Most and least stressful jobs of 2013

What are the most and least stressful jobs this year? CareerCast tackled this question with a recent report.The job listing and research site looked at 11 factors — including competitiveness, physical demands, deadlines, and growth potential — to determine each career’s stress level. We also included the projected growth and income for each career, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.Have a look, and see if your job is on the list.

1. Most stressful – Enlisted military personnel

Median salary: $41,998 Job outlook: Varies Stress score: 84.72CareerCast gave enlisted military personnel the highest stress score, noting the physical and psychological demands of training and duty, dangers of war, stress of relocation, and difficulties transitioning into a civilian job.

2. Most stressful – Military general

Median salary: $196,300 Job outlook: Varies Stress score: 65.54Military generals received a high stress score because their decisions affect the success of military operations and the lives of their subordinates, according to CareerCast.

3. Most stressful – Firefighter

Median salary: $45,250 Job outlook: 9 percent Stress score: 60.45The work of a firefighter often puts him or her in the direct line of danger. The physical fatigue of such work can also strain a person’s emotional well-being and family life, CareerCast said.

4. Most stressful – Commercial airline pilot

Median salary: $92,060 Job outlook: 11 percent Stress score: 60.28One obvious stress factor associated with this field is the amount of travel required. In addition to spending a lot of time away from home, pilots are also responsible for the lives of their passengers.

5. Most stressful – Public relations executive

Median salary: $57,550 Job outlook: 21 percent Stress score: 48.52Public relations executives have to always be on their toes, ready to provide damage control. This field is popular among college students, according to CareerCast, making it competitive.

6. Most stressful – Senior corporate executive

Median salary: $101,250 Job outlook: 14 percent Stress score: 47.46As the face of their companies, corporate executives have to answer to their employees, the public, and board members, earning them a high stress score from CareerCast. This job also requires a close eye on the economy.

7. Most stressful – Photojournalist

Median salary: $29,130 Job outlook: 13 percent Stress score: 47.12On top of being a competitive field, photojournalism can also be a dangerous one. These workers are responsible for capturing natural disasters, crime scenes, and other high-stress events.

8. Most stressful – Newspaper reporter

Median salary: $36,000 Job outlook: minus 6 percent Stress score: 46.75CareerCast noted the strict deadlines as one major stress factor newspaper reporters face. Poor job outlook, high public profile, and lower wages also put this job on the most-stressful list.

9. Most stressful – Taxi driver

Median salary: $22,440 Job outlook: 20 percent Stress score: 46.18Undesirable hours, low pay, and danger contributed to this field’s rank on the CareerCast list.

10. Most stressful – Police officer

Median salary: $55,010 Job outlook: 7 percent Stress score: 45.60Police officers are responsible for the safety of the public, their colleagues, and themselves. This, along with the difficult hours, fast pace, and low job outlook, contributed to a high stress score for police officers.

1. Least stressful – University professor

Median salary: $62,050 Job outlook: 17 percent Stress score: 6.45University professor ranked highest on CareerCast’s least-stressful career list, which noted that professors are not evaluated based on standardize test performance, can earn lifetime employment through tenure, and educate students who usually choose their classes.

2. Least stressful – Seamstress/tailor

Median salary: $25,850 Job outlook: 1 percent Stress score: 6.5CareerCast gave seamstress and tailor a low stress score because people in this field don’t face tight deadlines or high-stress environments. Instead, they’re allowed to explore their creativity while in the workplace.

3. Least stressful – Medical records technician

Median salary: $32,350 Job outlook: 21 percent Stress score: 7.5While this career includes a lot of interaction with the public and attention to detail, it earned a low stress score from CareerCast because it is a growing field.

4. Least stressful – Jeweler

Median salary: $35,170 Job outlook: -5 percent Stress score: 8.26Jeweler received a low stress score because most workers are out of the public eye and have the opportunity to turn a profit. One negative is the career’s job outlook.

5. Least stressful – Medical laboratory technician

Median salary: $46,680 Job outlook: 13 percent Stress score: 9.28Medical laboratory technician also received a low stress score for its work-friendly environment outside the public eye. CareerCast noted that limited distractions make it easier to analyze samples.

6. Least stressful – Audiologist

Median salary: $66,660 Job outlook: 37 percent Stress score: 9.35While audiologists work with the public, their interactions are usually with passive patients, CareerCast said. The survey also noted audiologists’ median pay level, a positive job outlook, and ability to set their own hours.

7. Least stressful – Dietitian

Median salary: $53,250 Job outlook: 20 percent Stress score: 10.24This field is rewarding for people who enjoy meeting members of the public and helping them improve their health by meeting their dietary needs.

8. Least stressful – Hair stylist

Median salary: $22,500 Job outlook: 14 percent Stress score: 10.41Hair stylists have to deal with a fast-paced environment, constant interactions with the public, and a lot of time on their feet. This field got a low stress score from CareerCast, though, because it involves creativity and friendly interactions.

9. Least stressful – Librarian

Median salary: $54,500 Job outlook: 7 percent Stress score: 10.58Librarians work in an environment that is usually peaceful and conducive to research and reading. CareerCast noted the variety of employers – colleges, city libraries, and schools – looking for librarians.

10. Least stressful – Drill press operator

Median salary: $31,910 Job outlook: 6 percent Stress score: 11.32This career includes little danger and the ability to work at your own pace, according to CareerCast, making it an appealing choice in the manufacturing field.