9 Most Stressful Jobs with Not Enough Pay
Written by
Sean Fisher, AI Editor
Edited by
Sean Fisher
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Every job comes with its share of stress, but some occupations bear a significantly heavier burden compared to the financial compensation they offer. This article sheds light on nine of the most stressful jobs that, unfortunately, don’t always come with a paycheck that matches the pressure.
Make Money With AI and ChatGPT: How To Earn $1,000 a MonthMore: How To Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs are often the first on the scene during a crisis, making life-or-death decisions daily. While this work is essential, it’s also highly stressful. However, the average pay for EMTs often falls short of reflecting the intensity of their work.
Social Worker
Helping others navigate personal and social challenges is rewarding but can be emotionally taxing. Despite the high levels of stress involved, social workers often earn less than other professionals with similar education levels.
Teacher
Shaping young minds is an immense responsibility and a source of stress, particularly in under-resourced schools. The profession demands long hours, often extending beyond the classroom, yet teachers’ salaries don’t always match their workload.
Journalist
Meeting tight deadlines, chasing stories, and maintaining objectivity in stressful situations are common stressors for journalists. While the work is intellectually stimulating, the industry is notorious for its modest pay scales.
Military Personnel
Serving in the military is inherently stressful due to the life-threatening situations involved and the significant physical and mental demands. Despite the risks and sacrifices, compensation can be underwhelming, particularly for lower-ranking officers.
Police Officer
Ensuring public safety and facing potential danger is part of a police officer’s job description. Despite the high-stress nature of their work and the irregular hours, the salaries in law enforcement often don’t compensate for the risk.
Restaurant Server
Restaurant servers often work long hours, on their feet, dealing with demanding customers. While tips can sometimes boost earnings, the base salary in the service industry often falls short of the stress and physical demands.
Healthcare Support Staff
Nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare support staff provide critical services in hospitals and clinics. The physical demands, coupled with the emotional stress of patient care, can be overwhelming. Despite this, compensation in these roles is often not commensurate with the job stress.
Retail Workers
Retail work can be demanding, especially during holiday seasons or sales. Dealing with difficult customers and managing inventory can be stressful, yet the compensation is typically low, particularly for part-time workers. Yes, working in the food industry is just, maybe even more stressful, but with servers, cooks, and bartenders being able to make money off tips compared to retail, makes retail even worse.
Side Gig: Earn Up To $200/Hour With This Easy-To-Start Job, No College Degree Required
The jobs listed above, while fulfilling in their own ways, entail high levels of stress and often lack the financial remuneration to match. This discrepancy underscores the need for policy changes and industry-wide shifts to ensure better working conditions and fairer compensation for these essential roles.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
More From GOBankingRates
