"Newspaper Reporter" Ranks as Nation's Worst Job, Says CareerCast's 2013 Jobs Rated Report

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 nation, according to the new 2013 CareerCast.com Jobs Rated Report, which has ranked the best and worst U.S. jobs for 25 years.

Ranked at job number 126 when the first Jobs Rated Report was published in 1988, 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 Jobs Rated Report. But journalism is not a dying art, nor is reporting a profession without prospects. Rethinking the industry has made reporters adapt.

"People who love to write can consider working for online publications or transition to advertising or public relations," says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast.com. "Many jobs in communications offer better hours, greater stability, a work/life balance and a healthier hiring outlook than being a newspaper reporter."

Technological advancements hurt other professions ranked among the worst jobs of 2013, including meter reader, which is often done digitally and mail carrier.

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. 

"The best jobs offer the ultimate career goal -- personal fulfillment," says Lee.  "They also offer a bright outlook and job opportunities for years to come."

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

Worst Jobs in 2013

200.  Newspaper Reporter
199.  Lumberjack
198.  Enlisted Military Personnel
197.  Actor
196.  Oil Rig Worker
195.  Dairy Farmer
194.  Meter Reader
193.  Mail Carrier
192.  Roofer
191.  Flight Attendant

To see the full rankings of all 200 jobs and the report's methodology, go to http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/worst-jobs-2013

SOURCE CareerCast.com