Every job has its downsides and share of stress, but some positions are more stressful than others. Maybe it’s the tight deadlines, demanding schedule or simply the fact that the work involves life-and-death situations. But it’s undeniable that some careers, even if they’re glamorous or emotionally rewarding, can be incredibly stressful.
If you’re someone who thrives in such a role, read on to learn more about the 25 most stressful jobs, which are drawn from the U.S. News Best Jobs rankings. Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here Are The Most Stressful Jobs
10. Mental Health Counselor
Median Salary: $46,650
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 16.8%
In this career, you’ll help diagnose people with mental and emotional disorders, and you will regularly interact with people who are stressed, depressed and ill.
You may have a large number of cases to deal with at once, and sometimes getting clients the right help is challenging. This job also doesn’t pay as much as other stressful occupations, but many people find it a meaningful and fulfilling career.
9. Construction Manager
The blueprints have been drawn, and you’re the one leading the charge to get this structure built. You’ll be securing work permits, hiring contractors and keeping the client informed on the progress. When things go wrong (and they will), and the client loses patience, that’s when you’ll see how skilled you are at managing stress.
Median Salary: $95,260
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 8.5%
8. Compliance Officer
In this job, you’ll be making sure companies and governing bodies don’t break internal policies and federal, state and local laws. In certain industries, such as finance and health care, this is much harder than it might sound.
Preventing violations of policy and law and keeping up with new and changing regulations can be sources of stress. You also have to be very detail-oriented, which stresses some people out.
Median Salary: $69,050
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 4.6%
7. Surgeon
You could become a general surgeon in this profession, or you might specialize as an orthopedic surgeon or a neurological surgeon. Stressful? Well, this is life or death. Surgeons operate for long hours and need to stay focused throughout a procedure.
Median Salary: $208,000
Education Needed: Doctoral degree, residency and licensure
Expected Job Growth by 2029: -2.2%
6. Lawyer
Lawyers help clients navigate the legal world. They might represent individuals, businesses or government agencies. They may appear in court on behalf of clients or never see a courtroom.
Stressful? It probably depends on the type of law you specialize in and your personality. But if you’re helping people through stressful situations such as bankruptcy, divorce or a DUI, you might take some of that residual stress home.
Median Salary: $122,960
Education Needed: Doctoral or professional degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 4%
5. Marriage and Family Therapist
These professionals work to restore harmony among couples in love and aren’t so sure. In this job, you often interact with people who are almost certainly dealing with conflict daily. In addition, you may be working with children who are affected after a divorce.
The career can be stressful, but it’s also hugely rewarding when you can help mend relationships and make a difference.
Median Salary: $49,610
Education Needed: Master’s degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 22.3%
4. Financial Manager
Financial managers charge a business’s financial records and often make big, important monetary decisions.
When the economy is rough, or the company isn’t bringing in enough revenue, you’re starting to wonder if you need to suggest letting employees go; you’ll need to make difficult choices.
Median Salary: $129,890
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 15.5%
3. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists administer general or regional anesthesia, which allows surgeons and other physicians to operate without the patient feeling pain or discomfort. However, it’s a potentially risky and deadly procedure, so anesthesiologists need to monitor patients’ vital signs before and after surgery carefully. At times, it’s a stressful job.
Median Salary: $208,000
Education Needed: Doctoral degree, residency and licensure
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 0.5%
2. IT Manager
The IT manager runs the show when it comes to all of the technological needs of a company if you think about how a business can come to a standstill if the internet isn’t working or the problems that can arise from a security breach, you’ll start to see how an IT manager can be a stressful job.
Median Salary: $146,360
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 10.4%
1. Physician
There are all sorts of physicians, from obstetricians to emergency room doctors, dermatologists, and urologists. Or you might be a primary care provider. When you’re helping people feel better or maintain their health, you’re going to feel great. But when you’re delivering a cancer diagnosis or caring for an influx of patients during a pandemic – or both – yes, you’re going to be stressed.
Median Salary: $206,500
Education Needed: Doctoral degree, residency and licensure
Expected Job Growth by 2029: 4.3%
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