To rank the most and least stressful careers from the 200 professions on the Jobs Rated report, CareerCast evaluated 11 stress factors: travel required; growth potential; deadlines; working in the public eye; competition in the field; physical demands; environmental conditions; hazards encountered on a regular basis; own life at risk; life of others at risk; and meeting or interacting with the public at large. The methodology can be found here.

We profiled the five most stressful and the five least stressful jobs, according to CareerCast's analysis. Data on median annual salary and projected hiring growth by 2026 are via the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Check out the five most stressful jobs >>>

5. Event coordinator

Stress score: 51.15

Annual median salary: $47,350 Growth outlook: 10 percent

What event coordinators do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Meeting, convention and event planners organize a variety of events, including weddings, educational conferences, and business conventions. They coordinate every detail of these events, including finances. Before planning a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting's purpose. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid, and they may survey attendees to obtain feedback on the event.

Work environment: Meeting, convention and event planners spend time in their offices and onsite at hotels or convention centers. They often travel to attend events and visit prospective meeting sites. During meetings or conventions, planners may work many more hours than usual. The work of meeting, convention, and event planners can be fast paced and demanding. Planners oversee many aspects of an event at the same time and face numerous deadlines, and they may coordinate multiple meetings or events at the same time.

How to become a meeting, convention or event planner: Most meeting, convention, and event planning positions require a bachelor's degree. Some hospitality industry experience related to event planning is considered valuable for many positions.

4. Police officer

Stress score: 51.97

Annual median salary: $61,600 Growth outlook: 7 percent

What police officers do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Police officers protect lives and property. They have regular patrols and also respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. During patrols, officers look for signs of criminal activity and may conduct searches and arrest suspected criminals.

Work environment: Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Police officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Working around the clock in shifts is common. Officers must be alert and ready to react throughout their entire shift. Officers regularly work at crime and accident scenes and encounter suffering and the results of violence. Although a career in law enforcement may be stressful, many officers find it rewarding to help members of their communities.

How to become a police officer: Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police officers must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 21 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications.

3. Airline pilot

Stress score: 61.07

Annual median salary: $105,270 Growth outlook: 4 percent

What airline pilots do:  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Airline pilots fly and navigate airplanes. Takeoff and landing can be the most demanding parts of a flight. They require close coordination among the pilot; copilot; flight engineer, if present; air traffic controllers; and ground personnel. Once in the air, the captain may have the first officer, if present, fly the aircraft, but the captain remains responsible for the aircraft. After landing, pilots fill out records that document their flight and the status of the aircraft.

Work environment: Pilots usually have variable work schedules, with overnight layovers that are more common for airline pilots. Pilots assigned to long-distance routes may experience fatigue and jetlag. Weather conditions may result in turbulence, requiring pilots to change the flying altitude. Flights can be long and flight decks are often sealed, so pilots work in small teams for long periods in close proximity to one another. The high level of concentration required to fly an aircraft and the mental stress of being responsible for the safety of passengers can be fatiguing. Pilots must be alert and quick to react if something goes wrong. Federal law requires pilots to retire at age 65.

How to become an airline pilot: Airline pilots typically begin their careers as commercial pilots or flight instructors. Commercial pilots need a high school diploma or equivalent and a commercial pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Airline pilots usually need a bachelor's degree and also must have the FAA-issued Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

2. Firefighter

Stress score: 72.43

Annual median salary: $48,030 Growth outlook: 7 percent

What firefighters do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Many firefighters are responsible for providing medical attention. Some firefighters also work in hazardous materials units and are specially trained to control and clean up hazardous materials, such as oil spills and chemical accidents. Wildland firefighters are specially trained firefighters who use heavy equipment and water hoses to control forest fires. Wildland firefighters also frequently create fire lines—a swath of cut-down trees and dug-up grass in the path of a fire—to deprive a fire of fuel. They also use prescribed fires to burn potential fire fuel under controlled conditions. Some wildland firefighters, known as smoke jumpers, parachute from airplanes to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

Work environment: Firefighters have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. They often encounter dangerous situations, including collapsing floors and walls, traffic accidents, and overexposure to flames and smoke. As a result, workers must wear protective gear to help lower these risks. Often, the protective gear can be very heavy and hot. Firefighters typically work long periods and varied hours. Overtime is common. Most firefighters work 24-hour shifts on duty and are off the following 48 or 72 hours. Some firefighters may work 10/14 shifts, which means 10 hours working and 14 hours off. When combating forest and wildland fires, firefighters may work for extended periods. For example, wildland firefighters may have to stay for days or weeks when a wildland fire breaks out.

How to become a firefighter: Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. Prospective firefighters must pass written and physical tests, complete a series of interviews, go through training at a fire academy, and hold an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Applicants for firefighter jobs typically must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. They must also pass a medical exam and drug screening to be hired. After being hired, firefighters may be subject to random drug tests and will also need to complete routine physical fitness assessments.

1. Enlisted military personnel (E3, 6+ years of experience)

Stress score: 72.47

Annual median salary: $26,054 Growth outlook: N/A

What enlisted military personnel do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Enlisted military personnel typically participate in, or support, military operations, such as combat or training operations, or humanitarian or disaster relief; operate, maintain, and repair equipment; perform technical and support activities; and supervise junior enlisted personnel.

Work environment: The specific work environments and conditions pertaining to military occupations depend on the occupational specialty, unit, branch of service, and other factors. Most active-duty military personnel live and work on or near military bases and facilities throughout the United States and the world. These bases and facilities usually offer housing and amenities, such as stores and recreation centers. Service members move regularly for training or job assignments, with most rotations lasting two to four years. Some are deployed internationally to defend U.S. national interests. Military members must be both physically and mentally fit, and ready to participate in, or support, combat missions that may be difficult and dangerous and involve long periods away from family. Some personnel, however, are rarely deployed near combat areas.

How to become a member of the Armed Forces: To join the military, applicants must meet age, education, aptitude, physical, and character requirements. These requirements vary by branch of service and for officers and enlisted members. Although entry requirements for each service vary, certain qualifications for enlistment are common to all branches: minimum of 17 years of age; U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status; have a high school diploma or equivalent; never convicted of a felony; and able to pass a medical exam. Applicants who are 17 years old must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian before entering the military.

Top 5 least-stressful jobs

5. Medical records technician

Stress score: 8.54 Annual median salary: $38,040 Growth outlook: 13 percent

What medical records technicians do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients' medical and treatment histories. The increasing adaptation and use of electronic health records will continue to change the job responsibilities of health information technicians. Technicians will need to be familiar with, or be able to learn, EHR computer software, follow EHR security and privacy practices, and analyze electronic data to improve healthcare information.

Work environment: Medical records and health information technicians typically work in offices and may spend many hours in front of computer monitors. Some technicians may work from home. Most health information technicians work full time. In health-care facilities that are always open, such as hospitals, technicians may work evening or overnight shifts.

How to become a medical records or health information technician: Health information technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation, although some may need an associate's degree. Certification is often required.

4. University professor

Stress score: 8.16 Annual median salary: $75,430 Growth outlook: 15 percent

What university professors do: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: University professors, part of the BIS' occupational category postsecondary teachers, instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books. Professors may teach large classes of several hundred students (often with the help of graduate teaching assistants), smaller classes of about 40 to 50 students, seminars with just a few students, or laboratories where students practice the subject matter. They work with an increasingly varied student population as more part-time, older, and culturally diverse students are going to postsecondary schools.

Work environment: Many postsecondary teachers find their jobs rewarding because they are surrounded by others who enjoy the subject they teach. The opportunity to share their expertise with others is appealing to many. However, some postsecondary teachers must find a balance between teaching students and doing research and publishing their findings. This can be stressful, especially for beginning teachers seeking advancement in four-year research universities. Postsecondary teachers' schedules generally are flexible. Full-time teachers need to be on campus to teach classes and have office hours. Otherwise, they are free to set their schedule to prepare for classes and grade assignments. They may also spend time carrying out administrative responsibilities, such as serving on committees.

How to become a postsecondary teacher: Educational requirements vary by subject and the type of educational institution. Typically, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D. However, a master's degree may be enough for some postsecondary teachers at community colleges, and others may need work experience in their field of expertise.

3. Audiologist

Stress score: 7.22 Annual median salary: $75,980 Growth outlook: 20 percent

What audiologists do:  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Audiologists use audiometers, computers and other devices to test patients' hearing ability and balance. They work to determine the extent of hearing damage and identify the underlying cause. Audiologists measure the loudness at which a person begins to hear sounds and the person's ability to distinguish between sounds and understand speech.

Work environment: Most audiologists work in healthcare facilities, such as physicians' offices, audiology clinics, and hospitals. Some work in schools or for school districts, and travel between facilities. Others work in health and personal care stores.

How to become an audiologist: Audiologists need a doctoral degree and must be licensed in all states. Requirements for licensure vary by state.

2. Hair stylist

Stress score: 6.61 Annual median salary: $24,300 Growth outlook: 10 percent

What hair stylists do:  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Hair stylists offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling. They often advise clients, both male and female, on how to care for their hair at home. Hair stylists also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling and flat irons.

Work environment: Hair stylists work mostly in a salon, although some work in a spa, hotel, or resort. Some lease booth space from a salon owner, and some manage salons or open their own shop after several years of experience. Physical stamina is important, because they are on their feet for most of their shift. Prolonged exposure to some chemicals may cause skin irritation, so they often wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves or aprons. Those who run their own salon may have long hours. Work schedules often include evenings and weekends — the times when salons are busiest. Those who are self-employed usually determine their own schedules.

How to become a hair stylist: All states require hair stylists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates are required to graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program and then pass a state exam for licensure.

1. Diagnostic medical sonographer

Stress score: 5.11 Annual median salary: $64,280 Growth outlook: 17 percent

What diagnostic medical sonographers do:  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook: Diagnostic medical sonographers, also called diagnostic imaging workers, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. Diagnostic medical sonographers specialize in creating images of the body's organs and tissues. The images are known as sonograms or ultrasounds. Sonograms are often the first imaging tests performed when disease is suspected.

Work environment: Diagnostic medical sonographers complete most of their work at diagnostic imaging machines in dimly lit rooms. They may perform procedures at patients' bedsides. Diagnostic imaging workers may be on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are ill or disabled. Most diagnostic imaging workers work full time. Some may work evenings, weekends, or overnight because they work in facilities that are always open.

How to become a diagnostic medical sonographer: Diagnostic medical sonographers need formal education, such as an associate's degree or a postsecondary certificate. Many employers also require professional certification.