Workplace stress has become an unavoidable part of modern life. From long shifts and heavy workloads to mental strain and constant multitasking, American workers are under more pressure than ever before. That reality is the backdrop for a new report from Beauty and Bodywork Insurance: Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage.
The report highlights which professions face the highest physical and mental stress, providing insights into how different jobs take a toll on the body and mind. These findings matter not only for workers themselves, but also for employers, policymakers, and wellness professionals who want to reduce stress and improve health outcomes.
Stress in the Workplace Today
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 77 percent of employees reported experiencing work-related stress within the past month. Nearly 60 percent said stress directly impacts their mental health. Chronic workplace stress has been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and depression, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
These numbers make it clear: stress is not just an individual issue. It is a public health concern with wide-ranging consequences for performance, productivity, and overall well-being.
What the Report Found
Beauty and Bodywork Insurance’s new report spotlights the professions under the most strain. The study separates jobs into two categories: those that are the most physically stressful and those that are the most mentally stressful.
Top 5 Most Physically Stressful Jobs:
- Firefighters
- Flight Attendants
- Laborers & Material Movers
- Line Installers & Repairers
- Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists
These jobs share one theme: constant physical exertion. Firefighters, for example, routinely carry heavy gear while responding to life-threatening emergencies. Laborers and material movers spend long shifts lifting and transporting objects that can strain the back, knees, and shoulders. Bus and truck mechanics work in awkward positions, dealing with heavy parts and the physical hazards of machinery.
Top 5 Most Mentally Stressful Jobs:
- Flight Attendants
- Small Engine Mechanics
- Physician Assistants
- Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers
- Bailiffs, Jailers & Correctional Officers
Here, emotional strain takes the lead. Pilots are responsible for hundreds of lives during every flight. Correctional officers face daily exposure to conflict and potential danger. Physician assistants juggle demanding patient care responsibilities with administrative tasks, often on long and unpredictable schedules.
Interestingly, flight attendants appear in both categories, underscoring the unique combination of physical and mental stress they endure.
How Massage Can Help
Massage therapy has long been recognized as more than just a way to relax. Research shows that massage can reduce cortisol levels by up to 31 percent while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters associated with positive mood and relaxation.
Massage can:
- Reduce muscle soreness and tension caused by repetitive physical work
- Improve circulation, aiding recovery for physically demanding jobs
- Lower anxiety and promote better sleep for those experiencing mental strain
- Support overall mental health by offering a space for rest and recovery
The Mayo Clinic Health System notes that massage can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, making it a powerful tool for managing the psychological impact of work stress.
Final Takeaways
The Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage report is a timely reminder that stress is not evenly distributed across the workforce. Some jobs demand more from the body, others from the mind, and many from both.
As we move through 2025, it is clear that employers who take stress seriously will be better positioned to attract and retain workers. Offering wellness benefits like massage therapy is not just a perk—it is a proactive investment in the health and productivity of employees.
For those in the professions highlighted in the report, stress relief is not optional. It is essential for sustaining performance, safety, and well-being in some of the country’s most demanding roles.