A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at the University of Tartu in Estonia has revealed the most and least fulfilling occupations globally, shedding light on how jobs influence overall life satisfaction. Touted as the ‘most comprehensive and rigorous study’ of its kind, the research evaluated job satisfaction from 59,000 individuals and 263 professions, according to a report by the New Scientist.
The findings, based on surveys conducted with Estonian Biobank participants—primarily blood donors—covered detailed aspects of work life, including job roles, salary, personality traits, and overall happiness.
Most fulfilling job roles
According to the research, the most fulfilling roles include clergy, healthcare professionals, and writers. These jobs were found to be closely linked to a sense of purpose and personal achievement.
On the opposite end, professions in kitchens, transportation, storage, manufacturing, and sales were associated with the lowest satisfaction. Jobs involving repetitive tasks or limited autonomy were frequently rated poorly.
Interestingly, the study also found that higher incomes and job prestige did not significantly boost job or life satisfaction. “I was expecting the job prestige to be more associated with satisfaction, but there was only a slight correlation,” said Katlin Anni, the lead researcher. “Jobs with a higher sense of achievement are associated with higher satisfaction, and even lower-prestige jobs can be quite fulfilling.”
Autonomy and work-life balance matter
Beyond job titles, certain professions—such as medical professionals, psychologists, special-needs teachers, engineers, and even sheet-metal workers—reported higher overall life satisfaction. In contrast, security guards, waitstaff, sales workers, mail carriers, carpenters, and chemical engineers were among the least satisfied.
Anni highlighted that stress and responsibility were often factors behind ‘low satisfaction’. The study also noted that those who are self-employed indicated higher levels of satisfaction, primarily because the freedom and flexibility that their work provides were huge factors.