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Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage

Stress. U.S. workers are no stranger to it — from mental to physical strain, across various professions. In fact, 66% of American employees are experiencing burnout¹ in 2025, and 54% say job insecurity² is causing serious stress levels at work.

Though massage therapy isn’t a magical solution to eliminate stress, Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) knows it can be an effective tool in promoting relaxation and supporting overall wellness.

So, what are the most stressful jobs? To create this annual report on the top professions that can benefit from massage therapy, we narrowed down over 900 jobs to a more focused group of 250. We eliminated jobs with fewer than 50,000 employed and those including “miscellaneous” in their titles.

Next, we evaluated each of the remaining jobs against 10 key metrics, divided into two categories: physical strain and mental strain. Some job titles have been shortened slightly to fit the table below. Check out the full methodology at the foot of this page!

Working pros, see where your job ranks. Massage therapists, meet your clients. Scroll to see who’s stressed in the U.S.!

woman getting massage with flower in her hair
Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage Jobs With the Highest Physical Strain 🔥Firefighters ✈️Flight Attendants 📦Laborers & Material Movers 🔌Line Installers & Repairers 🚌Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists Jobs With the Highest Mental Stress ✈️Flight Attendants 🔧Small Engine Mechanics 🩺Physician Assistants 🌍Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers 🔒Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, & Jailers Methodology: Each ranking was created by evaluating 250 U.S. jobs (with at least 50,000 workers employed) against five equally weighted factors — one set specific to mental stress, the other to physical stress. Relevant data was collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Program. www.insurebodywork.com/high-stress-jobs-massage-report

Key Findings

Rankings Table: Most Physically Stressful Jobs

Overview of the Top 5 Most Physically Stressful Jobs


Rankings Table: Most Mentally Stressful Jobs

Overview of the Top 5 Mentally Stressful Jobs


Insights From Massage Therapists

Considerations for Massage Therapists

Methodology

The Most Stressful Jobs Ranked by Physical Strain

Here are the most physically demanding jobs, ranked from most stressful at number 1 to least stressful at number 250.

This table defaults to equal weighting for each physical stress factor, providing a neutral baseline. Adjust the sliders to customize the ranking based on what’s most important to you.

Each category was intentionally selected for its relevance to physical stress and consistent data availability across all included professions.

Desktop: Adjust each metric slider to change how much it weighs in the overall ranking.

Mobile: Click “show controls” to display sliders and adjust each metric.

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Overall Rank Job Title Exertion Injuries per 10k Standing Score Strength Score Stamina Score Cramped Work Score
0 Firefighters 108.6 61 4.62 60.5 66
0 Flight Attendants 228.5 77 2.93 40.5 80
0 Laborers and Material Movers 210.1 76 3.38 49 60
0 Line Installers and Repairers 142.5 80 3.43 49 66
0 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists 68.3 85 3.55 41.5 84
0 Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Aides 285.2 85 3.04 43 39
0 Structural Iron and Steel Workers 38.3 90 3.13 54 72
0 Electricians 46 89 2.98 43.5 85
0 Insulation Workers 71.7 93 3.01 41.5 75
0 Construction Laborers 73.9 91 3.34 49 57
0 Automotive Technicians and Repairers 84.7 90 3.09 34 80
0 Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, Tapers 83.3 97 3.04 49 52
0 Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 83.1 81 3.3 37 76
0 Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics 99.6 73 3.51 38.5 72
0 Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons 51.5 97 3.13 45.5 55
0 Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installers 140.4 73 3.17 32.5 70
0 Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers 221 77 2.59 64.5 16
0 Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers 53.9 78 3.13 50.5 56
0 Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Workers 28.9 96 3.13 48.5 46
0 Small Engine Mechanics 38.1 97 2.88 29 74
0 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 105.1 78 3.1 41.5 53
0 Roofers 64 72 3.24 51 51
0 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics 252.2 58 4.22 24 31
0 Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers 134.6 61 3.67 49 35
0 Helpers, Construction Trades 36.3 84 2.76 46.5 61
0 Sheet Metal Workers 66.9 96 2.76 45 44
0 Woodworking Machine Setters and Operators 92.6 94 2.84 34 50
0 Carpenters 78.2 90 3.22 39 39
0 Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers 157.6 65 2.91 31.5 60
0 Painters and Paperhangers 56.5 86 3.01 42.5 46
0 Extruding, Forming, Pressing Machine Operators 33 89 2.98 44.5 46
0 Health Practitioner Support Technologists 49.9 82 3.07 39 53
0 Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers 176.5 54 2.38 44 59
0 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 93.3 71 2.75 31.5 70
0 Surface Mining Machine Operators and Drillers 0 74 2.74 41.5 75
0 Highway Maintenance Workers 31.9 74 3.28 49 44
0 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers 82 60 3.46 29 66
0 Grounds Maintenance Workers 57.2 83 2.86 43 42
0 Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators & Tenders 77.4 83 2.93 44.5 33
0 Pest Control Workers 57.7 71 2.73 36.5 63
0 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators 65.6 89 2.9 36 39
0 Animal Caretakers 27.6 83 3.03 38 48
0 Printing Workers 59.5 93 2.74 37.5 37
0 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 39.1 91 3 42.5 31
0 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers 67.6 82 3.19 28.5 46
0 Industrial Machinery Installation and Repair Workers 41.8 74 3.18 37.5 48
0 Crushing, Grinding, and Blending Workers 43.8 73 3.13 41.5 42
0 Police Officers 63.7 48 3.67 45 42
0 Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 46.1 86 2.94 28.5 48
0 Chemical Processing Machine Setters and Operators 35.8 68 3.13 29 62
0 Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators 5.6 84 2.74 32.5 57
0 Baggage Porters, Bellhops, and Concierges 49.4 80 3.49 45.5 15
0 Butchers and Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processors 139.5 97 2.59 34 9
0 Textile Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 56 84 2.84 39 28
0 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 53.8 67 2.88 35 49
0 Building Cleaning Workers 97.3 76 2.8 39 26
0 Home Health and Personal Care Aides 37.8 76 2.72 38 42
0 Plant and System Operators 46.4 57 3.05 31 59
0 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Helpers 45.3 96 2.69 47 8
0 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 36.3 83 2.57 27 50
0 Veterinarians 2.1 74 3.15 29 48
0 Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides 64.2 71 2.98 37.5 28
0 Dishwashers 28.2 98 2.54 36.5 22
0 Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning Workers 87.4 68 2.73 30.5 39
0 Supervisors of Food Prep and Serving Workers 23.5 90 2.4 35.5 33
0 Transportation Service Attendants 21.8 83 2.23 39 39
0 Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers 25.6 64 3.17 26 51
0 Postal Service Workers 0 84 2.57 31.5 43
0 Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 40.3 75 2.53 27 46
0 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators 55 59 3.05 27 45
0 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 60.5 69 2.91 43 16
0 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 113.7 91 2.51 30.5 8
0 Massage Therapists 60.6 81 2.02 49 17
0 Machinists 58.2 88 2.71 30.5 18
0 Diagnostic Related Technologists and Technicians 98.1 52 2.95 26 43
0 Food Service Managers 73.5 84 2.41 27.5 29
0 Food Preparation Workers 100.6 86 2.66 33.5 6
0 Waiters and Waitresses 9.9 92 2.23 43.5 18
0 Registered Nurses 81.1 50 2.76 44 25
0 Bartenders 9.9 89 2.36 34 27
0 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators & Tenders 17.9 84 3.11 28.5 19
0 Fast Food and Counter Workers 22.8 100 2.42 25.5 22
0 Models, Demonstrators, and Product Promoters 12.1 88 2.81 26.5 22
0 Painting Workers 93.2 60 2.99 25 27
0 Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers 40.2 66 2.74 28.5 35
0 Bakers 40.2 85 3.13 24.5 13
0 Cooks 20.1 84 2.72 32.5 16
0 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors 68.4 52 2.91 38 22
0 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, and Samplers 53.9 71 2.32 23 41
0 Detectives and Criminal Investigators 0 44 3.67 31.5 36
0 Agricultural Workers 31.5 66 2.8 25 36
0 Surgeons 0 82 2.35 25 32
0 Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers 17.8 73 1.74 20.5 55
0 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant and Coffee Shop 5.5 91 2.12 28.5 21
0 Supervisors of Sales Workers 74.4 72 2.34 25 21
0 Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks 62.6 56 2.8 30.5 19
0 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators 73 71 2.57 29 8
0 Recreation and Fitness Workers 35.6 49 2.22 43 26
0 Retail Salespersons 74.5 77 2.31 25 11
0 Cashiers 25.2 77 2.32 27.5 19
0 Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 41.1 50 2.73 25 34
0 Couriers and Messengers 58.3 36 2.76 40.5 21
0 Construction and Building Inspectors 0 59 2.22 26 42
0 Construction Equipment Operators 23.3 45 2.76 27.5 35
0 CNC Tool Operators and Programmers 31.8 61 2.72 26.5 17
0 Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers 20.1 77 2.71 20 13
0 Childcare Workers 12.5 67 2.42 29 19
0 Supervisors of Transportation and Material Movers 50.8 58 2.62 27 15
0 Cargo and Freight Agents 358 30 1.41 13.5 15
0 Nurse Practitioners 6.1 53 2.3 30.5 32
0 Gambling Services Workers 33 76 2.09 27.5 9
0 Pharmacists 8 84 2.53 19 5
0 Parking Attendants 31.7 52 2.23 39 9
0 Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers 20.8 78 2.23 24 6
0 Barbers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists 4.5 90 2.03 24.5 2
0 Supervisors of Law Enforcement Workers 0 46 2.38 29 29
0 Physician Assistants 7.6 58 2.27 26 22
0 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 23.3 49 1.96 22.5 38
0 Elementary and Middle School Teachers 11.4 80 2.03 24.5 6
0 Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 9.6 51 2.39 28.5 20
0 Special Education Teachers 21.1 60 2.15 23 20
0 Electrical and Electromechanical Assemblers 23.4 51 2.28 21.5 27
0 Chemical Technicians 23.4 67 1.79 23.5 20
0 Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators, Editors 0 53 1.83 25 35
0 Dental, Ophthalmic Lab Techs, Medical Appliance Techs 11.7 72 1.77 24.5 16
0 Industrial Production Managers 9.7 62 1.89 22.5 24
0 Designers 18.2 80 1.38 22 16
0 Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers 12.2 24 2.93 12.5 46
0 Counter and Rental Clerks and Parts Salespersons 17.1 55 2.32 22.5 13
0 Dentists 2.8 33 1.3 23 59
0 Passenger Vehicle Drivers 68.7 38 1.57 31 21
0 Photographers 73.7 49 1.83 15 20
0 Construction Managers 19.8 41 1.98 16 33
0 Surveying and Mapping Technicians 12.4 48 1.79 24.5 21
0 Biological Technicians 16.8 45 2.41 20.5 13
0 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 12 52 1.71 25 13
0 Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents 58.1 57 1.39 24 6
0 Tellers 2.5 64 1.9 13.5 14
0 Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians 6.2 36 1.83 20.5 32
0 Compliance Officers 1.6 37 1.44 16 45
0 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks 13.1 74 1.98 8.5 4
0 Residential Advisors 10.9 44 2.22 21.5 10
0 Industrial Engineers, Including Health and Safety 3.4 45 1.67 13.5 29
0 Library Technicians 0 41 2.12 20.5 11
0 Secondary School Teachers 2.3 68 2.01 3.5 6
0 Sewing Machine Operators 55.3 21 1.75 25.5 14
0 Self-Enrichment Teachers 28.5 38 2.08 18 6
0 Teaching Assistants 30.6 48 2.18 0 15
0 File Clerks 35.3 27 1.71 21.5 11
0 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 8.8 49 1.98 2 15
0 General and Operations Managers 5.1 48 1.59 14.5 5
0 Education and Childcare Administrators 11.9 38 1.8 17.5 4
0 Social Workers 11.1 38 1.31 18 15
0 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing 7 43 2.01 0 17
0 Dietitians and Nutritionists 26.3 36 2.53 0 5
0 Therapists 58.8 42 1.54 2 10
0 Engineering Technicians (Non-Drafters) 24.8 36 1.79 0 20
0 Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers 15.3 21 1.54 17.5 19
0 Physicians 1.3 48 2.35 0 0
0 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 32.1 38 1.88 0 13
0 Opticians, Dispensing 8.6 48 1.9 0 8
0 Medical Scientists 14.2 46 1.92 0 8
0 Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents 10.1 44 1.46 7.5 11
0 Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 0 47 1.91 0 9
0 Health Teachers, Postsecondary 0 41 1.53 12.5 7
0 Computer Support Specialists 3.3 30 1.74 7.5 18
0 Administrative Services and Facilities Managers 29.7 37 1.26 8.5 13
0 Life Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 0 49 1.79 0 6
0 Customer Service Representatives 12 56 1.28 3.5 2
0 Instructional Coordinators 5.4 48 1.44 7.5 2
0 Chemists and Materials Scientists 4.4 31 2.06 0 11
0 Medical and Health Services Managers 64.4 31 1.67 0 6
0 Business Teachers, Postsecondary 0 41 2.06 0 0
0 Natural Sciences Managers 2.2 35 1.36 8.5 10
0 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan 5 20 1.2 0 38
0 Mechanical Engineers 3.2 35 1.37 0 20
0 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks 13.3 30 1.6 10 3
0 Social and Community Service Managers 19 37 1.43 7.5 2
0 Training and Development Specialists 9.1 41 1.68 0 3
0 Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists 4.3 24 2.04 3.5 7
0 Counselors 6.6 28 1.53 10 6
0 Buyers and Purchasing Agents 5.9 27 1.04 19 6
0 Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary 0 38 1.77 0 4
0 Civil Engineers 0.5 30 1.53 0 17
0 Order Clerks 7.7 36 1.35 2 11
0 Database and Network Administrators and Architects 1.7 50 1.22 2 2
0 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks 0 32 1.5 0 15
0 Property Appraisers and Assessors 0 31 1.46 0 15
0 Actors, Producers, and Directors 20.1 35 1.24 0 11
0 Architectural and Engineering Managers 0 29 1.39 0 18
0 Property, Real Estate, and Community Managers 12.2 34 1.36 0 10
0 Advertising Sales Agents 4.5 35 1.54 0 6
0 Architects, Except Naval 0 26 1.6 0 14
0 Logisticians and Project Management Specialists 7.8 31 1.25 0 14
0 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 0 35 1.59 0 4
0 Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support 5.1 29 1.32 8.5 3
0 Writers and Editors 0 25 1.08 2 22
0 Receptionists and Information Clerks 10.5 35 1.45 0 2
0 Dispatchers 10 32 1.12 0 12
0 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 3.5 35 1.39 0 4
0 Math and Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 0 29 1.69 0 3
0 Electrical and Electronics Engineers 0.7 24 1.61 2 7
0 Office Clerks, General 5.5 30 1.26 0 11
0 Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists 6 21 1.6 0 11
0 Clergy 5.7 33 1.44 0 2
0 Biological Scientists 0 18 1.92 0 6
0 Chief Executives 29.8 28 1.18 0 5
0 Insurance Sales Agents 0 23 1.08 0 19
0 Tutors 0 30 1.45 0 2
0 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks 2.7 27 1.11 0 11
0 Computer Hardware Engineers 5.8 27 1.25 0 7
0 Artists and Related Workers 7 19 1.73 0 2
0 Marketing and Sales Managers 8.1 27 1.25 0 5
0 Human Resources Assistants (Non-Payroll) 7.7 27 1.16 0 7
0 Public Relations and Fundraising Managers 3.8 33 1.05 0 4
0 Securities, Commodities, and Financial Sales Agents 0 24 1.55 0 0
0 Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks 0 27 1.35 0 1
0 Drafters 0 24 1.03 0 11
0 Computer and Information Analysts 0.9 19 1.1 0 14
0 Management Analysts 0 24 1.11 0 9
0 Aerospace Engineers 0 24 1.05 0 10
0 Human Resources Managers 13.1 26 1.17 0 2
0 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 4.2 22 1.24 0 6
0 Education, Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary 0 21 1.5 0 1
0 Financial Managers 4.7 25 1.13 2 2
0 Purchasing Managers 19.4 21 1.16 0 4
0 Telemarketers 0 14 1.55 0 6
0 Software and Web Developers, Programmers, Testers 1.3 24 1.04 0 8
0 Cost Estimators 0 20 1.34 0 5
0 Computer and Information Systems Managers 1.6 14 1.17 0 14
0 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks 4.5 25 1.15 0 3
0 Billing and Posting Clerks 5.6 27 1.09 0 2
0 Human Resources Workers 3.5 24 1.13 0 4
0 Accountants and Auditors 1.8 20 1.21 0 5
0 Operations Research Analysts 6 23 1.05 0 5
0 Psychologists 9.9 21 1.08 0 5
0 Travel Agents 0 17 1.55 0 0
0 Loan Interviewers and Clerks 2.2 25 1.05 0 3
0 Credit Counselors and Loan Officers 1.8 20 1.33 0 1
0 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 11.9 14 1.14 2 5
0 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 1.5 25 1.11 0 0
0 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 0 22 1.21 0 0
0 Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, and Investigators 4.7 18 1.08 0 5
0 Financial Examiners 0 21 1.06 0 3
0 Paralegals and Legal Assistants 0 18 1.13 0 1
0 Financial Analysts and Advisors 1.8 14 1.25 0 1
0 Bill and Account Collectors 2.5 19 1.07 0 0
0 Credit Analysts 0 16 1.06 0 3
0 Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents 0 15 1.13 0 1
0 Data Scientists 0.9 11 1.05 0 5

Overview of the Top 5 Most Physically Stressful Jobs

firefighter silhouette

Firefighters

From carrying heavy gear to braving extreme temperatures, the firefighter’s job is built on physical grit. In 2022, nearly one-third of firefighter injuries happened on the fireground, with 36% of these being strains and sprains, 13% cuts or bruises, 7% smoke or gas inhalation, and 7% thermal stress.

Common injuries sustained include the Achilles tendon, rotator cuff, knee, and lower back areas. And firefighters stay busy — in 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to 26.9 million incident runs or calls. With high levels of strength and stamina needed, this profession deserves recovery time to beat the heat.

💪🏼Most common muscular injuries: Rotator cuff, knee, and lower back

Flight Attendants

Flight attendants endure turbulence, heavy luggage, and cramped aisles — all at 35,000 feet in the air. In a single year, they experience a workplace injury nearly six times more than the national average, with common injuries including overexertion and transportation incidents, many of which affect the back, neck, and shoulders.

Paired with the mental stress of the job, the physical strain of cabin operations makes massage sessions after landings essential self-care.

💪🏼Most common muscular injuries: Back, neck, and shoulders

flight attendant silhouette
guy moving boxes silhouette

Laborers & Material Movers

Laborers and material movers manually load, lift, and haul throughout every shift. In 2020, this repetitive and physically demanding occupation led to nearly 65,000 injuries that required time away from work. Sprains and strains were the most common injury type, affecting body parts like the back, hands, and shoulders.

As they carry heavy objects or repeatedly bend and squat, this group of hard workers can benefit from massage therapy to support long-term physical resilience on the job.

💪🏼Most common muscular injuries: Back, hands, shoulders, and feet

Line Installers & Repairers

Climbing poles at great heights and operating in confined spaces (under all kinds of weather) takes a physical toll on lineworkers. And the stakes are high — working with live cables on high-voltage lines comes with the risk of electrocution.

Linework injuries include electrical burns, broken bones from falls, and nerve pain from shocks, and the muscles most commonly affected are the back, knee, and wrists. This profession is one of the most dangerous on our ranking, and one that can use R&R between grueling shifts up high.

💪🏼Most common muscular injuries: Back, knee, and wrists

mechanic silhouette with big truck

Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists

Mechanics who maintain and repair buses, trucks, and diesel engines undergo regular physical strain: bending, lifting, and working in tight spaces. These specialists handle greasy equipment and are commonly subjected to cuts and sprains.

Diesel mechanics deal with daily exposure to loud sound levels and have an O*NET score of 84 (meaning “everyday”) for working in cramped or awkward positions.

With continual wear-and-tear on the body, this profession can get targeted relief on commonly injured areas like the back, hips, and wrists through massage therapy.

💪🏼Most common muscular injuries: Back, neck, joints, and wrist

Top High-Stress Jobs Ranked by Mental Pressure

See BBI’s ranking for the most mentally stressful jobs in the U.S., sorted from most stressful at number 1 to least stressful at number 250.

This table defaults to equal weighting for each stress factor to present a bias-free starting point. Adjust the sliders based on your unique experience — what factors are most valuable to your perception of mental stress?

Each stress factor was carefully selected to reflect common, measurable indicators across all professions in the dataset.

Desktop: Adjust each metric slider to change how much it weighs in the overall ranking.

Mobile: Click “show controls” to display sliders and adjust each metric.

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Overall Rank Job Title Annual Separation % Job Conflict Score Time Pressure Score Error Impact Score Competitiveness Score
0 Flight Attendants 13.3 90 87 87 42
0 Small Engine Mechanics 10.1 65 89 90 67
0 Physician Assistants 4.9 72 84 87 81
0 Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers 11.3 54 89 84 76
0 Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, and Jailers 8.9 94 86 70 56
0 Pharmacists 3.6 68 92 96 67
0 Derrick, Rotary Drill, and Service Unit Operators 9.8 54 78 87 84
0 Gambling Services Workers 16.7 77 77 75 49
0 Supervisors of Food Prep and Serving Workers 14.3 85 79 56 59
0 Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents 8.2 55 88 60 96
0 Bill and Account Collectors 10.1 91 73 53 63
0 Detectives and Criminal Investigators 7.2 78 70 83 60
0 Transportation Service Attendants 15.1 91 60 71 37
0 Butchers and Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processors 11.9 71 78 73 47
0 Police Officers 7.4 91 74 66 48
0 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 9.7 39 87 82 65
0 Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Aides 14 76 68 60 50
0 Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 10.3 69 85 67 45
0 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators 10.9 57 86 60 61
0 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics 6.3 64 96 75 44
0 Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning Workers 10.3 57 82 63 61
0 Loan Interviewers and Clerks 8.2 68 88 36 75
0 Nurse Practitioners 4.3 63 77 85 58
0 Supervisors of Law Enforcement Workers 6.9 84 63 71 55
0 Firefighters 7.3 63 65 80 65
0 Driver/Sales Workers and Truck Drivers 10.2 59 98 53 50
0 Line Installers and Repairers 8.3 54 78 77 59
0 Physicians 2.4 66 93 99 29
0 Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installers 9.4 55 89 59 59
0 Customer Service Representatives 13.2 80 89 29 48
0 Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Workers 7.3 61 69 62 77
0 Surface Mining Machine Operators and Drillers 10.3 53 60 82 66
0 Registered Nurses 5.1 79 75 74 47
0 Dispatchers 9.6 86 87 33 50
0 Construction Equipment Operators 8.3 46 76 97 48
0 Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 9.3 66 88 53 52
0 Carpenters 7.7 51 86 70 59
0 Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents 10.4 76 87 61 31
0 Construction Managers 7.5 58 75 64 69
0 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 7.9 75 85 61 42
0 Telemarketers 12.9 79 69 22 74
0 Insurance Sales Agents 7.7 54 88 50 71
0 Chemical Technicians 11.7 43 84 71 54
0 Advertising Sales Agents 10.2 54 87 25 87
0 Dentists 2.5 61 70 80 71
0 Food Service Managers 11.1 78 74 37 61
0 Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers 12.8 50 72 38 86
0 Automotive Technicians and Repairers 8.1 55 87 64 56
0 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators 11.8 60 78 62 49
0 Veterinarians 2.7 65 80 77 57
0 Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers 6.1 57 63 86 63
0 Structural Iron and Steel Workers 8.2 50 81 64 65
0 Public Relations and Fundraising Managers 7.9 52 89 47 71
0 Surgeons 2 61 65 78 76
0 Highway Maintenance Workers 8.1 60 68 79 53
0 Actors, Producers, and Directors 8.3 57 84 41 74
0 Laborers and Material Movers 14.3 53 69 67 50
0 Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, and Investigators 6.7 78 85 43 54
0 Supervisors of Transportation and Material Movers 9.8 51 88 44 68
0 Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers 7.6 57 78 57 67
0 Retail Salespersons 14.5 72 61 34 68
0 Fast Food and Counter Workers 23.2 60 65 37 45
0 Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 10.2 51 87 63 49
0 Residential Advisors 18.5 61 67 62 33
0 Couriers and Messengers 10.2 61 93 43 50
0 Tellers 10 73 63 55 58
0 Construction and Building Inspectors 10.5 64 77 58 48
0 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan 11.8 74 80 34 52
0 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 8 59 85 51 59
0 Chemical Processing Machine Setters and Operators 9.9 47 76 75 52
0 Sheet Metal Workers 8.9 47 75 72 59
0 Diagnostic Related Technologists and Technicians 5.1 68 83 69 43
0 Cargo and Freight Agents 9 67 74 51 57
0 Roofers 7.3 48 80 53 74
0 Recreation and Fitness Workers 19.2 64 58 60 35
0 Electricians 8.7 57 83 58 52
0 Writers and Editors 8.7 45 93 21 87
0 Helpers, Construction Trades 10.7 31 86 61 65
0 Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides 14.7 59 63 71 37
0 Cooks 15 67 57 73 32
0 Travel Agents 11.4 40 68 60 72
0 Models, Demonstrators, and Product Promoters 17.9 61 71 30 53
0 Buyers and Purchasing Agents 9.4 43 70 67 66
0 Property, Real Estate, and Community Managers 7.7 68 74 40 66
0 Pest Control Workers 12.3 47 79 57 51
0 Home Health and Personal Care Aides 14.6 44 77 69 37
0 Health Practitioner Support Technologists 8.9 59 74 71 41
0 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing 8.7 63 73 38 69
0 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 10.1 53 89 22 73
0 Chief Executives 6.6 56 79 51 64
0 Plant and System Operators 9.3 44 78 78 43
0 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 7.4 36 80 86 48
0 Brickmasons, Blockmasons, and Stonemasons 7.3 59 77 52 59
0 Compliance Officers 7.8 76 63 63 43
0 Securities, Commodities, and Financial Sales Agents 7.1 45 72 58 73
0 Opticians, Dispensing 9.1 68 76 30 64
0 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers 9.8 24 82 72 61
0 Education and Childcare Administrators 6.6 56 73 71 48
0 Marketing and Sales Managers 7.8 44 80 44 74
0 Agricultural Workers 15.3 54 73 53 38
0 Human Resources Managers 7.5 57 70 61 55
0 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 9.7 43 69 74 49
0 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks 15.7 82 55 33 41
0 Social Workers 7.9 72 75 43 46
0 Electrical and Electromechanical Assemblers 10.5 38 87 51 53
0 Human Resources Assistants (Non-Payroll) 10.9 63 82 32 48
0 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Specialists 8.1 48 77 61 50
0 Architects, Except Naval 6 44 66 55 78
0 Computer and Information Systems Managers 6.6 49 59 68 66
0 Financial Managers 6.8 41 89 50 59
0 Logisticians and Project Management Specialists 7.2 50 86 40 60
0 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks 9.7 48 89 55 36
0 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators 9.1 35 70 79 49
0 Animal Caretakers 17.7 56 58 58 30
0 Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support 9.4 54 76 48 49
0 Construction Laborers 8.3 49 78 70 35
0 General and Operations Managers 8 56 77 38 59
0 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers 8 58 76 70 28
0 Dental, Ophthalmic Lab Techs, Medical Appliance Techs 11 62 90 25 41
0 Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks 9.6 47 89 37 51
0 Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators, Editors 7.8 48 73 61 50
0 Industrial Production Managers 7 50 80 51 51
0 Bakers 15.7 31 83 45 45
0 Management Analysts 7.9 45 75 45 64
0 Parking Attendants 14.5 63 50 62 34
0 Waiters and Waitresses 20.5 68 47 21 50
0 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 9.4 56 78 38 50
0 Medical and Health Services Managers 7.1 60 73 35 61
0 Human Resources Workers 8.1 60 69 48 49
0 Medical Scientists 4.7 35 67 61 75
0 Extruding, Forming, Pressing Machine Operators 9.7 51 73 55 41
0 Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics 8.3 38 70 66 52
0 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors 11.8 48 69 54 41
0 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks 9.8 72 77 41 26
0 Textile Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 12.2 54 72 57 27
0 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 10.5 39 83 49 44
0 Photographers 8.5 35 73 32 81
0 Therapists 4.7 69 90 36 36
0 Cashiers 19 78 52 23 32
0 Designers 8.8 60 78 31 49
0 Grounds Maintenance Workers 12.8 58 57 48 44
0 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant and Coffee Shop 25.3 75 33 24 33
0 Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 8.3 50 71 59 42
0 Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers 9.9 48 81 39 47
0 Secondary School Teachers 6.1 65 69 41 52
0 Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators & Tenders 10.1 29 84 56 47
0 Industrial Engineers, Including Health and Safety 5.9 43 73 57 56
0 Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers 12.7 49 54 66 39
0 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 9 58 68 55 37
0 Social and Community Service Managers 7.8 69 73 48 30
0 Supervisors of Sales Workers 9.8 65 81 17 47
0 Accountants and Auditors 7.6 36 80 44 60
0 Childcare Workers 17 48 62 42 37
0 Life Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 39 76 34 70
0 Civil Engineers 5.9 32 75 61 58
0 Psychologists 5.4 46 73 35 71
0 Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers 8.3 34 71 63 50
0 Purchasing Managers 7.3 49 79 29 60
0 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 13.8 39 73 23 61
0 Health Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 49 70 47 52
0 CNC Tool Operators and Programmers 9.4 43 70 56 43
0 Insulation Workers 8.3 46 82 29 56
0 File Clerks 11.9 56 65 37 44
0 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Helpers 18.5 64 47 22 46
0 Credit Counselors and Loan Officers 6.7 63 71 36 47
0 Barbers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists 12.6 43 60 32 64
0 Machinists 9.9 23 81 51 54
0 Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents 9.9 65 69 48 25
0 Computer Support Specialists 6.3 48 66 62 44
0 Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers 27.5 73 37 18 20
0 Woodworking Machine Setters and Operators 10.7 44 74 45 41
0 Crushing, Grinding, and Blending Workers 9.8 19 68 74 49
0 Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks 3.6 48 77 43 58
0 Electrical and Electronics Engineers 5.4 42 80 50 48
0 Dietitians and Nutritionists 6.5 53 71 34 56
0 Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists 8.6 39 70 39 60
0 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators & Tenders 9.8 22 87 55 41
0 Broadcast, Sound, and Lighting Technicians 8.4 39 73 54 43
0 Counter and Rental Clerks and Parts Salespersons 10.8 76 57 23 42
0 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 8.6 37 76 36 58
0 Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, Tapers 6.8 43 68 45 57
0 Printing Workers 11.7 31 72 52 42
0 Natural Sciences Managers 7.3 33 57 53 69
0 Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers 7.1 34 74 47 56
0 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 8.4 49 82 42 32
0 Surveying and Mapping Technicians 12.3 32 68 44 50
0 Software and Web Developers, Programmers, Testers 5.3 35 72 45 64
0 Elementary and Middle School Teachers 6.6 76 69 22 41
0 Passenger Vehicle Drivers 12.9 76 48 35 30
0 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks 11.3 42 72 36 44
0 Food Preparation Workers 17.9 24 73 53 24
0 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 7 45 72 47 44
0 Paralegals and Legal Assistants 10 24 84 48 42
0 Teaching Assistants 11.7 30 62 35 65
0 Postal Service Workers 7.7 74 67 32 29
0 Architectural and Engineering Managers 6.4 40 70 38 60
0 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 12.6 52 75 36 23
0 Library Technicians 17.2 47 62 26 36
0 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 8.8 51 74 33 40
0 Administrative Services and Facilities Managers 8 52 68 44 37
0 Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 7.9 43 73 37 48
0 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, and Samplers 11.4 46 68 37 38
0 Financial Analysts and Advisors 6.4 25 67 52 63
0 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks 10.3 43 81 31 36
0 Humanities Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 33 69 38 61
0 Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers 10.9 47 69 29 43
0 Painters and Paperhangers 7.7 32 76 39 52
0 Baggage Porters, Bellhops, and Concierges 15.1 66 35 50 25
0 Office Clerks, General 11.6 52 69 36 27
0 Clergy 8.6 47 72 44 31
0 Counselors 8 61 75 28 30
0 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 49 64 13 70
0 Order Clerks 11.5 49 79 15 39
0 Mechanical Engineers 5.4 26 63 50 67
0 Credit Analysts 6.8 25 80 40 54
0 Chemists and Materials Scientists 7.1 26 60 51 62
0 Physical Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 42 67 33 53
0 Computer Hardware Engineers 5 23 67 41 73
0 Data Scientists 5.6 37 74 29 59
0 Industrial Machinery Installation and Repair Workers 7.9 42 67 36 46
0 Math and Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 38 76 16 61
0 Drafters 8.3 30 69 42 48
0 Cost Estimators 8.4 29 69 34 56
0 Biological Scientists 7.4 25 61 28 77
0 Tutors 17.3 44 63 10 38
0 Instructional Coordinators 8.7 49 66 18 49
0 Computer and Information Analysts 5.6 28 68 40 58
0 Sewing Machine Operators 11.3 42 69 22 40
0 Database and Network Administrators and Architects 5.3 31 50 72 44
0 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 8.9 53 63 26 38
0 Property Appraisers and Assessors 7.7 44 63 30 47
0 Financial Examiners 7.1 34 65 34 52
0 Education, Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 43 65 23 51
0 Engineering Technicians (Non-Drafters) 8.6 43 60 36 40
0 Training and Development Specialists 8.4 41 68 26 43
0 Aerospace Engineers 5.4 35 64 44 46
0 Business Teachers, Postsecondary 7.4 42 67 21 50
0 Billing and Posting Clerks 10 49 73 23 26
0 Surveyors, Cartographers, and Photogrammetrists 6.7 28 74 38 43
0 Biological Technicians 11.3 15 58 43 53
0 Operations Research Analysts 6.2 20 64 34 66
0 Artists and Related Workers 8.5 23 55 14 83
0 Dishwashers 16.7 39 63 11 33
0 Massage Therapists 12.6 30 32 41 57
0 Building Cleaning Workers 14 43 49 35 21
0 Bartenders 16.7 73 19 11 34
0 Receptionists and Information Clerks 13.2 61 43 24 13
0 Special Education Teachers 6.8 43 52 35 28
0 Painting Workers 9.2 28 47 21 37
0 Self-Enrichment Teachers 11.9 29 44 21 27

Overview of the Top 5 Most Mentally Stressful Jobs

flight attendant silhouette

Flight Attendants

Passenger safety, variable schedules, and disruptive behavior on board — flight attendants deal with many mental stressors while working. In 2021, a record high of 5,973 unruly passengers were reported, marking a 492% increase from the previous year. This highlights the intense conflict management flight crews navigate.

A 2023 review of multiple studies found that 40% of cabin crews are at risk of depression, with 1 in 4 reporting high levels of work stress. With common stressors like conflict exposure and fatigue, it’s no surprise that flight attendants rank #1 and can use some R&R between flights.

🧠Most Common Mental Stressors: Conflict exposure, fatigue, and poor sleep

Small Engine Mechanics

Small engine mechanics repair power equipment engines such as lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. This work requires sharp focus and precision, often in noisy, high-distraction environments. According to O*NET data, this profession’s most common mental stressors are annual job separations, time pressure, and mistake impact.

As of May 2024, the median annual wage for small engine mechanics is $48,240, which reflects a skilled but often under-recognized trade. With daily accuracy demands and unpredictable problem-solving, small engine mechanics are well-suited to benefit from regular stress relief.

🧠Most Common Mental Stressors: Job separations and pressure to fix issues quickly

small engine mechanic silhouette
PA silhouette

Physician Assistants

Physician assistants (PAs) treat patients under physician supervision, working with great care in fast-paced clinical environments. Common mental stressors include mistake impact, time pressure, and industry competition factors.

Studies have shown that 55% of PAs say they spend too much time at work, with some specialties showing levels of burnout higher than 60%. And when compared to the general population, PA students are experiencing levels of anxiety that are 65.3% higher.

Physician assistants often face intense patient interactions and clinical responsibility without full autonomy, making them a prime candidate for relaxing bodywork.

🧠Most Common Mental Stressors: Emotional strain from patient care responsibility and burnout

Aircraft Pilots & Flight Engineers

Pilots and flight engineers are responsible for passenger safety and work under intense scrutiny. The most common mental stressors include decision-making under pressure, constant concentration while flying, and fatigue from long flights.

A 2024 report, commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognized the widespread belief in aviation that pilots who seek mental health help are disadvantaged for following disclosure rules. In recent years, the FAA has also invested in resources to help reduce the stigma of mental health in the aviation community and encourage pilots to seek support.

For pilots dealing with work-related mental stress, massage therapy can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality for better performance.

🧠Most Common Mental Stressors: Decision-making under pressure and fatigue

pilot walking towards plane silhouette
bailiff silhouette outside jail

Bailiffs, Correctional Officers, & Jailers

Bailiffs, correctional officers, and jailers face high-stakes work environments and must maintain constant vigilance, which can take a mental toll on their well-being.

Research in 2019 found that 53.4% of correctional officers report having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Another study, revisited in 2023, showed that 1 out of 4 correctional officers in Massachusetts had symptoms of anger and anxiety.

With common mental stressors like conflict exposure (the top ranking on our list!), this group of professions could benefit from massage-centered stress relief from their work.

🧠Most Common Mental Stressors: Constant alertness and exposure to conflict

✨Flight attendants are the only profession to appear on both our top 5 most mentally and physically stressful jobs — making them the #1 profession in need of massage therapy. Between managing in-flight emergencies and unruly passengers, and enduring long hours on their feet in cramped cabins, flight crews face nonstop demands on both body and mind. Massage offers a vital reset between flights.

Insights From Real Massage Therapists

How Do You Tailor Your Approach to Support Clients Experiencing Job-Related Physical Stress vs. Mental Stress?

“For physically stressed clients, we often use targeted techniques like deep tissue, myofascial release, or assisted stretching to break up adhesions and restore mobility. Most massage therapists will also incorporate enhancements like gua sha or cupping to aid in tension relief and recovery. For those under heavy mental/emotional stress, we may incorporate slower, rhythmic strokes, guided breath work, and calming touch to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, essentially teaching their body how to ‘shift out of fight-or-flight."
Brooke Riley, LMT and Corporate Training SpecialistHeights Wellness Retreat
“For physical stress, I focus on targeted deep tissue and myofascial work. For emotional stress, I create a quieter, more meditative space — using breathwork, light craniosacral therapy, and nervous-system-calming techniques. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach — it’s intuitive, and tailored each session.”
Allanna Patrick, LMTBeau Monde West Spa
“For clients under physical stress, we prioritize clinical work: focused treatment on overused areas, movement-based assessments, and mobility coaching. We don’t ask them to undress or settle in for a ‘spa-style’ massage—we get straight to what their body needs. For mental or emotional stress, we slow the session down and work in a way that encourages parasympathetic activation—like diaphragmatic breathing, grounded pressure, and minimal conversation unless the client wants to talk.”
Adam Fairbanks, LMTTrailblazer Sports Massage

What Advice Would You Give to Someone in a High-Stress Job Who’s Never Had a Massage but Is Considering It?

“You don’t have to be ‘good at relaxing’ to benefit. Clinical massage isn’t about candles and silence — it’s about helping your body move and feel better so you can keep doing what you love (or what your job demands). Start with one session and communicate honestly with your therapist about what’s going on in your body. The right therapist will meet you there.”For mental or emotional stress, we slow the session down and work in a way that encourages parasympathetic activation—like diaphragmatic breathing, grounded pressure, and minimal conversation unless the client wants to talk.”
Adam Fairbanks, LMT
“First, don’t wait until you’re completely burnt out. Massage isn’t just about fixing pain; it’s about maintaining balance and preventing bigger problems down the road. Also, communicate openly with your therapist. Let them know it’s your first time, what you’re feeling, and if you ever need them to adjust pressure or focus on certain areas. We’re here to create a safe space for your body to decompress.”
Brooke Riley, LMT and Corporate Training Specialist
“Start small. A 60-minute focused relaxation session can introduce the benefits without overwhelming someone new. I always say: ‘You don’t need to be broken to deserve care.’”
Allanna Patrick, LMT

Are There Specific Signs or Symptoms of Stress You Notice in Clients That Tend to Correlate With Certain Professions?

“We see hairstylists and dental professionals with chronic upper back and shoulder tightness from leaning forward all day. Office workers often have “tech neck” from forward head posture and tight pectorals and overworked traps from hours at a desk. Teachers frequently carry tension in their lower back from standing or moving all day while managing large groups. And anyone in high-pressure decision-making roles often holds tension around the diaphragm, restricting deep breathing.”
Brooke Riley, LMT and Corporate Training Specialist
“Tech workers and coders? Neck strain and tension headaches from sitting at a keyboard all day. Manual laborers? Low back and knee strain. Customer service reps? Shoulder hunching and fatigue around the diaphragm — literally from not breathing deeply enough.”
Allanna Patrick, LMT
“Firefighters and EMS: tight hip flexors, locked-up thoracic spine, overworked traps. Nurses: lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, and shoulder tension from shift work. Office workers and therapists: jaw clenching, upper neck tightness, shallow breathing. Military and law enforcement: chronic tightness in quads and calves from gear and long hours standing.”
Adam Fairbanks, LMT

Considerations for Massage Professionals

Whether you’re focused on ergonomics in the workplace or maintaining a healthy work-life balance, consider these tips as you support clients dealing with job-related stress.

Refer Out When Needed

It’s essential to recognize the boundaries of your scope of practice. If a client is suffering from chronic pain that isn’t improving or experiencing emotional distress beyond what your practice can support, be responsible and refer them to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Learn more about risk management for massage therapists.

Care for Yourself, Too

From long hours on your feet to emotionally intense sessions, massage therapy comes with major stressors, so don’t forget that caring for others starts with caring for yourself. Prioritize proper body mechanics and schedule time off to rest so you can be your best work self, both physically and mentally.

Carry Liability Insurance

Accidents happen even to the most careful massage therapists. And if you ever face a claim, carrying massage therapy insurance protects you from financial risks like client injuries, allergic reactions, or perceived mistakes.

The right coverage gives you peace of mind to help clients — and relieves the stress of expensive what-ifs from your everyday work. BBI offers top-rated insurance starting at 26 cents a day.

Learn more about massage insurance costs.

Methodology

We sourced data for this report in June 2025 from the U.S. Department of Labor O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We evaluated over 250 professions with at least 50,000 workers employed nationally, with a focus on “broad” and “minor” classifications, removing any duplicate or “miscellaneous”-titled occupations.

In cases where job categories didn’t perfectly align between BLS and O*NET, we used the official crosswalk tools from O*NET and the BLS to match the closest equivalent roles.

This score reflects the physical demands of each job, using five equally weighted indicators for the default ranking:

  • Exertion Injuries per 10k
  • Standing Score
  • Strength Score
  • Stamina Score
  • Cramped Work Score


“Exertion injuries” are measured as the number of DART (days away, restricted, or transferred) injuries per 10,000 full-time workers each year, by occupation. This data was sourced from the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and reflects a two-year average from 2021 and 2022.

“Strength Score” represents the average strength needs of each job, based on the BLS 2023 Occupational Requirements Survey. Jobs are rated on a scale from 1 to 5, corresponding to sedentary (1), light (2), medium (3), heavy (4), and very heavy (5) work.

The remaining three variables were normalized and equally weighted to create a standardized physical strain score, using the most recent Department of Labor data (updated in December 2024). This approach provides a fair comparison across occupations while allowing users to adjust the rankings based on their own priorities.

All variables were then converted to a common 1-100 scale (e.g., a score of 25 indicates a low number of overexertion injuries, while 75 indicates a high number), making it easier to interpret and compare data.

This score evaluates mental and emotional demands across five equally weighted variables for the default ranking:

  • Annual Separation %
  • Job Conflict Score
  • Time Pressure Score
  • Error Impact Score
  • Competitiveness Score


“Annual separation %” represents a percentage of an occupation’s total employees from BLS data, last updated August 2024.

All other variables were sourced from the latest Department of Labor BLS and O*NET data (updated December 2024) and standardized on a common 1-100 scale (e.g., a score of 25 = low competition, 75 = high competition) to allow easy comparison.

Separation is defined as quits, layoffs, discharges, and other instances of separation between an employee and their job.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the licensed massage professionals who offered their expert insights: Allanna Patrick, Adam Fairbanks, and Brooke Riley.

Additional Sources

  1. “Job Burnout At 66% In 2025, New Study Shows,” Forbes, February 8, 2025.
  2. “Job Insecurity Causing Stress,” American Psychological Association, May 2025.