Some types of jobs trigger more stress than others. What follows is a list of ten jobs or work settings that are judged to be some of the most stressful. These particular jobs were chosen because of the degree of dangers or hazards involved, the demands of the job, the amount of control the person has over what he or she does, the levels of responsibility required, and the number of hours worked.

Your own job may not be on the list, but as you go through the list, try to determine which of the stressors these other jobs face can also be found in your job.


Corporate executives

Executives have to contend with other corporate executives, employees, the public, and board members. And they're only as good as the last quarter's revenue. When the economy tanks, they sweat. The hours can be long and the weekends filled with networking and making contacts. Often, a lot of traveling is required, which means time away from family and friends. Job security is uncertain.


Deployed military personnel

Being on the front lines, facing the stress of war and combat can result in incredible levels of stress. The physical and psychological demands of training and duty, dangers of war, stress of relocation, and difficulties transitioning into a civilian job only add to this stress. Separation from family can be a major stressor. Also, the pay is relatively low.

Those of higher military rank face the stressors of decision-making and responsibility. You are responsible for the lives of those under you.


Inner-city high school teachers



The pay is usually not terrific. Burnout is not uncommon.


Journalists and reporters

Perhaps the major sources of stress for many who work in these jobs are the constant unpredictable demands of the job and relative lack of control the reporter has over what to write about. The hours can be long and stretch into the weekends. Deadlines are always looming. There is pressure to get it right the first time, with little room for error.

More recently, newer stresses have been added. The print media is in decline, with more papers and magazines folding. Jobs are harder to come by, and if you have a job, you are probably doing your job plus the work of one or two others.


Medical interns








Pilots (and those who help them land)

Pilots, of course, are responsible for the lives of their passengers. Pilots (and crew) spend a lot of time away from home. The air-traffic controllers, the people who are responsible for helping the pilot land the plane, may feel even more stress. Perhaps no other job has been as readily identified as the "poster job" for stress.

Both of these groups are responsible for thousands of lives. People expect to arrive at their destination safely and as quickly as possible. The demands of these jobs are high. There is very little room for error, and not a whole lot of down time. The work is usually done in shifts with the schedule changing all the time. You work lots of holidays, putting additional stress on your family life.


Police officers and fire fighters



Restaurant servers

The hours can be long and the shifts inconvenient. You are on your feet for many hours. You are juggling orders. The rewards are few. The average income is around $20,000. Your job security is not great either. Make some mistakes, and you may find yourself replaced. The job is not often held in high esteem in society.


Taxi drivers

Undesirable hours, low pay, and danger contribute to the stress of this career choice. Crime is a major concern, especially in inner cities. Passengers can be a pain in the neck. The traffic can be horrendous. Drivers pretty much just sit in their cars for many grueling hours without any physical exercise. The pay is generally low, with a median salary of around $25,000.