University professors have least stressful job? Depends on school, class size, pay

By Hilary Frew on January 19, 2013

That is a question many people may ponder.  While irate students and budget cuts might put some stress on a professor, one recent study has found there is little, if any stress they experience.

Career-cast.com released a list of  ’The Ten Least Stressful Jobs’.

1. College professor

2.  Seamstress/tailor

3.  Medical records technician

4.  Jeweler

5.  Medical Laboratory technician

6.  Audiologist

7.  Dietician

8.  Hair stylist

9. Librarian

10. Drill press operator

A very interesting list of occupations to say the least.

Stress level depends on school

According to the Career-Caster website, college professors have a low stress rating, only 6.45. However, it is my belief that the stress rating can vary depending on the class size and the college itself. For example, if you teach at a big, public university like Ohio State, it seems a little easier than if you taught at a competitive, private school, such as Harvard.

Student Participation

Why is this? I think more students participate in office hours and are more reliant on professors for assistance with homework at a tougher, private school. Whereas at OSU, with huge lecture halls and hundreds of students in a class at once, the stress level is not as high. This is because professors know that most students in a 400-person class won’t go to office hours and maybe half will actually bother to attend. Because they don’t usually take attendance and base all their grading on assignments and exams, it allows their job of giving A’s, C’s or  F’s much easier.

Public vs. Private Salaries

The yearly earnings for a full-time professor at Harvard is $198,400, compared to a public university where the median pay is $62,050, according to the Career-Caster website.  Higher salaries could equal more stress on the individual receiving them. Perhaps it is a competitive position and they are expected to maintain higher student ratings than those at a lower paying public university.

Again, this topic is up for debate. However, I do believe once a professor gets a tenure position, that this study’s finding can be considered more accurate amongst professors of those in that particular situation.

 

 

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