For job seekers considering careers in logging or traditional newspaper reporting, the outlook is bleak. Employment in these industries is on the decline, and those currently working in the field face challenging conditions, ranging from hazardous environments to job insecurity.

Eric Johnson, executive editor of Northern Logger magazine in Old Forge, N.Y., has firsthand experience with both industries. After earning a journalism degree, he took up work as a lumberjack on his family’s tree farm in Wisconsin while searching for reporting jobs. This unique combination of experience has given him an insider’s perspective on two fields that have undergone major transformations over the years.

“The two industries have changed dramatically since I started,” Johnson says. The 2014 Jobs Rated report ranks newspaper reporter at No. 199 and lumberjack at No. 200—the two worst jobs of the year—primarily due to their dwindling hiring prospects and tough working conditions.

The Declining Demand for Lumberjacks and Newspaper Reporters

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), logging jobs are expected to decline by 9% by 2022, while newspaper reporter positions will shrink by an alarming 13%. The correlation between these two fields extends beyond their falling employment rates—newspapers are printed on paper derived from the wood pulp harvested by loggers. As digital media replaces print, the demand for physical newspapers has declined, affecting both industries.

The modernization of the logging industry has also played a key role in reducing the need for traditional lumberjacks. Mechanization has not only made logging safer but has also streamlined operations, eliminating many manual labor jobs. Johnson explains that today, “If a guy owns the machinery, he owns the business.” This shift means that logging companies now require fewer workers. “Companies are taking a crew that was maybe 25 people and now is down to three,” he says.

The Harsh Realities of the Worst Jobs in America

The bottom-ranked jobs in our Jobs Rated report share several common themes: high stress, dangerous work environments, low income, and poor job outlooks.

Despite advancements in safety technology, logging remains one of the most hazardous professions. “It’s still a very dangerous business,” Johnson emphasizes. The risks are inherent in the field, as loggers operate in rugged terrain with heavy machinery and unpredictable natural elements. However, logging remains an essential industry, supplying wood for construction, paper production, and energy.

Similarly, newspaper reporting has lost much of its past prestige. Once considered a glamorous career, the profession now faces declining job opportunities, increasing layoffs, and shrinking salaries as advertising revenue shifts away from print to digital platforms. Newsroom job cuts have become commonplace, and job security is minimal, making this once-thriving industry a tough career choice for young professionals.

Other Jobs Facing Severe Challenges

Several other professions ranking among the 10 worst jobs of 2014 also provide essential services but come with significant drawbacks:

  • Firefighters: Ranked No. 191, firefighting is one of the most stressful civilian jobs, with life-threatening risks, intense physical demands, and exposure to hazardous environments. The long hours, emotional toll, and potential for injury contribute to its low ranking.
  • Enlisted Military Personnel: At No. 198, military personnel face some of the toughest working conditions of any profession. The job includes prolonged deployments, high physical demands, and exposure to combat situations, making it one of the most dangerous and stressful careers.

Despite these challenges, many who work in high-risk professions like firefighting and military service do so out of a sense of duty and purpose. Richard Keyworthy, a 31-year firefighting veteran from Elk Grove Village, Ill., puts it best: “Dedicating yourself to serving your fellow man is what makes this job worthwhile.”

Top 10 Worst Jobs of 2014

1. Lumberjack

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $24,340
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: -9%
  • Jobs Rated Score (the lower the better): 739
    Logging remains one of the most dangerous professions, with hazardous working conditions, heavy machinery, and unpredictable natural elements. Automation has significantly reduced job opportunities, making lumberjack the worst-ranked job in 2014.

2. Newspaper Reporter

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $37,090
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: -13%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 727
    The rise of digital media has caused a dramatic decline in newspaper circulation, leading to widespread layoffs and dwindling job security. Low pay, long hours, and high stress make this once-prestigious job among the least desirable in 2014.

3. Enlisted Military Personnel

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $28,840
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: N/A
  • Jobs Rated Score: 721
    Serving in the military is physically and emotionally demanding, with high stress levels, long deployments, and the constant risk of danger. The job requires extreme dedication and carries a high risk of injury or PTSD, contributing to its ranking.

4. Taxi Driver

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $22,820
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: 16%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 693
    Taxi drivers face long hours, unpredictable pay, and difficult working conditions, including dealing with traffic congestion and potentially dangerous passengers. The rise of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft has also reduced job security in this field.

5. Broadcaster

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $55,380
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: -13%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 682
    The broadcasting industry is struggling due to declining traditional media audiences, industry consolidation, and the rise of digital platforms. Broadcasters face extreme job instability, low starting salaries, and high-pressure work environments.

6. Head Cook

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $42,480
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: 10%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 670
    Head cooks work in a highly stressful environment with long, grueling hours, demanding customers, and intense competition. The job requires physical stamina and mental endurance, with relatively low pay considering the effort involved.

7. Flight Attendant

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $37,240
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: 10%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 655
    Flight attendants work erratic schedules, deal with difficult passengers, and must ensure safety in high-stress situations. The job also involves extensive travel, which can take a toll on personal life and well-being.

8. Garbage Collector

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $36,610
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: 10%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 640
    Garbage collectors perform physically demanding and hazardous work, often in extreme weather conditions. Despite the essential nature of the job, it is associated with unpleasant working conditions and potential health risks.

9. Corrections Officer

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $39,020
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: 5%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 628
    Working in a prison environment is stressful and dangerous, with a high risk of violence from inmates. Long shifts, understaffing, and limited career growth opportunities contribute to the challenges faced by corrections officers.

10. Meter Reader

  • BLS Median Annual Salary: $36,410
  • Projected Job Growth by 2022: -19%
  • Jobs Rated Score: 615
    With utility companies automating meter-reading technology, this job is rapidly disappearing. Meter readers also face physical demands, harsh weather conditions, and potential confrontations with aggressive dogs or homeowners.