Newspaper reporter ranks as worst job: Report

Actuary takes top spot on best jobs list

Newspaper reporter, a job that traditionally has attracted many aspiring writers, been romanticized in movies and helped bring down corrupt presidents, has been named the worst job in the United States, according to a new report.

Lumberjack, enlisted military personnel, actor and oil rig worker round out the top five worst jobs, found the Jobs Rated Report by CareerCast.com.

Newspaper reporters have fared poorly in the report for years due to the job's high stress and tight deadlines, low pay and requirement to work in all conditions to get the story. Ever-shrinking newsrooms, dwindling budgets and Internet competition have created a very difficult environment, driving the position to dead last on this year’s report.

CareerCast.com ranks 200 jobs that are evaluated on four core criteria: environment, income, outlook and stress. And each of those core categories includes a range of sub-categories.

High pay, low stress, a robust hiring outlook, a healthy work environment and minimal physical exertion combine to make actuary the top job for 2013. Biomedical engineer, software engineer, audiologist and financial planner round out the top five.

Top 10 best jobs in 2013

1. Actuary
2. Biomedical engineer
3. Software engineer
4. Audiologist
5. Financial planner
6. Dental hygienist
7. Occupational therapist
8. Optometrist
9. Physical therapist
10. Computer systems analyst

Top 10 worst jobs in 2013

1. Newspaper reporter
2. Lumberjack
3. Enlisted military personnel
4. Actor
5. Oil rig worker
6. Dairy farmer
7. Meter reader
8. Mail carrier
9. Roofer
10. Flight attendant

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