The most and least stressful jobs, ranked

Stress, on its own, is not a bad thing. In fact, most of us find that a certain degree of stress motivates us to move forward and helps us get things done. Too much of it, however, can have the opposite effect and be detrimental to our health.

The vast majority of the working population spends most of their day dedicated to their jobs.

Have you ever wondered what the most and least stressful jobs are today? Click through the gallery to find out.

What makes a job stressful?

There are a number of things that can make a job pretty stressful. These include factors like deadlines, competitiveness, and management style.

High stakes

A job that is physically and/or emotionally demanding can trigger higher levels of stress. This may include jobs where you deal with lives at risk, including your own. 

Danger

Other factors that may make a job stressful include exposure to hazardous work conditions and working in the public eye.

Working conditions

Workplace distractions, lack of communication and feedback, as well as low salaries and/or lack of opportunities for advancement, are among some of the most common stressors.

Most stressful: ER nurse

Working in an emergency room is not for the faint-hearted. The job requires a lot of stress resistance because it is in itself a stressful job set in a stressful environment. Decisions must be made all the time, under pressure, and can have disastrous consequences if they’re the wrong ones.

Most stressful: Mental health counselor

The emotional availability required to be a mental health counselor can be really draining. Plus, they have to deal with sensitive situations, where their words can actually make things worse for patients in some cases.

Most stressful: Newspaper reporter

Forget about the glamorous image you may have of journalism. Newspaper reporters work long hours, must meet tight deadlines, are not very well paid, and sometimes put their lives at risk.

Most stressful: Social worker

Social workers can deal with the darkest aspects of human nature. They are exposed to neglect, violence, and many other sad and outrageous situations. It’s easy to see how being a social worker can be stressful.

Most stressful: Police officer

Being a police officer is one of the most stressful jobs, for very obvious reasons. This is a high-risk job that doesn’t pay particularly well. Still, the stakes are always high for a police officer on duty.

Least stressful jobs

Are you stressed yet? Now it's time to decompress. Check out our list of the least stressful jobs.

Least stressful: Data entry specialist

Sure it can be boring for some people, but (hopefully) no one is going to die if a small mistake is made. A data entry specialist can enjoy a peaceful day entering data while listening to music, for example.

Least stressful: Occupational therapist

These professionals find ways to facilitate the lives of people with illnesses or disabilities. The role involves dealing with people, but it remains one of the least stressful jobs available.

Least stressful: Orthodontist

Orthodontists are all about correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Their job can’t really be rushed, and they are often well paid, making them a good option for those looking for a more relaxed dentistry specialty.

Least stressful: Librarian

If you love reading, then maybe working surrounded by books sounds rather appealing. A librarian does a lot more than just organizing shelves and archives, of course. But overall, it’s one of the least stressful jobs you can do.

Least stressful: Massage therapist

Getting a massage can be very relaxing, so it makes sense that the person giving the massage is also relaxed, right? Sure, there is the physical element to it, which can leave you pretty tired by the end of the day, but not because you were too stressed out with work.