The U.S. Jobs Most in Need of a Massage: New Report Reveals the Top 10

Stress has become an undeniable hallmark of the American workplace. But which jobs carry the heaviest load physically and mentally? Beauty and Bodywork Insurance has released a new report, Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage, that identifies the professions most impacted by high stress in 2025. The findings highlight not only which workers face the steepest demands but also why practices like massage therapy could be a lifeline in helping them cope.

The Top 5 Most Physically Stressful Jobs

The report ranks five occupations where physical demands take the greatest toll on workers’ bodies:

1. Firefighters – Constantly on call, facing life threatening situations, and carrying heavy equipment, firefighters endure extreme physical strain on top of emotional weight.
2. Flight Attendants – Beyond serving passengers, flight attendants handle irregular schedules, long hours on their feet, and the stress of ensuring passenger safety in emergencies.
3. Laborers & Material Movers – With repetitive heavy lifting and often unsafe working conditions, this group faces high risks of musculoskeletal injury.
4. Line Installers & Repairers – Whether climbing utility poles or repairing dangerous electrical lines, these workers are exposed to physically punishing environments.
5. Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Specialists – Long hours in awkward positions and exposure to heavy machinery leave these workers vulnerable to chronic physical stress.

Jobs in this category often combine the wear and tear of physical exertion with an elevated risk of injury. This makes them prime candidates for massage therapy, which has been shown to reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and help prevent repetitive strain injuries.

The Top 5 Most Mentally Stressful Jobs

The report also identifies five professions where mental and emotional strain rise to the forefront:

1. Flight Attendants – They appear again in this list, underscoring how they juggle unpredictable schedules, potential safety crises, and daily customer interactions.
2. Small Engine Mechanics – These workers face high pressure situations where small errors can lead to significant safety risks or costly mistakes.
3. Physician Assistants – Balancing patient care, administrative demands, and long hours, PAs face intense decision making pressure in healthcare’s fast paced environment.
4. Aircraft Pilots and Flight Engineers – Responsible for hundreds of lives at once, pilots must maintain razor sharp focus under strict regulations and physically exhausting schedules.
5. Bailiffs, Jailers & Correctional Officers – Daily exposure to conflict and safety risks contributes to some of the highest burnout and turnover rates among public service roles.

For workers in these jobs, stress is not only taxing but also deeply connected to performance. Research shows that workplace stress can increase burnout and turnover, and employees experiencing chronic stress are twice as likely to leave their jobs.

Massage Therapy as a Science Backed Solution

While some may see massage as a luxury, research shows otherwise. Studies demonstrate that massage can significantly reduce cortisol levels while boosting serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters responsible for positive mood. Meanwhile, according to the American Psychological Association, more than 1 in 5 workers (22%) said they have experienced harm to their mental health at work. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also notes that workplace stress increases risks of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and anxiety. Against this backdrop, massage therapy stands out as an accessible and effective intervention to relieve both physical and mental strain.

Stress and Work in 2025

The reality of 2025 is that stress is not just widespread, it is intensifying. Staffing shortages in healthcare and public safety continue to push workers to their limits. Meanwhile, technological change, economic uncertainty, and blurred work life boundaries in hybrid workplaces leave many professionals feeling like they can never switch off. In this climate, employers who prioritize stress management, whether by offering massage therapy, mental health benefits, or wellness stipends, will be best equipped to retain talent and maintain productivity.

A Timely Reminder

The Top U.S. Jobs That Could Use a Massage report is more than an interesting ranking, it is a wake up call. From firefighters and pilots to correctional officers and mechanics, millions of workers are carrying an invisible burden of stress every day. Massage therapy and other wellness initiatives may not remove the demands of these roles, but they can provide vital relief, helping America’s workforce feel, perform, and live better.