Most Stressful Jobs in 2025

Stressful jobs can be fulfilling when they make a difference in people’s health, public safety, or a company’s bottom line. And high-stress jobs often come with high pay.
But before jumping at a big paycheck, there’s more to consider. A high salary can offset a high-pressure role, but it’s important to consider other factors, such as your physical and mental health.
Here is a list of some of the most stressful jobs in 2025 with respect to the pace of work, physical work conditions, and work review frequency by supervisors.

7. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median salary: $48,800
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Expected job growth by 2033: 48%
Solar photovoltaic installer ranks No.1 among both the Best Construction Jobs and the Best Jobs Without a College Degree. These professionals are responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining solar panel systems on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It’s a physically demanding and stressful job that involves working outdoors in all kinds of weather, often at elevated positions.
That said, it’s one of the fastest-growing jobs out there – the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 48% employment growth for solar photovoltaic installers within the next decade.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Median salary: $84,470
Education required: Associate degree
Expected job growth by 2033: 15.1%
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound technology to help diagnose medical conditions. They typically work alongside physicians in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers to detect conditions such as heart disease, pregnancy complications, and tumors.
The job can be stressful since you must be able to accurately capture and interpret imaging results as well as handle emotional moments.

5. Medical Assistant

Median salary: $42,000
Education required: Postsecondary nondegree award
Expected job growth by 2033: 15%
Medical assistant ranks No. 5 among the
Medical assistants handle the administrative and clinical tasks at a physician’s office. They have tremendous responsibilities. It includes taking patients’ vital signs, managing patient records, and handling insurance paperwork. A medical assistant’s profession can be stressful since health care settings are often fast-paced due to high patient volumes.

4. Carpenter

Median salary: $56,350
Education required: High school diploma or equivalent
Expected job growth by 2033: 4.2%
Carpenters construct, install, and repair wooden structures, such as homes and furniture. The job is physically demanding and requires high levels of precision and focus. As a carpenter, your stress could come from demanding projects, tight deadlines, and potential injuries on job sites.

3. Dental hygienist

Median salary: $87,530
Education required: Associate degree
Expected job growth by 2033: 9.2%
Dental hygienists perform cleanings, examine patients for dental issues. They also provide them guidance on dental care. The job requires a high level of attention. It requires detail and dexterity which can lead to stress after long hours.

2. Construction Worker

Median salary: $45,300
Education required: No formal education credential
Expected job growth by 2033: 8.2%
Construction workers perform a wide range of tasks. It includes laying foundations, installing electrical and plumbing systems, operating heavy machinery, setting up structural frameworks, and assembling building structures. The job involves long hours of physical labor. S/he is exposed to potential safety hazards, which makes it a stressful career.

1. Veterinary Technologist and Technician

Median salary: $43,740
Education required: Associate degree
Expected job growth by 2033: 19.3%
These health care professionals help veterinarians treat animals by conducting lab tests, administering medications, preparing vaccines, and assisting with surgeries. The role requires technical skills and the ability to handle distressed animals, which can be emotionally challenging and stressful.