Jobs Rated 2011: Ranking 200 Jobs From Best to Worst

When searching for a new job, how do you decide which opportunities are worth the time it takes to complete an application? Do you only apply to jobs within a certain salary range, with a certain number of hours per week, or with responsibilities you know you can handle easily? Or do you apply for every opening that seems to match your skill set? Perhaps you search for positions that “sound cool” or “feel right” or are in industries that get a lot of positive coverage in the media?

Using any of these criteria to search for a job can lead to disaster in today’s employment market. Jobs that promise a 40-hour week often require 60 or more, and positions that advertise a six-figure salary may achieve that level only if unreachable conditions are met. Company recruiters say it’s a buyer’s market, and they treat desperate job seekers accordingly. After all, even if your supposed dream job turns out to be more of a nightmare, there’s no shortage of job seekers who would be happy to take your place.

While the “buyer beware” atmosphere of the current job market can be challenging, you do have ways to protect yourself. Want to know if a job’s work environment, hours per week, and salary are really as advertised? Or whether that supposedly “hot” field actually has any available job openings? The 2011 Jobs Rated report examines 200 jobs to help you look beyond hype and uncover the facts about different professions – everything from typical salaries to average worker stress.

Each year, Jobs Rated researchers survey 200 jobs – from Accountant to Zoologist – scoring them according to five key criteria: Physical Demands, Work Environment, Income, Outlook, and Stress. Some factors remain relatively constant from year to year, but others fluctuate greatly due to changes in the job market, technological innovations, or current events. Using data from government sources, trade groups, and private organizations, every job receives a score and rank in each category, and these ratings are then combined to form a complete ranking of 200 jobs for 2011, from best to worst.

For more information on how we rank all 200 jobs, see our 2011 Jobs Rated Methodology.

In 2011, thanks to the popularity of smartphone applications and “cloud”-based software, technical positions involving computers have risen to the top of the rankings. Indeed, Software Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, Technical Writer, and Computer Programmer all rank within the top 30 this year, although the Outlook for Computer Programmer is considerably worse due to outsourcing. That said, you don’t need to go back to school for a computer science degree just yet – jobs that rank in the top 50 for 2011 cover a wide variety of disciplines, from medicine and engineering to law and the arts.

Not sure whether that opening you find online would be a great opportunity or a career killer? Check out the Top 200 Jobs of 2011 and their scores in each major category to see which professions truly live up to the hype – and which you’d be better off avoiding:

As we delve into the rankings, here are the top jobs that scored the best across income, stress levels, hiring outlook, and work environment.

1. Software Engineer

Income: $87,140
Overall Score: 60.00
Stress: 10.40
Hiring Outlook: 27.40

2. Mathematician

Income: $94,178
Overall Score: 73.00
Stress: 12.78
Hiring Outlook: 19.78

3. Actuary

Income: $87,204
Overall Score: 123.00
Stress: 16.04
Hiring Outlook: 17.04

4. Statistician

Income: $73,208
Overall Score: 129.00
Stress: 14.08
Hiring Outlook: 11.08

5. Computer Systems Analyst

Income: $77,153
Overall Score: 147.00
Stress: 16.53
Hiring Outlook: 15.53

6. Meteorologist

Income: $85,210
Overall Score: 175.00
Stress: 15.10
Hiring Outlook: 12.10

7. Biologist

Income: $74,278
Overall Score: 182.00
Stress: 15.78
Hiring Outlook: 11.78

8. Historian

Income: $63,208
Overall Score: 192.00
Stress: 17.08
Hiring Outlook: 11.08

9. Audiologist

Income: $63,144
Overall Score: 195.00
Stress: 9.44
Hiring Outlook: 21.44

10. Dental Hygienist

Income: $67,107
Overall Score: 197.00
Stress: 12.07
Hiring Outlook: 33.07

11. Sociologist

Income: $70,122
Overall Score: 200.00
Stress: 19.47
Hiring Outlook: 19.63

12. Accountant

Income: $60,174
Overall Score: 216.00
Stress: 19.74
Hiring Outlook: 16.74

13. Paralegal Assistant

Income: $47,153
Overall Score: 217.00
Stress: 16.53
Hiring Outlook: 23.53

14. Physicist

Income: $106,196
Overall Score: 217.00
Stress: 16.96
Hiring Outlook: 11.96

15. Financial Planner

Income: $101,164
Overall Score: 223.00
Stress: 18.64
Hiring Outlook: 3.64

16. Philosopher

Income: $61,221
Overall Score: 225.00
Stress: 12.56
Hiring Outlook: 8.56

17. Occupational Therapist

Income: $70,193
Overall Score: 230.00
Stress: 13.22
Hiring Outlook: 24.22

18. Parole Officer

Income: $47,155
Overall Score: 236.00
Stress: 12.55
Hiring Outlook: 17.55

19. Aerospace Engineer

Income: $95,130
Overall Score: 240.00
Stress: 20.30
Hiring Outlook: 8.30

20. Economist

Income: $87,240
Overall Score: 247.00
Stress: 17.40
Hiring Outlook: -0.60

21. Speech Pathologist

Income: $65,143
Overall Score: 251.00
Stress: 12.43
Hiring Outlook: 17.43

22. Astronomer

Income: $105,233
Overall Score: 252.00
Stress: 21.33
Hiring Outlook: 14.33

23. Loan Officer

Income: $55,239
Overall Score: 256.00
Stress: 14.11
Hiring Outlook: 5.39

24. Petroleum Engineer

Income: $109,147
Overall Score: 257.00
Stress: 18.93
Hiring Outlook: 10.47

25. Dietitian

Income: $52,127
Overall Score: 270.00
Stress: 10.27
Hiring Outlook: 4.27

26. Technical Writer

Income: $63,170
Overall Score: 270.00
Stress: 18.70
Hiring Outlook: 4.70

27. Optometrist

Income: $96,163
Overall Score: 273.00
Stress: 16.63
Hiring Outlook: 19.93

28. Computer Programmer

Income: $71,176
Overall Score: 273.00
Stress: 11.76
Hiring Outlook: -7.24

29. Librarian

Income: $54,197
Overall Score: 282.00
Stress: 11.48
Hiring Outlook: 6.48

30. Medical Technologist

Income: $55,100
Overall Score: 285.00
Stress: 16.00
Hiring Outlook: 10.00

31. Stenographer/Court Reporter

Income: $48,256
Overall Score: 292.00
Stress: 18.56
Hiring Outlook: 17.56

32. Chiropractor

Income: $68,358
Overall Score: 296.00
Stress: 13.58
Hiring Outlook: 21.58

33. Civil Engineer

Income: $76,139
Overall Score: 297.00
Stress: 22.39
Hiring Outlook: 22.39

34. Medical Secretary

Income: $30,110
Overall Score: 298.00
Stress: 15.10
Hiring Outlook: 24.10

35. Medical Laboratory Technician

Income: $36,129
Overall Score: 299.00
Stress: 9.29
Hiring Outlook: 14.29

36. Pharmacist

Income: $109,070
Overall Score: 302.00
Stress: 15.70
Hiring Outlook: 14.70

37. Industrial Engineer

Income: $75,122
Overall Score: 307.00
Stress: 20.22
Hiring Outlook: 6.22

38. Purchasing Agent

Income: $55,165
Overall Score: 309.00
Stress: 19.65
Hiring Outlook: 6.65

39. Bookkeeper

Income: $33,138
Overall Score: 311.00
Stress: 12.38
Hiring Outlook: 4.38

40. Medical Records Technician

Income: $31,148
Overall Score: 312.00
Stress: 7.48
Hiring Outlook: 6.48

41. School Principal

Income: $85,119
Overall Score: 312.00
Stress: 25.19
Hiring Outlook: 7.19

42. Dental Laboratory Technician

Income: $35,176
Overall Score: 317.00
Stress: 11.76
Hiring Outlook: 12.76

43. Tax Examiner/Collector

Income: $49,214
Overall Score: 330.00
Stress: 17.14
Hiring Outlook: 12.14

44. Web Developer

Income: $83,086
Overall Score: 332.00
Stress: 21.86
Hiring Outlook: 8.86

45. Physical Therapist

Income: $74,104
Overall Score: 333.00
Stress: 14.04
Hiring Outlook: 28.04

46. Vocational Counselor

Income: $53,171
Overall Score: 338.00
Stress: 14.71
Hiring Outlook: 9.71

47. Motion Picture Editor

Income: $51,352
Overall Score: 339.00
Stress: 20.52
Hiring Outlook: 6.52

48. Physiologist

Income: $51,181
Overall Score: 349.00
Stress: 16.81
Hiring Outlook: 5.81

49. Nuclear Engineer

Income: $97,109
Overall Score: 352.00
Stress: 32.09
Hiring Outlook: 5.09

50. Insurance Underwriter

Income: $58,175
Overall Score: 355.00
Stress: 16.75
Hiring Outlook: -5.25

51. Industrial Designer

Income: $58,200
Overall Score: 360.00
Stress: 25.00
Hiring Outlook: 1.00

52. Orthodontist

Income: $121,065
Overall Score: 365.00
Stress: 22.65
Hiring Outlook: 17.65

53. Museum Curator

Income: $48,211
Overall Score: 367.00
Stress: 21.11
Hiring Outlook: 19.11

54. Judge

Income: $113,439
Overall Score: 367.00
Stress: 21.39
Hiring Outlook: -1.61

55. Personnel Recruiter

Income: $46,211
Overall Score: 370.00
Stress: 20.11
Hiring Outlook: 15.11

56. Geologist

Income: $81,274
Overall Score: 372.00
Stress: 23.74
Hiring Outlook: 14.74

57. Podiatrist

Income: $116,249
Overall Score: 373.00
Stress: 18.49
Hiring Outlook: 9.49

58. Market Research Analyst

Income: $62,229
Overall Score: 375.00
Stress: 32.29
Hiring Outlook: 21.29

59. Jeweler

Income: $34,200
Overall Score: 376.00
Stress: 8.00
Hiring Outlook: -8.00

60. Anthropologist

Income: $53,175
Overall Score: 380.00
Stress: 26.75
Hiring Outlook: 25.75

61. Architectural Drafter

Income: $46,141
Overall Score: 390.00
Stress: 17.41
Hiring Outlook: -3.59

62. Mechanical Engineer

Income: $77,136
Overall Score: 392.00
Stress: 22.36
Hiring Outlook: 1.36

63. Optician

Income: $33,143
Overall Score: 395.00
Stress: 15.43
Hiring Outlook: 8.43

64. Archaeologist

Income: $51,190
Overall Score: 398.00
Stress: 26.90
Hiring Outlook: 25.90

65. Veterinarian

Income: $81,198
Overall Score: 399.00
Stress: 15.98
Hiring Outlook: 32.98

66. Typist/Word Processor

Income: $33,104
Overall Score: 402.00
Stress: 13.04
Hiring Outlook: -16.96

67. Cosmetologist

Income: $23,169
Overall Score: 404.00
Stress: 10.69
Hiring Outlook: 15.69

68. Clergy

Income: $43,226
Overall Score: 410.00
Stress: 21.26
Hiring Outlook: 14.26

69. Chemist

Income: $68,195
Overall Score: 411.00
Stress: 16.95
Hiring Outlook: -2.05

70. Musical Instrument Repairer

Income: $33,211
Overall Score: 413.00
Stress: 8.11
Hiring Outlook: -2.89

71. Zoologist

Income: $57,166
Overall Score: 422.00
Stress: 19.66
Hiring Outlook: 5.66

72. Conservationist

Income: $54,114
Overall Score: 423.00
Stress: 14.14
Hiring Outlook: 10.14

73. Social Worker

Income: $40,154
Overall Score: 424.00
Stress: 24.54
Hiring Outlook: 7.54

74. Set Designer

Income: $45,219
Overall Score: 428.00
Stress: 19.19
Hiring Outlook: 1.19

75. Dentist

Income: $142,144
Overall Score: 431.00
Stress: 23.44
Hiring Outlook: 14.44

76. Barber

Income: $24,169
Overall Score: 432.00
Stress: 8.69
Hiring Outlook: 7.69

77. Occupational Safety/Health Inspector

Income: $63,145
Overall Score: 433.00
Stress: 17.45
Hiring Outlook: 6.45

78. Electrical Engineer

Income: $83,135
Overall Score: 437.00
Stress: 23.35
Hiring Outlook: -2.65

79. Psychologist

Income: $66,179
Overall Score: 438.00
Stress: 28.79
Hiring Outlook: 6.79

80. Publication Editor

Income: $51,246
Overall Score: 446.00
Stress: 25.46
Hiring Outlook: -3.54

81. Author

Income: $54,279
Overall Score: 448.00
Stress: 29.79
Hiring Outlook: 8.79

82. Attorney

Income: $113,211
Overall Score: 448.00
Stress: 36.11
Hiring Outlook: 10.11

83. Physician (General Practice)

Income: $192,065
Overall Score: 449.00
Stress: 25.65
Hiring Outlook: 20.65

84. Engineering Technician

Income: $55,142
Overall Score: 462.00
Stress: 23.42
Hiring Outlook: -2.58

85. Physician Assistant

Income: $84,105
Overall Score: 463.00
Stress: 32.05
Hiring Outlook: 37.05

86. Bank Teller

Income: $24,083
Overall Score: 469.00
Stress: 12.83
Hiring Outlook: -0.17

87. Artist (Fine Art)

Income: $44,335
Overall Score: 477.00
Stress: 23.35
Hiring Outlook: 6.35

88. Respiratory Therapist

Income: $53,085
Overall Score: 482.00
Stress: 19.85
Hiring Outlook: 12.85

89. Bookbinder

Income: $31,194
Overall Score: 483.00
Stress: 5.94
Hiring Outlook: -24.06

90. Photographic Process Worker

Income: $26,182
Overall Score: 491.00
Stress: 6.82
Hiring Outlook: -20.18

91. Teacher’s Aide

Income: $23,119
Overall Score: 495.00
Stress: 14.19
Hiring Outlook: -0.81

92. Psychiatrist

Income: $160,242
Overall Score: 496.00
Stress: 24.42
Hiring Outlook: 9.42

93. Heating/Refrigeration Mechanic

Income: $41,154
Overall Score: 504.00
Stress: 20.54
Hiring Outlook: 17.54

94. Nurse (Registered)

Income: $64,114
Overall Score: 504.00
Stress: 30.14
Hiring Outlook: 20.14

95. Sewage Plant Operator

Income: $40,148
Overall Score: 506.00
Stress: 17.48
Hiring Outlook: 15.48

96. Hotel Manager

Income: $46,207
Overall Score: 506.00
Stress: 23.07
Hiring Outlook: 1.07

97. Telephone Installer/Repairer

Income: $58,134
Overall Score: 506.00
Stress: 14.34
Hiring Outlook: -3.66

98. Industrial Machine Repairer

Income: $44,131
Overall Score: 507.00
Stress: 16.31
Hiring Outlook: -0.69

99. Broadcast Technician

Income: $33,272
Overall Score: 518.00
Stress: 17.72
Hiring Outlook: -9.28

100. Teacher

Income: $51,132
Overall Score: 528.00
Stress: 27.32
Hiring Outlook: 8.32

101. Surgeon

Income: $365,258
Overall Score: 528.00
Stress: 30.58
Hiring Outlook: 20.58

102. Electrical Equipment Repairer

Income: $51,132
Overall Score: 529.00
Stress: 16.32
Hiring Outlook: -3.68

103. Insurance Agent

Income: $46,342
Overall Score: 531.00
Stress: 36.42
Hiring Outlook: 9.42

104. Receptionist

Income: $25,118
Overall Score: 531.00
Stress: 23.18
Hiring Outlook: 4.18

105. Cashier

Income: $18,067
Overall Score: 533.00
Stress: 12.67
Hiring Outlook: -9.33

106. Advertising Account Executive

Income: $62,105
Overall Score: 536.00
Stress: 41.05
Hiring Outlook: -0.95

107. Vending Machine Repairer

Income: $30,147
Overall Score: 538.00
Stress: 11.47
Hiring Outlook: -3.53

108. Architect

Income: $73,193
Overall Score: 542.00
Stress: 39.93
Hiring Outlook: 5.93

109. Electrical Technician

Income: $32,969
Overall Score: 542.00
Stress: 8.69
Hiring Outlook: -14.31

110. Computer Service Technician

Income: $37,164
Overall Score: 547.00
Stress: 12.64
Hiring Outlook: -11.36

111. Stockbroker

Income: $67,470
Overall Score: 548.00
Stress: 39.70
Hiring Outlook: 4.70

112. Forklift Operator

Income: $30,114
Overall Score: 548.00
Stress: 10.14
Hiring Outlook: -7.86

113. Public Relations Executive

Income: $90,160
Overall Score: 552.00
Stress: 47.60
Hiring Outlook: 2.60

114. Corporate Executive (Senior)

Income: $161,141
Overall Score: 556.00
Stress: 47.41
Hiring Outlook: -2.59

115. Construction Foreman

Income: $82,210
Overall Score: 558.00
Stress: 31.10
Hiring Outlook: 10.10

116. Piano Tuner

Income: $33,229
Overall Score: 559.00
Stress: 14.29
Hiring Outlook: -3.71

117. Furniture Upholsterer

Income: $30,147
Overall Score: 560.00
Stress: 10.47
Hiring Outlook: -6.53

118. Communications Equipment Mechanic

Income: $56,132
Overall Score: 562.00
Stress: 24.32
Hiring Outlook: -2.68

119. Agricultural Scientist

Income: $34,150
Overall Score: 564.00
Stress: 19.50
Hiring Outlook: 0.50

120. Compositor/Typesetter

Income: $33,165
Overall Score: 565.00
Stress: 16.65
Hiring Outlook: -12.35

121. Commercial Airline Pilot

Income: $106,153
Overall Score: 566.00
Stress: 59.53
Hiring Outlook: 5.53

122. Appliance Repairer

Income: $34,152
Overall Score: 571.00
Stress: 12.52
Hiring Outlook: -10.48

123. Office Machine Repairer

Income: $38,157
Overall Score: 573.00
Stress: 15.57
Hiring Outlook: -11.43

124. Undertaker

Income: $54,203
Overall Score: 574.00
Stress: 29.03
Hiring Outlook: 11.03

125. Real Estate Agent

Income: $40,357
Overall Score: 578.00
Stress: 38.57
Hiring Outlook: 16.57

126. Telephone Operator

Income: $31,163
Overall Score: 581.00
Stress: 15.63
Hiring Outlook: -8.37

127. Nurse (Licensed Practical)

Income: $40,090
Overall Score: 583.00
Stress: 25.90
Hiring Outlook: 18.90

128. Newscaster

Income: $50,456
Overall Score: 583.00
Stress: 43.56
Hiring Outlook: -0.44

129. Surveyor

Income: $54,197
Overall Score: 585.00
Stress: 27.97
Hiring Outlook: 13.97

130. Shipping/Receiving Clerk

Income: $28,132
Overall Score: 585.00
Stress: 14.32
Hiring Outlook: -17.68

131. Dressmaker

Income: $27,147
Overall Score: 590.00
Stress: 7.47
Hiring Outlook: -10.53

132. Tool-And-Die Maker

Income: $47,122
Overall Score: 595.00
Stress: 14.22
Hiring Outlook: -12.78

133. Guard

Income: $24,135
Overall Score: 600.00
Stress: 16.35
Hiring Outlook: 3.35

134. Automobile Assembler

Income: $27,263
Overall Score: 600.00
Stress: 8.63
Hiring Outlook: -14.37

135. Precision Assembler

Income: $28,150
Overall Score: 604.00
Stress: 9.50
Hiring Outlook: -14.50

136. Railroad Conductor

Income: $54,145
Overall Score: 605.00
Stress: 32.45
Hiring Outlook: 5.45

137. Machine Tool Operator

Income: $34,122
Overall Score: 616.00
Stress: 14.22
Hiring Outlook: -6.78

138. Machinist

Income: $38,138
Overall Score: 621.00
Stress: 13.38
Hiring Outlook: -12.62

139. Waiter/Waitress

Income: $18,100
Overall Score: 621.00
Stress: 15.00
Hiring Outlook: -5.00

140. Bartender

Income: $18,107
Overall Score: 621.00
Stress: 13.07
Hiring Outlook: -2.93

141. Janitor

Income: $22,125
Overall Score: 626.00
Stress: 15.25
Hiring Outlook: -6.75

142. Plumber

Income: $46,182
Overall Score: 628.00
Stress: 22.82
Hiring Outlook: 3.82

143. Fashion Designer

Income: $61,291
Overall Score: 633.00
Stress: 36.91
Hiring Outlook: -7.09

144. Photographer

Income: $30,265
Overall Score: 638.00
Stress: 28.65
Hiring Outlook: 2.65

145. Shoe Maker/Repairer

Income: $23,112
Overall Score: 638.00
Stress: 17.12
Hiring Outlook: -31.88

146. Nurse’s Aide

Income: $24,089
Overall Score: 642.00
Stress: 22.89
Hiring Outlook: 10.89

147. Recreation Worker

Income: $22,138
Overall Score: 643.00
Stress: 20.38
Hiring Outlook: 10.38

148. Electrician

Income: $47,176
Overall Score: 643.00
Stress: 20.76
Hiring Outlook: -1.24

149. Flight Attendant

Income: $40,184
Overall Score: 643.00
Stress: 44.84
Hiring Outlook: 2.84

150. Glazier

Income: $36,186
Overall Score: 645.00
Stress: 26.86
Hiring Outlook: 6.86

151. Nuclear Decontamination Technician

Income: $37,163
Overall Score: 645.00
Stress: 34.63
Hiring Outlook: 13.63

152. Automobile Body Repairer

Income: $38,178
Overall Score: 649.00
Stress: 18.78
Hiring Outlook: -11.22

153. Sales Representative (Wholesale)

Income: $51,308
Overall Score: 650.00
Stress: 37.08
Hiring Outlook: 1.08

154. Drill-Press Operator

Income: $31,124
Overall Score: 651.00
Stress: 11.24
Hiring Outlook: -40.76

155. Aircraft Mechanic

Income: $53,118
Overall Score: 655.00
Stress: 27.18
Hiring Outlook: 1.18

156. Buyer

Income: $49,207
Overall Score: 661.00
Stress: 37.07
Hiring Outlook: -3.93

157. Chauffeur

Income: $22,119
Overall Score: 665.00
Stress: 21.19
Hiring Outlook: 5.19

158. Farmer

Income: $59,222
Overall Score: 666.00
Stress: 26.22
Hiring Outlook: 5.22

159. Salesperson (Retail)

Income: $20,153
Overall Score: 666.00
Stress: 21.53
Hiring Outlook: 0.53

160. Corrections Officer

Income: $39,150
Overall Score: 673.00
Stress: 31.50
Hiring Outlook: 9.50

161. Drywall Applicator/Finisher

Income: $37,179
Overall Score: 678.00
Stress: 19.79
Hiring Outlook: 0.79

162. Carpet/Tile Installer

Income: $37,238
Overall Score: 679.00
Stress: 18.38
Hiring Outlook: -13.62

163. Actor

Income: $49,116
Overall Score: 680.00
Stress: 45.16
Hiring Outlook: -0.84

164. Stationary Engineer

Income: $51,139
Overall Score: 681.00
Stress: 27.39
Hiring Outlook: 3.39

165. Bus Driver

Income: $34,167
Overall Score: 686.00
Stress: 25.67
Hiring Outlook: 0.67

166. Highway Patrol Officer

Income: $53,171
Overall Score: 692.00
Stress: 40.71
Hiring Outlook: 7.71

167. Dishwasher

Income: $18,053
Overall Score: 695.00
Stress: 14.53
Hiring Outlook: -2.47

168. Bricklayer

Income: $47,175
Overall Score: 699.00
Stress: 20.75
Hiring Outlook: -1.25

169. Maid

Income: $19,093
Overall Score: 700.00
Stress: 18.93
Hiring Outlook: -5.07

170. Advertising Salesperson

Income: $43,309
Overall Score: 701.00
Stress: 36.09
Hiring Outlook: -2.91

171. Truck Driver

Income: $38,128
Overall Score: 711.00
Stress: 28.28
Hiring Outlook: 2.28

172. Travel Agent

Income: $31,147
Overall Score: 716.00
Stress: 40.47
Hiring Outlook: -8.53

173. Construction Machinery Operator

Income: $40,169
Overall Score: 720.00
Stress: 23.69
Hiring Outlook: 0.69

174. Mail Carrier

Income: $52,042
Overall Score: 725.00
Stress: 23.42
Hiring Outlook: -3.58

175. Carpenter

Income: $39,184
Overall Score: 729.00
Stress: 28.84
Hiring Outlook: -0.16

176. Firefighter

Income: $45,222
Overall Score: 730.00
Stress: 60.22
Hiring Outlook: 18.22

177. Disc Jockey

Income: $28,375
Overall Score: 730.00
Stress: 29.75
Hiring Outlook: -11.25

178. Police Officer

Income: $49,185
Overall Score: 731.00
Stress: 43.85
Hiring Outlook: 7.85

179. Garbage Collector

Income: $32,174
Overall Score: 731.00
Stress: 23.74
Hiring Outlook: 8.74

180. Choreographer

Income: $38,283
Overall Score: 738.00
Stress: 38.83
Hiring Outlook: -4.17

181. Plasterer

Income: $38,160
Overall Score: 742.00
Stress: 24.60
Hiring Outlook: -6.40

182. Butcher

Income: $29,150
Overall Score: 743.00
Stress: 19.50
Hiring Outlook: -5.50

183. Automobile Mechanic

Income: $35,200
Overall Score: 749.00
Stress: 26.00
Hiring Outlook: -2.00

184. Dairy Farmer

Income: $32,114
Overall Score: 751.00
Stress: 26.14
Hiring Outlook: 8.14

185. Photojournalist

Income: $40,209
Overall Score: 753.00
Stress: 47.09
Hiring Outlook: 2.09

186. Child Care Worker

Income: $19,100
Overall Score: 769.00
Stress: 26.00
Hiring Outlook: 0.00

187. Sheet Metal Worker

Income: $41,208
Overall Score: 770.00
Stress: 29.08
Hiring Outlook: -0.92

188. Reporter (Newspaper)

Income: $34,275
Overall Score: 777.00
Stress: 44.75
Hiring Outlook: -14.25

189. Sailor

Income: $36,150
Overall Score: 780.00
Stress: 29.50
Hiring Outlook: 4.50

190. Stevedore

Income: $39,186
Overall Score: 786.00
Stress: 24.86
Hiring Outlook: -14.14

191. Construction Worker

Income: $29,211
Overall Score: 798.00
Stress: 30.11
Hiring Outlook: 7.11

192. Meter Reader

Income: $34,171
Overall Score: 798.00
Stress: 21.71
Hiring Outlook: -30.29

193. Painter

Income: $34,152
Overall Score: 798.00
Stress: 31.52
Hiring Outlook: -3.48

194. Welder

Income: $35,126
Overall Score: 811.00
Stress: 23.26
Hiring Outlook: -15.74

195. Emergency Medical Technician

Income: $30,168
Overall Score: 814.00
Stress: 39.68
Hiring Outlook: 4.68

196. Taxi Driver

Income: $21,127
Overall Score: 821.00
Stress: 46.27
Hiring Outlook: 5.27

197. Roofer

Income: $34,168
Overall Score: 863.00
Stress: 30.68
Hiring Outlook: -9.32

198. Lumberjack

Income: $32,109
Overall Score: 868.00
Stress: 40.09
Hiring Outlook: 0.09

199. Ironworker

Income: $34,127
Overall Score: 887.00
Stress: 31.27
Hiring Outlook: -12.73

200. Roustabout

Income: $32,143
Overall Score: 892.00
Stress: 26.43
Hiring Outlook: -19.57

Conclusion

The 2011 Jobs Rated rankings provide valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of a wide variety of professions. From high-ranking jobs like Software Engineer and Mathematician, which combine lucrative salaries with promising hiring outlooks, to lower-ranking roles like Roustabout and Lumberjack, where difficult working conditions and low pay prevail, the list offers a thorough perspective on the state of the job market.

Key takeaways include the impact of education, skill specialization, and industry demand on career rankings. Technical and professional roles with lower physical demands and higher intellectual requirements often rank the highest, while labor-intensive jobs with hazardous conditions, low salaries, and limited growth opportunities dominate the lower end of the spectrum.

These rankings serve as a reminder to job seekers to weigh all aspects of a career—not just income, but also stress levels, work environments, and future prospects—when making career decisions. Whether you’re entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or simply curious about the evolving job landscape, the 2011 Jobs Rated report highlights the complex factors shaping today’s employment opportunities.

Armed with this information, job seekers can make more informed choices that align with their goals and values, positioning themselves for greater personal and professional success in an ever-changing job market.