Find a Job You Really Want In
In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress levels often run high, making it crucial to understand which jobs carry the most pressure. From looming deadlines to high-stakes decisions, certain professions are inherently more stressful than others. If you’re curious about which roles top the list for stress in 2026, you’re in the right place.
At Zippia, we’ve conducted extensive research to uncover the most stressful jobs across the United States. Our findings reveal that many high-stress professions are concentrated in densely populated states like California, New York, and Texas. Meanwhile, traditional industrial roles are often located in regions like the Rust Belt.
Keep this article handy for those hectic days to remind yourself that while work may be stressful, it could always be worse—imagine being responsible for an entire prison or working on groundbreaking medical research. Such thoughts might make your mid-week meetings feel a bit more manageable!
How We Determined the Rankings
Every job on this list has been evaluated using a comprehensive stress index based on various factors that contribute to workplace stress. These factors include:
- Consequence of error
- Frequency of dealing with physically aggressive individuals
- Interactions with unpleasant or angry people
- Standard workweek duration
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Need for precision and accuracy
- Time pressures
Each of these elements was assigned a score from 1 to 5, and the resulting totals were compiled to create a stress index for each profession. The higher the score, the greater the level of stress associated with that job, leading us to the most stressful jobs in America for 2026.
10. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Average starting salary: $59,060
Stress index: 3.571
What do they do?
These professionals conduct complex medical tests to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They collect samples—fluids, tissues, and more—to provide critical information for healthcare providers. Their work is vital in maintaining public health.
Most highly concentrated areas: Texas, California, Florida
9. Rotary Drill Operators (Oil and Gas)
Average starting salary: $48,110
Stress index: 3.576
What do they do?
These operators set up drills to extract oil and gas, often in challenging environments. They conduct core sampling and are integral to energy production, particularly in regions with significant fossil fuel reserves.
Most highly concentrated areas: Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania
8. Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Average starting salary: $42,740
Stress index: 3.62
What do they do?
These operators manage self-propelled mining machines that extract coal, metals, and other resources continuously. Their role is crucial to maintaining a steady flow of materials in mining operations.
Most highly concentrated areas: Nevada, Virginia, Kentucky
7. Nurse Anesthetists
Average starting salary: $167,930
Stress index: 3.63
What do they do?
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgical procedures. This advanced practice role requires a specialized graduate degree and involves significant responsibility, contributing to its high stress level.
Most highly concentrated areas: Florida, Texas, North Carolina
6. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Average starting salary: $89,100
Stress index: 3.664
What do they do?
These supervisors coordinate police activities, provide guidance on investigations, and ensure compliance with procedures. Their role is critical for maintaining law and order, which can lead to high stress.
Most highly concentrated areas: New York, Massachusetts
5. Correctional Officers and Jailers
Average starting salary: $38,030
Stress index: 3.67
What do they do?
Correctional officers are responsible for supervising inmates in jails and prisons. They ensure security and order, often in high-pressure environments.
Most highly concentrated areas: Texas, California, Florida, New York
4. Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics
Average starting salary: $32,310
Stress index: 3.676
What do they do?
EMTs respond to medical emergencies, assess injuries, and provide critical care. Their work is often time-sensitive and life-saving, adding to the stress of the job.
Most highly concentrated areas: Texas, California, New York
3. Hoist and Winch Operators
Average starting salary: $40,130
Stress index: 3.683
What do they do?
These operators manage hoists and winches to lift and move heavy loads, requiring precision and attention to detail. The high stakes involved contribute to their stress levels.
Most highly concentrated areas: Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois
2. Subway and Streetcar Operators
Average starting salary: $60,580
Stress index: 3.804
What do they do?
Responsible for transporting commuters, these operators must navigate urban transit systems efficiently and safely, often under tight schedules.
Most highly concentrated areas: Maryland, Illinois, Colorado, Pennsylvania
1. First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Average starting salary: $52,680
Stress index: 3.936
What do they do?
Supervising correctional officers and managing operations in penal institutions, these supervisors maintain order and respond to emergencies, making their role one of the most stressful.
Most highly concentrated areas: California, Texas, New York
| Rank | Job Title | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First-Line Supervisors Of Correctional Officers | 3.94 |
| 2 | Subway And Streetcar Operators | 3.8 |
| 3 | Hoist And Winch Operators | 3.68 |
| 4 | Emergency Medical Technicians And Paramedics | 3.68 |
| 5 | Correctional Officers And Jailers | 3.67 |
| 6 | First-Line Supervisors Of Police And Detectives | 3.66 |
| 7 | Nurse Anesthetists | 3.63 |
| 8 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 3.62 |
| 9 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil And Gas | 3.58 |
| 10 | Medical And Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 3.57 |
| 11 | Transit And Railroad Police | 3.54 |
| 12 | Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, And Mining | 3.53 |
| 13 | Police, Fire, And Ambulance Dispatchers | 3.49 |
| 14 | Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, And Kettle Operators And Tenders | 3.48 |
| 15 | Elevator Installers And Repairers | 3.48 |
| 16 | Respiratory Therapy Technicians | 3.48 |
| 17 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, And Systems Assemblers | 3.46 |
| 18 | Psychiatric Technicians | 3.46 |
| 19 | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, And Blasters | 3.46 |
| 20 | Pest Control Workers | 3.46 |
| 21 | Anesthesiologists | 3.46 |
| 22 | Phlebotomists | 3.44 |
| 23 | Radiation Therapists | 3.44 |
| 24 | Railroad Brake, Signal, And Switch Operators | 3.43 |
| 25 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 3.42 |
| 26 | Pharmacists | 3.42 |
| 27 | Electronic Equipment Installers And Repairers, Motor Vehicles | 3.41 |
| 28 | Surgeons | 3.41 |
| 29 | Roustabouts, Oil And Gas | 3.4 |
| 30 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, And Gaugers | 3.4 |
| 31 | Private Detectives And Investigators | 3.4 |
| 32 | Transportation Security Screeners | 3.39 |
| 33 | Metal-Refining Furnace Operators And Tenders | 3.39 |
| 34 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, And Related Repairers | 3.38 |
| 35 | Millwrights | 3.38 |
| 36 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | 3.37 |
| 37 | Nurse Practitioners | 3.37 |
| 38 | Respiratory Therapists | 3.37 |
| 39 | Fish And Game Wardens | 3.37 |
| 40 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, And Flight Engineers | 3.37 |
| 41 | Cooling And Freezing Equipment Operators And Tenders | 3.35 |
| 42 | Orthotists And Prosthetists | 3.35 |
| 43 | Physician Assistants | 3.35 |
| 44 | Forensic Science Technicians | 3.35 |
| 45 | Chefs And Head Cooks | 3.35 |
| 46 | Embalmers | 3.35 |
| 47 | Tank Car, Truck, And Ship Loaders | 3.35 |
| 48 | Animal Control Workers | 3.34 |
| 49 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, And Magistrates | 3.34 |
| 50 | Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, And Applicators, Vegetation | 3.33 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
