30 careers ranked
The Most Stressful Jobs, Ranked by Work Pressure (2026)
This ranks jobs by how much pressure the work itself puts on people, as rated by the workers who do it. The highest-pressure occupation on the three measures below is Detective and Criminal Investigator, at $93,790 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) with +0.2% projected employment change over 2025–2035. Below are 30 occupations with the exact O*NET and BLS figures behind each one.
- Careers ranked
- 30From 1,731 in the bank
- Median pay on the list
- $95,670BLS OEWS, May 2025
- No degree needed
- 10 of 30BLS EP, 2025–2035
- Openings a year
- 1,123,900Combined, BLS EP
Method
How this list was built
- Every occupation in the bank carries O*NET Work Context ratings on a 1–5 scale, collected from people who do the job. Three of them measure pressure directly: "Time Pressure" (how often the work runs against strict deadlines), "Consequence of Error" (how serious the result of a mistake usually is) and "Conflict Situations" (how often the work involves conflict or disagreement).
- The score is a weighted blend of those three, each rescaled to 0–100: time pressure counts for 40%, consequence of error for 35% and conflict for 25%. Each row also shows the share of workers who usually put in more than 40 hours a week, from the same O*NET survey, as context rather than as part of the score.
- The list is limited to the roughly 270 flagship occupations that carry a full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile and at least 50,000 US workers. Unlike the other work-environment pages on this site, it applies no pay floor: this page describes the workforce rather than recommending a move. Pay and outlook on every row are BLS figures (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2025–2035).
What this cannot capture: shift work, physical danger, emotional load from trauma or grief, job insecurity and a bad manager are all real sources of strain that O*NET does not combine into these three ratings. A job lower on this list can still be exhausting in ways the measures do not see. Read the full methodology.
The list
The 30 highest-pressure jobs
- 1
1. Detective and Criminal Investigator
Protective Service
86/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $93,790median a year
- Growth
- +0.2%
- Openings / yr
- 7,800
- Education
- High school
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 4.8
- Error cost
- 4.7
- Conflict
- 67%
- 40+ hrs
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
- 2
2. Flight Attendant
Transportation and Material Moving
86/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $63,580median a year
- Growth
- +8.8%
- Openings / yr
- 18,500
- Education
- High school
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 4.5
- Error cost
- 4.4
- Conflict
- 17%
- 40+ hrs
Monitor safety of the aircraft cabin.
- 3
3. Acute Care Nurse
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
85/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $97,550median a year
- Growth
- +5.6%
- Openings / yr
- 180,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 4.5
- Error cost
- 4.0
- Conflict
- 5%
- 40+ hrs
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock.
- 4
4. Critical Care Nurse
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
85/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $97,550median a year
- Growth
- +5.6%
- Openings / yr
- 180,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.3
- Time pressure
- 4.8
- Error cost
- 4.0
- Conflict
- 32%
- 40+ hrs
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
- 5
5. Hospitalist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
85/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $265,930median a year
- Growth
- +3.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.4
- Time pressure
- 4.5
- Error cost
- 4.2
- Conflict
- 92%
- 40+ hrs
Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms.
- 6
6. Anesthesiologist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
84/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $391,490median a year
- Growth
- +3.6%
- Openings / yr
- 1,100
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.8
- Time pressure
- 4.3
- Error cost
- 3.8
- Conflict
- 99%
- 40+ hrs
Administer anesthetics and analgesics for pain management prior to, during, or after surgery.
- 7
7. Pharmacist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
84/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $140,910median a year
- Growth
- +5.2%
- Openings / yr
- 12,500
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.4
- Time pressure
- 4.7
- Error cost
- 3.7
- Conflict
- 18%
- 40+ hrs
Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use.
- 8
8. Nurse Anesthetist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
81/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $236,590median a year
- Growth
- +9.7%
- Openings / yr
- 2,400
- Education
- Master's
- 4.1
- Time pressure
- 4.8
- Error cost
- 3.8
- Conflict
- 63%
- 40+ hrs
Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia.
- 9
9. Correctional Officer and Jailer
Protective Service
80/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $58,940median a year
- Growth
- −7.4%
- Openings / yr
- 28,400
- Education
- High school
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 3.8
- Error cost
- 4.4
- Conflict
- 43%
- 40+ hrs
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.
- 10
10. Physician Assistant
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
80/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $135,880median a year
- Growth
- +21.1%
- Openings / yr
- 11,500
- Education
- Master's
- 4.3
- Time pressure
- 4.5
- Error cost
- 3.6
- Conflict
- 68%
- 40+ hrs
Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician.
- 11
11. Phlebotomist
Healthcare Support
78/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $45,230median a year
- Growth
- +6.8%
- Openings / yr
- 18,000
- Education
- Certificate
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 4.8
- Error cost
- 3.4
- Conflict
- 24%
- 40+ hrs
Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.
- 12
12. School Social Worker
Community and Social Service
78/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $59,550median a year
- Growth
- +4.4%
- Openings / yr
- 33,900
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.3
- Time pressure
- 3.6
- Error cost
- 4.5
- Conflict
- 43%
- 40+ hrs
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.
- 13
13. Histotechnologist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
77/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $62,930median a year
- Growth
- +2.7%
- Openings / yr
- 20,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.9
- Time pressure
- 4.1
- Error cost
- 2.8
- Conflict
- 30%
- 40+ hrs
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples.
- 14
14. Urologist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
77/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $265,930median a year
- Growth
- +3.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.8
- Time pressure
- 3.9
- Error cost
- 3.3
- Conflict
- 100%
- 40+ hrs
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent benign and malignant medical and surgical disorders of the genitourinary system and the renal glands.
- 15
15. Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator
Construction and Extraction
76/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $59,850median a year
- Growth
- +4.6%
- Openings / yr
- 39,200
- Education
- High school
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 4.9
- Error cost
- 2.8
- Conflict
- 0%
- 40+ hrs
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erec…
- 16
16. Radiologic Technologist and Technician
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
76/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $80,110median a year
- Growth
- +5.0%
- Openings / yr
- 13,000
- Education
- Associate's
- 4.4
- Time pressure
- 4.0
- Error cost
- 3.5
- Conflict
- 29%
- 40+ hrs
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes.
- 17
17. Nurse Practitioner
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
75/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $132,300median a year
- Growth
- +41.0%
- Openings / yr
- 29,400
- Education
- Master's
- 4.1
- Time pressure
- 4.4
- Error cost
- 3.3
- Conflict
- 52%
- 40+ hrs
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team.
- 18
18. Pharmacy Technician
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
75/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $45,750median a year
- Growth
- +6.4%
- Openings / yr
- 44,700
- Education
- High school
- 4.3
- Time pressure
- 4.0
- Error cost
- 3.6
- Conflict
- 17%
- 40+ hrs
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.
- 19
19. Veterinarian
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
75/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $130,100median a year
- Growth
- +9.4%
- Openings / yr
- 3,100
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.2
- Time pressure
- 4.1
- Error cost
- 3.6
- Conflict
- 56%
- 40+ hrs
Diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals.
- 20
20. Custom and Border Protection Officer
Protective Service
74/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $76,210median a year
- Growth
- +3.5%
- Openings / yr
- 51,500
- Education
- High school
- 3.9
- Time pressure
- 4.2
- Error cost
- 3.8
- Conflict
- 63%
- 40+ hrs
Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations.
- 21
21. Geothermal Production Manager
Management
74/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $126,060median a year
- Growth
- +2.6%
- Openings / yr
- 17,000
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.2
- Time pressure
- 4.1
- Error cost
- 3.4
- Conflict
- 90%
- 40+ hrs
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities.
- 22
22. Police Officer
Protective Service
74/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $76,210median a year
- Growth
- +3.5%
- Openings / yr
- 51,500
- Education
- High school
- 3.9
- Time pressure
- 3.6
- Error cost
- 4.5
- Conflict
- 68%
- 40+ hrs
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances.
- 23
23. Sports Medicine Physician
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
74/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $265,930median a year
- Growth
- +3.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 4.4
- Error cost
- 3.2
- Conflict
- 84%
- 40+ hrs
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent injuries that occur during sporting events, athletic training, and physical activities.
- 24
24. Allergist and Immunologist
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $265,930median a year
- Growth
- +3.4%
- Openings / yr
- 9,400
- Education
- Doctorate
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 4.2
- Error cost
- 3.3
- Conflict
- 49%
- 40+ hrs
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent allergic diseases and disease processes affecting the immune system.
- 25
25. Anesthesiologist Assistant
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $135,880median a year
- Growth
- +21.1%
- Openings / yr
- 11,500
- Education
- Master's
- 3.5
- Time pressure
- 4.9
- Error cost
- 3.2
- Conflict
- 33%
- 40+ hrs
Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures.
- 26
26. Carpenter
Construction and Extraction
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $60,580median a year
- Growth
- +3.9%
- Openings / yr
- 62,800
- Education
- High school
- 4.4
- Time pressure
- 3.8
- Error cost
- 3.3
- Conflict
- 37%
- 40+ hrs
Construct, erect, install, or repair structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways,…
- 27
27. Coroner
Business and Financial Operations
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $80,730median a year
- Growth
- +3.8%
- Openings / yr
- 32,700
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 3.6
- Error cost
- 3.5
- Conflict
- 60%
- 40+ hrs
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibi…
- 28
28. Histology Technician
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $62,930median a year
- Growth
- +2.7%
- Openings / yr
- 20,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 4.3
- Error cost
- 2.6
- Conflict
- 8%
- 40+ hrs
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists.
- 29
29. Registered Nurse
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $97,550median a year
- Growth
- +5.6%
- Openings / yr
- 180,800
- Education
- Bachelor's
- 4.0
- Time pressure
- 3.9
- Error cost
- 3.8
- Conflict
- 26%
- 40+ hrs
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.
- 30
30. Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent and Travel Clerk
Office and Administrative Support
73/100 environment fit- Median pay
- $44,390median a year
- Growth
- +2.5%
- Openings / yr
- 11,800
- Education
- High school
- 4.5
- Time pressure
- 3.5
- Error cost
- 3.6
- Conflict
- 1%
- 40+ hrs
Make and confirm reservations for transportation or lodging, or sell transportation tickets.
Questions
Most stressful jobs: FAQ
What is the most stressful job?
On O*NET's own pressure ratings (time pressure, consequence of error and conflict), the highest-scoring occupation among the large, well-documented jobs in the bank is Detective and Criminal Investigator. It pays a median $93,790 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Healthcare, emergency and protective-service work dominate the top of the list because deadlines, high stakes and conflict all arrive together there.
Are high-stress jobs better paid?
Often, but not reliably. Many of the highest-pressure roles are clinical and pay well, while others on the list, such as correctional and front-line service work, carry the same pressure for far less. Each row shows the BLS median next to the pressure ratings, so you can see both at once.
What are the least stressful jobs that still pay well?
We publish that list separately: low-stress jobs that pay well, built from the same O*NET pressure measures in the other direction and limited to occupations paying above the US median.
How was this list built?
Every occupation in the bank carries O*NET Work Context ratings on a 1–5 scale, collected from people who do the job. Three of them measure pressure directly: "Time Pressure" (how often the work runs against strict deadlines), "Consequence of Error" (how serious the result of a mistake usually is) and "Conflict Situations" (how often the work involves conflict or disagreement). The score is a weighted blend of those three, each rescaled to 0–100: time pressure counts for 40%, consequence of error for 35% and conflict for 25%. Each row also shows the share of workers who usually put in more than 40 hours a week, from the same O*NET survey, as context rather than as part of the score. The list is limited to the roughly 270 flagship occupations that carry a full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile and at least 50,000 US workers. Unlike the other work-environment pages on this site, it applies no pay floor: this page describes the workforce rather than recommending a move. Pay and outlook on every row are BLS figures (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2025–2035). Full method: /careers/methodology.
What do these careers pay?
The middle career on this list pays $95,670 a year, against $50,980 for all US occupations (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The range runs from $44,390 to $391,490.
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