You've seen the best, now see the rest.
Earlier this week we posted the top 10 best U.S. jobs for 2014. Today we focus on the bottom 10 out of 200 jobs ranked by the 2014 Jobs Rated report. Rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and from a range of other governmental agencies, trade associations and private survey firms.
Jobs are graded on the four “core criteria” of environment, income, outlook and stress — the general categories inherent to every job.
While the insurance-related job of actuary made it to No. 4 on the top 10 list, only two other insurance jobs appeared on the 200-job survey. Neither was in the bottom 10, but they didn't rank very highly, either. Check the last page to see how they did.
Here are the 10 worst jobs in 2014:
200: Lumberjack
BLS Median Annual Salary: $24,340
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 4%
Jobs Rated Score (the lower the better): 739
The numbers prove that if you're a lumberjack, you're not OK. Technological advancement have contributed to dwindling opportunities for a job that's inherently dangerous and low-paying to begin with.
199: Newspaper reporter
BLS Median Annual Salary: $37,090
Projected Job Growth by 2022: -13%
Jobs Rated Score: 726
Here's the scoop: print journalism sucks. A job that has lost its luster dramatically over the past five years is expected to plummet even further by 2022 as more print publications close up shop.
198: Enlisted military personnel
BLS Median Annual Salary: $28,840
Projected Job Growth by 2022: N/A
Jobs Rated Score: 689
Not surprisingly, enlisted military personnel is the most stressful job of 2014, with the men and women who volunteer in the Armed Forces routinely placed in dangerous situations.
197: Taxi driver
BLS Median Annual Salary: $22,820
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 16%
Jobs Rated Score: 649
You talkin' to me? Taxi driving can be stressful and dangerous, and doesn't even pay well.
196: Broadcaster
BLS Median Annual Salary: $55,380
Projected Job Growth by 2022: -13%
Jobs Rated Score: 646
Another formerly “glamorous” profession bites the dust. The industry faces an unfavorable long-term job outlook, resulting in fewer opportunities, tough competition and high levels of stress.
195: Head cook
BLS Median Annual Salary: $42,480
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 5%
Jobs Rated Score: 645
Newly added this year, the position of head cook is highly stressful. And although lucrative opportunities exist, income is not always commensurate with the inherent challenges of the job.
194: Flight attendant
BLS Median Annual Salary: $37,240
Projected Job Growth by 2022: -7%
Jobs Rated Score: 642
High stress, low pay and a shrinking job market all contribute to flight attendant's inclusion among the worst jobs of 2014. The BLS projects virtually no change in job prospects, as airlines continue to consolidate and reduce staff.
193: Garbage collector
BLS Median Annual Salary: $22,970
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 10%
Jobs Rated Score: 641
It's a dirty, volatile job market for garbage collectors, according to Department of Labor statistics. Unemployment fluctuated wildly between 2013 and 2014, and low income levels and a gross work environment also make for a challenging career.
192: Firefighter
BLS Median Annual Salary: $45,250
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 7%
Jobs Rated Score: 640
Forget the pinup calendars: firefighters face high-stress, dangerous situations as part of their daily work days.
191: Corrections officer
BLS Median Annual Salary: $38,970
Projected Job Growth by 2022: 5%
Jobs Rated Score: 636
Few careers face danger comparable to that which corrections officers see on a routine basis. The job ranks near the bottom for work environment. Growth outlook is low, as is average salary.
Bonus! Besides actuary, here are the only other two insurance-related fields listed in the study:
67. Insurance underwriter
Assesses and analyzes the risks inherent in insuring potential policy holders before making recommendations to the insurance companies that employ them.
- Overall Score: 342
- Income: $62,870
- Work Environment: 20
- Stress: 62
- Hiring Outlook: 190
158. Insurance agent
Sells insurance packages and advises clients about amount and type of coverage based on needs and circumstances.
- Overall Score: 529
- Income: $48,150
- Work Environment: 160
- Stress: 172
- Hiring Outlook: 86
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