Surgeons were found to have the second-most stressful job in a study conducted by Dolman Law Group.
The Clearwater, Fla.-based firm compared factors including median salaries, hours worked per week, unemployment rates and percentage of workers changing roles after two years to rank the 10 most stressful jobs, according to an email shared with Becker's on March 15. Each ranked role was given a score out of 10 that considered those aspects as well as other stress factors. Data was collected from the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics employment survey, data visualization platform Statista and career information website Zippia.
Steelworkers were ranked as having the most stressful job overall, with shifts of up to 12 hours, an unemployment rate of 10.5% and 29% of workers switching careers after two years, earning a score of 9.94 out of 10. Factors contributing to the scoring were the job's intense physical demands and hazards.
Surgeons ranked second — the highest-ranking healthcare role — earning a score of 9.26. Contributing to the score were the long shifts, which can range from 12 to 28 hours, and the responsibility for the care of patients. The study found that 33% of surgeons switch roles after one to two years.
Anesthesiologists ranked third with a score of 8.97. Contributing to this ranking was the job's shifts of up to 24 hours, the high cost of any mistakes and the responsibility for patient care. The study found that 27% of anesthesiologists switch roles after one to two years.
The other professions that earned a spot on the ranking were as follows, listed with their respective overall scores:
4. Paramedic (8.45)
5. Firefighter (8.13)
6. Lawyer (7.67)
7. Security guard (7.38)
8. Clinical social worker (6.84)
9. Patrol officer (6.03)
10. Child and family social worker (5.95)