Job-related stress is on the rise again! And it’s no surprise given the slow economy and disappearing pay increases. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a job, the crush of extra responsibility and uncertainty about the future can take its toll on your health and well being.
In fact, 70% of all employees say that work is the main cause of their stress, and nearly half (49%) attribute that stress to worries about job stability, according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association. Many employees also say they’re unhappy with how little their companies are doing to help them find a work-life balance.
To avoid the most stressful jobs, consider our annual survey of salaried positions, which shows that commercial airline pilots lead the way. Danger is no stranger to pilots, which ranks as the nation’s most stressful job. Pilots on a recent Southwest Airlines flight can attest to the stress they face, after a hole ripped through the fuselage of their aircraft, forcing them to make an emergency landing in the desert. From braving potentially faulty equipment to battling tricky weather systems to facing continued terror threats, all while ensuring the safety of their passengers, airline pilots continue to be have the most stressful job year-after-year.
Our latest results also found a few salaried jobs facing even more turmoil than usual. Photojournalists (#4) and Newscasters (#5) are used to being on the edge of the action, but some became a part of the story due to the recent civil uprisings and angry protests lodged across Africa and the Middle East.
Here’s an overview of the nation’s most stressful jobs, according to our detailed analysis:
- Commercial Pilot
Stress Rank: 199
Stress Score: 59.53
Hiring Outlook Rank: 91 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 9
Income: $106,153.00
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. - Public Relations Officer
Stress Rank: 198
Stress Score: 47.60
Hiring Outlook Rank: 111 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 9
Income: $90,160.00
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. - Corporate Executive (Senior)
Stress Rank: 197
Stress Score: 47.41
Hiring Outlook Rank: 143 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 11
Income: $161,141.00
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. - Photojournalist
Stress Rank: 196
Stress Score: 47.09
Hiring Outlook Rank: 113 out of 200
Hours Per Day: Varies
Income: $40,209.00
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. - Newscaster
Stress Rank: 190
Stress Score: 43.56
Hiring Outlook Rank: 129 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 8
Income: $50,456.00
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. - Advertising Account Executive
Stress Rank: 189
Stress Score: 41.05
Hiring Outlook Rank: 135 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Income: $62,105.00
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. - Architect
Stress Rank: 185
Stress Score: 39.93
Hiring Outlook Rank: 88 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 8+
Income: $73,193.00
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. - Stockbroker
Stress Rank: 184
Stress Score: 39.70
Hiring Outlook Rank: 98 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 8
Income: $67,470.00
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. - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Stress Rank: 183
Stress Score: 39.68
Hiring Outlook Rank: 100 out of 200
Hours Per Day: Varies
Income: $30,168.00
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 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. - Real Estate Agent
Stress Rank: 181
Stress Score: 38.57
Hiring Outlook Rank: 31 out of 200
Hours Per Day: 9.5
Income: $40,357.00
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.
