It isn’t easy to choose a career. There are many factors, like salary, work-life balance, education requirements, and more — but some jobs are more stressful than others.
The Occupational Information Network, known as O*NET — part of the U.S. Department of Labor — ranked 873 of the most stressful jobs in the country. The jobs require accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
And the most stressful jobs don’t just include those with high-paying salaries. Some low median wage jobs and are still at the top of this list.
Here are the top 25 most stressful jobs, along with the stress levels, median annual wages as of 2021 nationwide, and their duties in that career, according to O*NET.
25. Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $61,820
Description: Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
24. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $208,000
Description: Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
23. Midwives
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $58,750
Description: Provide prenatal care and childbirth assistance.
22. Healthcare Social Workers
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $60,840
Description: Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
21. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $99,330
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
20. Correctional Officers and Jailers
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $47,920
Description: Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
19. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $82,510
Description: Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
18. Chief Executives
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $179,520
Description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
17. Art Therapists
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $59,500
Description: Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients’ physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
16. Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Stress level: 94
Median average salary: $77,600
Description: Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
15. Patient Representatives
Stress level: 95
Median average salary: $45,720
Description: Assist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.
14. Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Stress level: 95
Median average salary: $49,470
Description: Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
13. Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
Stress level: 95
Median average salary: $49,410
Description: Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution through dialogue. Resolve conflicts outside of the court system by mutual consent of parties involved.
12. Transit and Railroad Police
Stress level: 96
Median average salary: $64,930
Description: Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
11. Nurse Midwives
Stress level: 96
Median average salary: $112,830
Description: Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.
10. Nurse Anesthetists
Stress level: 96
Median average salary: $195,610
Description: Administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
9. First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
Stress level: 96
Median average salary: $39,230
Description: Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
8. Public Safety Telecommunicators
Stress level: 97
Median average salary: $46,670
Description: Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters. May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed. May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.
7. Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Stress level: 97
Median average salary: $208,000
Description: Provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth. Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general care to women. May perform both medical and gynecological surgery functions.
6. Acute Care Nurses
Stress level: 97
Median average salary: $77,600
Description: Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
5. Telephone Operators
Stress level: 98
Median average salary: $37,630
Description: Provide information by accessing alphabetical, geographical, or other directories. Assist customers with special billing requests, such as charges to a third party and credits or refunds for incorrectly dialed numbers or bad connections. May handle emergency calls and assist children or people with physical disabilities to make telephone calls.
4. Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Stress level: 98
Median average salary: $148,030
Description: Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
3. Anesthesiologist Assistants
Stress level: 98
Median average salary: $121,530
Description: Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.
2. Film and Video Editors
Stress level: 99
Median average salary: $62,680
Description: Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
1. Urologist
Stress level: 100
Median average salary: $208,000
Description: Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of career analysis and occupational stress, I can attest to the importance of considering various factors when choosing a profession. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, firsthand experiences, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricate details associated with different jobs and their stress levels. This insight is crucial in guiding individuals toward informed career decisions.
Now, delving into the content you provided, the article discusses the top 25 most stressful jobs in the United States, as ranked by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). The stress levels are measured on a scale, and each job is accompanied by its median annual wage as of 2021 and a brief description of the duties involved.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
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*Occupational Information Network (ONET):* ONET is part of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for providing comprehensive information on various occupations. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the requirements, skills, and stress levels associated with different jobs.
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Stress Levels: The stress levels mentioned in the article are assigned to each job based on factors such as the need to handle criticism, manage high-stress situations, and other challenging aspects of the profession. Stress levels are measured on a scale to quantify the intensity of the job-related stress.
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Median Average Salary (2021): The article includes the median annual wages for each job as of 2021. This provides a glimpse into the financial aspect of the professions, showcasing that high stress does not necessarily correlate with high salaries.
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Job Descriptions: Each job listing includes a brief description outlining the key responsibilities and tasks associated with that particular career. This information offers readers a snapshot of what the job entails.
Now, armed with this knowledge, individuals can make more informed decisions about their career paths, considering factors beyond just salary, such as stress levels and job responsibilities. The article serves as a valuable guide for those navigating the complex landscape of career choices.
