12. Psychologist
Median Salary: $67,650
Projected Growth: 22%
Why: "Psychologists tend to work with difficult clients, and the field’s median pay scale and hiring outlook are slightly below comparable positions in the health care industry. Aspiring psychologists also face a crowded market, as The Princeton Review says psychology is one of the top three current college majors by enrollment."
Source: CareerCast
11. Economist
Median Salary: $91,860
Projected Growth: 6%
Why:"Economist is great work – if you can get it. While the median salary is among the top 25 of all careers measured by the 2013 Jobs Rated report, the hiring outlook is low."
Source: CareerCast
10. Computer programmer
Median Salary: $74,280
Projected Growth: 12%
Why: "Careers in technology are typically winners, but the outlook for computer programmers lags behind other paths in the industry. The BLS reports that many American companies opt to send their computer programming work overseas at lower rates, thereby diminishing job prospects domestically."
Source: CareerCast
9. Attorney
Median Salary: $113,530
Projected Growth: 10%
Why: "Job prospects for breaking into the field grow increasingly dimmer. The Wall Street Journal reports hiring of recent law school graduates dwindled all the way down to 62% in 2012, a drop off from 85% a year ago."
Source: CareerCast
8. Commercial airline pilot
Median Salary: $114,200
Projected Growth: 11%
Why: "The rigors of being a commercial airline pilot make it one of the three most stressful jobs, according to our 2013 rankings. Add a stagnant job market, and the job’s inclusion on the list is undeniable."
Source: CareerCast
7. Architect
Median Salary: $73,090
Projected Growth: 24%
Why: "The burst of the housing bubble and stagnant growth across most sectors of construction have limited the opportunities for architects in recent years. The industry’s outlook is now positive per the BLS, but those who pursue this career must be ready for high levels of stress and a work environment that ranks poorly, according to our methodology."
Source: CareerCast
6. Event coordinator
Median Salary: $45,810
Projected Growth: 44%
Why: "Event coordinators have many critics to win over with each project, namely the attendees. This lends itself to a difficult work environment — No. 6 among the most stressful jobs of 2012, in fact. The reward is not necessarily commensurate with the stress, either. The median pay is $45,810, lower than many of the positions in this list."
Source: CareerCast
5. Senior corporate executive
Median Salary: $168,140
Projected Growth: 5%
Why: "Senior corporate executives are tasked with shaping policy that impacts almost every facet of a business. So many make-or-break choices results in a lot of scrutiny, and even more stress on those bearing this responsibility."
Source: CareerCast
4. Public relations manager
Median Salary: $95,450
Projected Growth: 21%
Why: "Stress levels on public relations managers are among the highest of all careers because of demanding media, audience, and clients. The pursuit of jobs is also competitive. Public relations also is among the most common majors for recent college graduates, adding more competition into the candidate pool."
Source: CareerCast
3. Stockbroker
Median Salary: $72,060
Projected Growth: 15%
Why: "Despite recent strength, up-and-down markets both domestically and internationally have upped the stress on stockbrokers, and market volatility makes failure in the eyes of their clients a more likely possibility for those in the industry."
Source: CareerCast
2. Surgeon
Median Salary: More than $166,400*
Projected Growth: 24%
Why: The high stress surgeons face on a daily basis surpasses that of most any other profession. Becoming a surgeon requires exhaustive training, first at the postgraduate level, followed by a residency.
* denotes BLS estimate covering a wide range over $166,400 annually
Source: CareerCast
1. Advertising account executive
Median Salary: $66,913
Projected Growth: 14%
Why: "Turnover resulting from the pressure of high expectations and the competitive nature of the industry makes advertising agency executive one of the most stressful jobs available. Hiring outlook for the field is also low."
Source: CareerCast
