To quantify the many facets of the 200 jobs included in our report, we determined and reviewed various critical aspects of all of the jobs, categorizing them into five “Core Criteria”: Environment, Income, Outlook, Stress, and Physical Demands.
Below is an explanation of how we determined the rankings in each of these five Core Criteria. After each of these Core Criteria were scored and ranked individually, we computed the Overall Rankings, which are explained as the last item in this methodology.
1. Environment
The Environment score for each job is measured using two basic factors common to every work environment: the physical and emotional components. Points are assigned for every adverse working condition typically encountered. The higher the number of points, the worse the ranking. Conversely, fewer points indicate a better rank.
Physical Environment Factors
| Factor | Scoring Range |
|---|---|
| The necessary energy component | 0-5 |
| Physical demands (crawling, stooping, bending, etc.) | 0-12 |
| Work conditions (toxic fumes, noise, etc.) | 0-13 |
| Stamina required | 0-5 |
| Degree of confinement | 0-5 |
| Total Maximum Points | 40 |
Emotional Environment Factors
| Factor | Scoring Range |
| Degree of competitiveness | 0-15 |
| Degree of hazards personally faced | 0-10 |
| Degree of peril faced by others | 0-8 |
| Degree of contact with the public | 0-8 |
| Total Maximum Points | 41 |
The ranking system ensures equal weight is given to the physical (40 points) and emotional (41 points) factors.
2. Income
The Income score considers mid-level incomes rather than the average income, with scores calculated by adding estimated mid-level income and income growth potential.
Growth Potential Calculation
A Software Engineer starting at $55,000 could eventually earn $133,000, increasing their income by $78,000 (142%). Adding this 142% to the mid-level income ($88,000) gives a score of $88,142.
The dollar-sign notation ($88,142) is included to provide an at-a-glance estimate of average incomes.
3. Outlook
The Outlook score evaluates job security and future demand using three key factors:
- Employment Growth: Expected job growth from 2010 to 2020 (U.S. Department of Labor data).
- Income Growth Potential: The percentage by which a worker can increase their salary.
- Unemployment Rates: Derived from 2011 U.S. Department of Labor data.
Unemployment Data Scoring
| Unemployment Level | Rate | Score Subtracted |
| Very Low | <4% | (1-3) |
| Low | 4% – 7% | (4-6) |
| Moderate | 7% – 10% | (7-9) |
| High | 10% – 14% | (10-12) |
| Very High | >14% | (13-15) |
4. Physical Demands
The Physical Demands score considers work intensity, hazards, and overtime.
Lifting Categories
| Category | Weight Requirement |
| Sedentary Work | <10 lbs |
| Light Work | <20 lbs |
| Medium Work | <50 lbs |
| Heavy Work | <100 lbs |
| Very Heavy Work | >100 lbs |
Additional factors such as stooping, kneeling, exposure to elements, and extended hours contribute to the final score.
5. Stress
The Stress score evaluates 11 factors, each assigned a point range:
| Stress Factor | Scoring Range |
| Travel | 0-10 |
| Outlook/Growth Potential | Income รท 100 |
| Deadlines | 0-9 |
| Working in the Public Eye | 0-5 |
| Competitiveness | 0-15 |
| Physical Demands (stoop, climb, etc.) | 0-14 |
| Environmental Conditions | 0-13 |
| Hazards Encountered | 0-5 |
| Own Life at Risk | 0-8 |
| Life of Another at Risk | 0-10 |
| Meeting the Public | 0-8 |
| Total Maximum Points | 97 + Outlook/Growth Potential |
6. Overall Rankings
The Overall Ranking is determined by the sum of the rankings in all five Core Criteria, but they are not equally weighted.
| Criteria | Weighting |
| Income | 33.3% |
| Outlook | 33.3% |
| Environment, Physical Demands, Stress | 33.3% combined |
Jobs with high income and strong long-term security tend to rank higher despite higher stress or physical demands. The final rankings translate into a lower score being more desirable, meaning the best jobs have the lowest total ranking scores.
This methodology ensures that the Jobs Rated Report provides an accurate, balanced perspective on the most and least desirable jobs of 2012.
