Some careers demand more than just skill and dedication—they require the ability to handle extreme pressure, life-threatening situations, or high expectations with unwavering focus. The most stressful jobs of 2015 fall into this category, pushing professionals to their limits both physically and mentally.
For David Barckhoff of Pittsburgh, stress has never been a deterrent. In fact, it has shaped his career choices. Barckhoff was drawn to firefighting—the most stressful job of 2015—from a young age.
“I was fascinated by the excitement,” he recalls. “Seeing fire trucks race down the street with their lights flashing caught my attention early on. The idea of rescuing people and the strong bond among firefighters really appealed to me then—and still does today.”
For many, the high risks and unpredictable nature of firefighting would be intimidating. But Barckhoff was no stranger to high-stakes environments. Before becoming a firefighter, he served in the U.S. Navy as an enlisted military specialist—the second-most stressful job of the year.
“The fire academy is similar to boot camp,” he explains. “You start with the basics and then train extensively to handle the many hazards you might encounter, all while learning from experienced professionals.”
In careers like firefighting, military service, and law enforcement, learning from others isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Each day brings new challenges, and complacency can be deadly.
“When you get too comfortable, that’s when something can go wrong,” Barckhoff warns. This principle applies to other high-stress professions as well, including airline pilots—the fourth-most stressful job of 2015. Pilots bear immense responsibility, ensuring the safety of millions of passengers each year while remaining calm under pressure.
Not all of the most stressful careers involve public safety, but they do demand flawless execution under tight deadlines. Event coordinators, for example, face immense pressure to deliver seamless events, managing everything from logistics to client expectations with little room for error.
With experience in both the No. 1 and No. 2 most stressful jobs, Barckhoff has a unique perspective on workplace pressure. After 25 years as a firefighter, he pursued an entirely different—but still stressful—career: acting.
In the entertainment industry, Barckhoff has taken on roles in television and film, including stunt work and screenwriting. His background in the military and firefighting brings authenticity to his performances.
“It’s still stressful,” he admits. “There are tight deadlines, long hours, and uncertainty about where your next job will come from.”
Indeed, stress isn’t limited to life-or-death situations. Tight deadlines, high expectations, and public scrutiny also contribute to workplace pressure. Photojournalists, newspaper reporters, and broadcasters, for example, operate under constant deadlines while ensuring accuracy and professionalism in the public eye. Thriving in such careers requires resilience, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Regardless of the industry, stress comes in many forms. Some jobs test physical endurance, while others demand mental toughness. But for those with the right mindset, even the most stressful careers can be incredibly rewarding.
The Most Stressful Jobs of 2015
- Enlisted Military Personnel
- Overall Rating: 779
- Median Salary: $26,802
- Stress Score: 72.58
- Projected Growth: 0.00%
- Firefighter
- Overall Rating: 707
- Median Salary: $49,080
- Stress Score: 72.38
- Projected Growth: 7.00%
- Airline Pilot
- Overall Rating: 572
- Median Salary: $111,930
- Stress Score: 61.20
- Projected Growth: 4.00%
- Police Officer
- Overall Rating: 639
- Median Salary: $62,960
- Stress Score: 51.94
- Projected Growth: 7.00%
- Broadcaster
- Overall Rating: 722
- Median Salary: $62,910
- Stress Score: 51.27
- Projected Growth: 0.00%
- Event Coordinator
- Overall Rating: 643
- Median Salary: $48,290
- Stress Score: 51.19
- Projected Growth: 11.00%
- Newspaper Reporter
- Overall Rating: 812
- Median Salary: $43,490
- Stress Score: 49.96
- Projected Growth: -9.00%
- Public Relations Executive
- Overall Rating: 527
- Median Salary: $111,280
- Stress Score: 49.48
- Projected Growth: 10.00%
- Senior Corporate Executive
- Overall Rating: 523
- Median Salary: $104,700
- Stress Score: 48.97
- Projected Growth: 8.00%
- Taxi Driver
- Overall Rating: 520
- Median Salary: $70,400
- Stress Score: 72.58
- Projected Growth: 6.00%
