CARLSBAD, CA /PRNewswire/ — Professions that provide us with our news – Newspaper Reporter and Broadcaster – ranked among the worst jobs in the nation, according to the new 2012 CareerCast.com Jobs Rated Report. Lumberjacks, who work on the hottest and coldest days in a highly dangerous occupation with a low salary and a history of high unemployment, were rated as having the worst job in the nation.

“Many jobs in the media are characterized by high stress, short deadlines, long hours and a poor hiring outlook,” explains Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com’s 2012 Jobs Rated Report.

On the other end of the spectrum, Software Engineer remains the nation’s best job for the second year in a row. Rounding out the top five rated jobs are Actuary, Human Resources Manager, Dental Hygienist and Financial Planner.

“The top-rated jobs have few physical demands, minimal stress, a good working environment and a strong hiring outlook,” says Mr. Lee. “Conversely, Lumberjacks and Dairy Farmers, two of the worst jobs in the nation, work in physically demanding, precarious, low-paying professions with a weak hiring outlook.”

Three of the worst-rated jobs are in the food industry – Waiter/Waitress, Dishwasher and Butcher.

“While it’s true that some people are happy washing dishes, waiting tables or slicing meat as a career, job seekers who want to compete for the nation’s best jobs need to gain a competitive edge by expanding their knowledge and skill set with a college education,” says Mr. Lee.

To see the full rankings of all 200 jobs and the report’s methodology, go to http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated.

Best Jobs in 2012  // Midlevel Income

1. Software Engineer   // $88,142
2. Actuary   // $88,202
3. Human Resources Manager   // $99,102
4. Dental Hygienist   // $68,109
5. Financial Planner   // $104,161
6. Audiologist    // $67,137
7. Occupational Therapist   // $72,110
8. Online Advertising Manager   // $87,255
9. Computer Systems Analyst   // $78,148
10.  Mathematician   // $99,191

Worst Jobs in 2012  // Midlevel Income

200. Lumberjack   // $32,114
199. Dairy Farmer   // $33,119
198. Enlisted Military Personnel   // $36,261
197. Oil Rig Worker   // $32,132
196. Newspaper Reporter   // $35,275
195. Waiter/Waitress   // $18,088
194. Meter Reader   // $35,171
193. Dishwasher   // $18,044
192. Butcher   // $29,156
191. Broadcaster   // $27,324

Editor’s Note: This material may be published with a link to http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated

SOURCE  CareerCast.com