What job has the highest burnout?

Who’s Most at Risk for Job Burnout?

Nurses are facing the highest risk of burnout among all professions, with a staggering 6.9% likelihood of experiencing it, according to the latest data. This isn’t surprising to those familiar with the relentless demands of healthcare. Long shifts, emotional strain, and the pressure of life-or-death decisions take a quiet, cumulative toll.

Emergency room physicians follow closely behind, clocking in at 6.6%—a number that reflects the intensity of their work environment. Constant emergencies, unpredictable hours, and high-stakes decisions wear down even the most dedicated. Similarly, primary-care doctors face burnout at 6.2%, often stretched thin by overwhelming patient loads and administrative burdens.

Outside of medicine, child and family social workers are also under immense strain, with a 6.0% risk. These professionals navigate complex emotional landscapes, often with limited resources and support. Meanwhile, teachers and EMTs round out the top five, both hovering between 5.4% and 5.6%. Teachers grapple with rising expectations, inadequate pay, and emotional labor, while EMTs battle unpredictable calls, trauma exposure, and erratic schedules.

What ties these roles together isn’t just long hours—it’s emotional intensity, moral weight, and systemic pressures. These jobs demand not just time, but a piece of one’s soul. Burnout isn’t a personal failing; it’s often a byproduct of systems that demand heroic effort without providing proportional support.

The data speaks volumes. Recognizing which professions are most vulnerable is the first step toward meaningful change—better staffing, mental health support, and workplace reforms. Because when those who care the most are breaking down, it’s not just their crisis. It’s ours.