients and their families about proper: nutritional care. They mostly work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, or physician’s offices. Dietitians’ typically work a standard schedule during the week, although some work weekends as well.
3. Software Engineer: Software Engineers research, design, develop and maintain software systems. They usually work in an office setting at a computer, but telecommuting options are becoming a more common perk. With the demand for web applications and the development of cloud computing, opportunities for software engineers are plentiful.
4. Computer Programmer: Since Computer Programmers work extensively at computers, the option to work anywhere in the world is wide open. This can be great for the stress level, but also bad because that means many local jobs can now be off-shored to other countries for lower wages.
5. Dental Hygienist: Dental Hygienists assist dentists in the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of dental practices. They typically work 2-3 days per week, and because of the growing population and the demand for dental services, the job prospects for hygienists are very good.
6. Speech pathologist: Speech pathologists treat hearing, speech, and language disabilities. They assist individuals with communication disorders through diagnostic techniques. Most of the speech pathologists work in schools or in hospitals.
7. Philosophers: Many philosophers work in the academia realm, teaching at colleges and universities. Teaching allows philosophers to enjoy flexible schedules, the opportunity to conduct research and an intellectually stimulating environment where they are surrounded by others who enjoy philosophy. Also, after philosophy professors achieve tenure then their jobs remain stable.
8. Mathematician: From academia to the government, positions for mathematicians are in high demand, but the competition is tough for key jobs. Many mathematicians work for the government, which can provide stable employment opportunities.
9. Occupational Therapist: Occupational Therapists help to develop individualized programs of activity for mentally, physically, developmentally and emotionally impaired persons and to aid them in achieving self-reliance.
10. Chiropractor: Chiropractors typically work 40-hour weeks, but their schedules may vary depending on their clients’ needs. The demand for chiropractic care is high as more and more people tend to work in front of computers for extended periods of time.