Do you have the ‘toughest’ job in the US? New survey reveals most grueling gigs

Construction workers, firefighters, military personnel and doctors — these are the “toughest jobs in America,” according to a new survey.

The poll included 2,000 Americans (1,000 of whom are trade workers), asking respondents what they believe the “toughest” jobs are and what comes to mind when they think of “tough jobs.”

Police officers ranked No. 5, followed by EMTs and astronauts.

While some listed unique professions, others shared descriptors of what makes a job challenging, like “solving other people’s problems all day with little to no help,” “constantly making quick decisions and being stuck in stressful situations daily” or “something that pushes my physical and mental limits.”

Commissioned by Bosch Power Tools and conducted by Talker Research, the survey revealed that, whether or not they fit into those specific categories, 40% of employed Americans believe their job is hard. Trade workers were more than twice as likely to grade their job as difficult (50% vs. 21%).

One in five employed respondents — both within and outside of the trades — emphasized the grit that goes into their daily responsibilities, believing that you need to be “extremely tough” to do their job.

A majority of respondents admit that trade workers are, on average, tougher than non-trade workers (72%), and 81% of all surveyed don’t think trade workers get enough credit for the work that they do. 

Despite not getting enough credit, those who are not actively in the trades would still consider pursuing them.

Nearly half (49%) of the non-trade respondents said that they would be open to doing trade work as a career and 68% of respondents who didn’t have access to trade skills courses (wood shop, mechanics, etc.) in high school said they would have enrolled if given the option.

Additionally, the results found that 43% of those who are not currently in trade work have done it in the past and would do it again (70%).

As trade work continues to grow in popularity, nine in 10 respondents would encourage younger Americans to consider a trade job for a career opportunity (88%).

“Pursuing a career in the trades offers a variety of benefits with hands-on experiences that cultivate practical skills and provide a lifelong sense of purpose,” said Robert Hesse, regional president of Bosch Power Tools in North America. “Just like any job, being a trade worker has its challenges, but in a world of shifting industries, the skilled trades remain a reliable and rewarding path for more and more Americans.”

Trade workers shared some words that they want the public to know about them or their work — such as “without trade workers, non-trade jobs wouldn’t be available,” “you can earn a decent living working in the trades without having to spend a bunch of money on a college degree” and “it takes more than physical strength. You have to be smart and problem solving.” 

From their time on the job, trade workers agree that jobsite safety is of the utmost importance. 

Ahead of Construction Safety Week, trade workers want to see more support from their employers to improve jobsite safety, including making sure everyone knows how to use equipment (32%), receives safety training (28%) and emergency training for when the unexpected happens onsite (27%).

In fact, over half of trade workers have had up to four “close calls” while on the job in the past year (57%).

Of those who have experienced a close call in the past year, 31% of trade workers have prioritized their wellbeing and left a job or worksite because it felt unsafe.

As a result, risk assessment (27%) and promoting a culture of safety (26%) are also areas that trade workers would want to see improvement from their employers.

“In the trades, every task carries weight — and so does every safety step,” said Hesse. “Wearing your safety gear, using tools and equipment correctly, following protocols and staying alert isn’t just about rules; it’s about making sure you get home safe and healthy. Safety is the foundation of every successful trade. By committing to safety, you honor the craft, protect your future and set the standard for excellence in one of the most essential — and tough —professions.”

THE TOUGHEST JOBS IN AMERICA

1. Firefighter — 48%
2. Construction worker — 44%
3. Military — 38%
4. Doctor — 38%
5. Police officer — 37%
6. EMT or paramedic — 35%
7. Astronaut — 32%
8. Farmer — 29%
9. Air traffic controller — 29%
10. Oil worker — 25%
11. Nurse — 18%
12. Roofer — 16%
13. Electrician — 16% [TIED]
14. Home builder — 16% [TIED]
15. Engineer — 15%
16. Pilot — 14% [TIED]
17. Teacher — 14% [TIED]
18. Lawyer — 13%
19. Carpenter, woodworker or cabinet maker — 12%
20. Drywall/plaster installer — 12%

WHAT DO TRADE WORKERS WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT THEM/THEIR WORK?

• “We work hard so people can enjoy their land, homes.”
• “We represent the ideal that your skills and ability represent who you are and what you can do, not some piece of paper.”
• “Without trade workers, nontrade jobs wouldn’t be available.”
• “Trade workers should be respected because they do work behind the scenes that none of us want to do.”
• “That you can earn a decent living working in the trades without having to spend a bunch of money on a college degree.”
• “They deserve just as much respect as any other job.”
• “They maintain the things you love and use every day. They build the things that bring you daily comfort no matter the conditions.”
• “That a tradesman may not have a degree, but it makes him no less valuable than the next guy because his trade takes years to learn and is worth just as much as the doctor if having something fixed or built is what makes you feel better.”
• “It takes more than physical strength. You have to be smart and problem solving.”
• “It’s an alternative choice for those who feel they are not college bound or do not want to go to college. They can still have a fairly good life and career. There are many different areas of the skilled trades to choose from.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 1,000 general population Americans and 1,000 American trade workers; the survey was commissioned by Bosch Power Tools and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 8 and April 17, 2025.