New research shows construction workers, firefighters, military personnel and doctors are “the toughest jobs in America.”
The poll included 2,000 Americans, of which 1,000 were trade workers. Respondents were asked what the “strict” job is and what comes to mind when thinking about “tough work.”
Police officers ranked fifth, followed by EMT and astronauts.
Some listed unique occupations, but others share descriptors for task challenges, such as “solving other people’s problems with little or no help,” “constantly and promptly making decisions and getting stuck in stressful situations every day,” or “that pushes my physical and mental limitations.”
A survey commissioned by Bosch Power Tools and conducted by Talker Research revealed that 40% of Americans employed consider their work difficult, regardless of whether they fit into a particular category or not. Trade workers were more than twice as likely to rate their work as difficult (50% vs. 21%).
One in five employed emphasized the glory of daily responsibility, believing that both respondents, both inside and outside the transaction, needed to do their job.
The majority of respondents acknowledged that trade workers are on average tougher than non-trade workers (72%), and 81% of all surveyed people do not believe that trade workers have sufficient credibility for the work they are doing.
Those who have not gained sufficient credibility but are not actively involved in the transaction will still consider pursuing them.
Almost half (49%) of non-trade respondents are open to doing trade work as a career, and 68% of respondents who have no access to trade skills courses (wood shops, mechanics, etc.) in high school said they would register if the option was given.
Furthermore, the results found that 43% of people currently working on trade have done it in the past and do it again (70%).
As trade work continues to grow in popularity, nine in 10 respondents encourage younger Americans to consider trade jobs for career opportunities (88%).
“Pursuing a career in trading offers a variety of benefits with practical experience that develops practical skills and provides a sense of purpose for a lifetime,” said Robert Hesse, regional president of Bosch Power Tools in North America. “Like any other job, being a trade worker has its challenges, but in a world of changing industry, skilled trading is a reliable and rewarding path for more and more Americans.”
Trade workers shared words that they wanted the public to know about their work and their work, such as “no non-trade jobs are available without trade workers,” “you can work in trade without spending a lot of money on a university degree,” and “you need more than physical strength.”
From work hours, trade workers agree that safety on the ground is paramount.
Prior to Construction Safety Week, trade workers want to see more support from their employers, such as how everyone receives equipment usage (32%), safety training (28%) and knowing when unexpected standards arise on the ground (27%).
In fact, more than half of trade workers have received up to four “close calls” during their work the past year (57%).
Of those who have experienced close calls over the past year, 31% of trade workers left work or workplace because they prioritized their happiness and felt unsafe.
As a result, promoting risk assessment (27%) and safety culture (26%) is also a field in which trade workers want improvements from their employers.
“In a transaction, every task has weight, and so does every safety step,” Hesse said. “It’s not just about wearing safety gear, using tools and equipment correctly and maintaining alerts according to protocols. It’s not just the rules. It’s about making sure you go home. Safety is the foundation of all successful trade. Contribute to safety, respect your future, and set the excellence of your most important occupation and the excellence of your occupation.”
The toughest job in America
Firefighters – 48%
Construction Workers – 44%
Military – 38%
Doctor – 38%
Police officer – 37%
EMT or paramedic – 35%
Astronauts – 32%
Farmers – 29%
Air Traffic Controller – 29%
Oil workers – 25%
Nurse – 18%
Roofer erd – 16%
Electrician – 16% [TIED]
Home Builder – 16% [TIED]
Engineer – 15%
Pilot – 14% [TIED]
Teacher – 14% [TIED]
Lawyer – 13%
Carpenter, Woodworking or Cabinet Maker – 12%
Drywall/Plaster Installer – 12%
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Do trade workers want others to know about them and their work?
“We work hard so that people can enjoy their land, their homes.”
“We represent ideals in which your skills and abilities represent who you are and what you can do.
“Without trade workers, non-trade jobs are not available.”
“Trade workers should be respected because they work behind the scenes that none of us want to do.”
“That means you can live a decent life working in the trade without spending a lot of money on your university degree.”
“They deserve as much respect as any other job.”
“They maintain and use what you love every day. They build something that brings you daily comfort, regardless of the conditions.”
“The merchant may not have a degree, but he doesn’t really value him much more than the next guy because his trade takes years to learn.
“You need something more than physical strength. You need to solve problems wisely.”
“It’s an alternative option for those who feel that they aren’t tied to college or don’t want to go to college. They can still have a pretty good life and career. There are many different areas of skilled trading.”
