Too Sexy for Your Shift?

June 5, 2008 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Your job may be important - but is it….sexy?

Once again, Salary.com has profiled what survey respondents say are the “sexiest” jobs – and once again firefighters top the list (for the third year running – see What’s the “Hottest” Occupation? ).

On the other hand, firefighters weren’t a dominant favorite, garnering less than 11% of the vote (there were 30 jobs that received votes). Still, the survey’s authors noted that firefighters are “revered for their ability to look danger in the eye, maintain top physical fitness, and demonstrate compassion for others.” As one respondent put it, “Firefighters are trained to rescue, to confront fear and go in when everyone else is running out; and they help when people need it the most.”

Benefits and retirement plan professionals were nowhere to be found on this year’s list – and actuaries, though they have found their way onto certain “best jobs” list (see Actuaries 2nd in Job Ranking ), apparently weren’t deemed “sexy” enough for this list.

The Rest of the List

Personal trainers came in second, with 8.1% – a position that didn’t appear on last year’s list – while third place (again) went to “the boss”, more accurately the chief executive officer . Being top dog was given high marks for its power position including the benefits of high salary, degree of influence and ability to call the shots. Said another way, “prestige, power, and money”.

The ability to listen (or perhaps mix drinks) was sexy enough to boost bartender to fourth place on this year’s list (another new entrant), while nurses reprised their place on the top list, coming in fifth. Rounding out the top 10 occupations were pilot , surgeon , photographer , soldier , and… cowboy .

Professions as diverse as architect, chef, and…sustainability consultant – all received write-in votes.

Missing from this year’s top list: lawyers, veterinarians, event planners, interior designers – and (sigh) reporters.


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  • Firefighter
  • Personal trainer
  • CEO
  • Bartender
  • Nurse
  • Photographer
  • Pilot
  • Surgeon
  • Cowboy
  • Soldier/Military

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