With Americans working longer hours and tackling more responsibilities, on-the-job stress is to be expected. Yet some careers are considerably tougher than others, whether due to time pressure, competition or physical and psychological exertion. Here we look at the most stressful professions in the U.S., as well as the jobs least likely to strain a worker.

Although conditions in the United States labor market are slowly improving, millions of Americans still struggle to find employment, and many of those who do have jobs are forced to work harder for less pay just to hold on to their position. Needless to say, these circumstances have made dealing with stress a pressing concern in the modern workplace.

According to a survey from human resources consultancy WorldatWork, 66 percent of employees reported suffering sustained, high stress levels at work in 2011, and 29 percent said they came in to work five or more days last year when they were too stressed to be effective. Respondents cited workload as the leading cause of stress, followed by people issues, work-life balance and concerns over job security.

U.S. workers may be facing an above-average level of stress when compared with global workplace standards. Related findings from WorldatWork reveal that 56 percent of employees in the U.S. take work home with them at the end of the day more than three times a week, compared with 43 percent globally. Moreover, 11 percent of U.S. workers regularly work more than 11 hours a day, compared with 10 percent globally.

Conditions also tend to be more stressful within small business. Thirteen percent of small-business employees in the U.S. regularly work 11-hour days, compared with just 4 percent of employees at large businesses.

Of course, everyone is bound to experience work-related stress at some point in his or her career (if not every day), but there are a few occupations that can take a particularly high toll on employees. The following are the top 5 most stressful jobs in the U.S., as compiled by employment research firm CareerCast.com:

1. Enlisted Soldier — With an average annual income of $35,580, a soldier’s duties can vary widely depending on the assignment, but in times of conflict troops must often put their lives on the line, giving them the top spot for the most stressful possible job.
2. Firefighter — With an average annual income of $45,250, firefighters are tasked with saving victims from burning buildings, putting out fires and responding to serious accidents. The combination of dangerous situations and having to make life or death decisions makes firefighting one of the most stressful occupations.
3. Airline Pilot — With an average annual income of $103,210, pilots face intense pressure to keep their passengers safe while also meeting tight travel deadlines, sometimes in difficult weather. Coupled with irregular hours and perpetual jet lag, it’s no wonder being an airline pilot is a tough line of work.
4. Military General — With an average annual income of $196,300, high-ranking military commanders must manage incredibly complex operations ranging from training to battle, and are responsible for the health and safety of their troops, resulting in a highly stressful job.
5. Police Officer — With an average annual income of $53,540, a police officer must protect the public against crime and investigate wrongdoing, often serving as a first-responder to dangerous events. This high level of responsibility and risk makes law enforcement one of the more stressful jobs today.

The remaining five jobs on the most stressful list, in descending order of stress and with average salary included, are: event coordinator ($45,260); public relations executive ($91,810); senior corporate executive ($165,830); photojournalist ($40,000); and taxi driver ($22,440).

While these professions are generally regarded as high-pressure, stress levels in a work environment can vary widely depending on the employee. For example, tight deadlines may put strain on one worker, but another might find them exhilarating.

However, some careers are less likely to induce strain on employees, at least based on the criteria of time pressure, workload and the exposure to physical or mental stressors. For those who are looking for a more leisurely work experience, CareerCast also provides this list of the least stressful jobs:

1. Medical Records Technician — With an average annual income of $32,350, these workers must maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records for treatment, billing and statistical purposes.
2. Jeweler — With an average annual income of $35,170, a jeweler manufactures and repairs rings, bracelets, pins and necklaces, often working with precious or semi-precious stones.
3. Hair Stylist — With an average annual income of $22,760, creating hair styles and advising clients about hair care issues are a stylist’s primary responsibilities.
4. Dressmaker/Tailor — With an average annual income of $26,560, a tailor follows design instructions to sew, reinforce and decorate garments or other textiles.
5. Medical Laboratory Technician — With an average annual income of $36,280, lab technicians conduct tests and analyses used for detecting, diagnosing and treating diseases.

The remaining five jobs on the least stressful list are: audiologist ($66,660); precision assembler ($31,250); dietitian ($53,250); furniture upholsterer ($29,960); and electrical technician ($56,040).

Regardless of whether you’re in a highly stressful profession or a relatively laidback one, you’re likely to be working harder than in years past given the current economic climate, and long hours tend to take their toll. According to a recent Towers Watson survey, 65 percent of businesses report their employees having been working more hours over the past three years, and 53 percent expect this trend to continue for the next three years. As a result, more than half (56 percent) of U.S. employers are worried about their workers’ work-life balance.

“In the short run, having employees work extra hours can increase productivity, but in the long run, extended hours can negatively affect employee well-being and retention,” Laurie Bienstock, North America leader of rewards consulting at Towers Watson, said. “Employees at many organizations are already suffering from change fatigue. As a result, when the labor market does recover, companies can expect a sharp increase in voluntary turnover, especially if they do not address employee concerns, and deliver reward and talent management programs more effectively.”

Earlier

The Most (and Least) Stressful Jobs

Tips to Tackle Year-End Deadlines

Competing With (Not Against) Coworkers

On-the-Job Stress Tips

Are Employees Penalized for Work-Life Balance?

Resources

Employees are Too Stressed to be Effective
WorldatWork, Oct. 25, 2011

Most U.S. Workers Stay at the Office Late and Bring Work Home
WorldatWork, Nov. 3, 2011

The 10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2012
by Victoria Brienza
CareerCast.com, 2012

The 10 Least Stressful Jobs of 2012
by Victoria Brienza
CareerCast.com, 2012

More U.S. Companies Having Difficulty Attracting Critical-Skill Employees…
Towers Watson, Oct. 10, 2011