Newspaper reporter is the ‘worst job,’ study says. Do you agree?

Coming in one spot below logger this year, newspaper reporter has again been ranked the worst of the worst jobs in Career Cast’s 2016 Jobs Rated report. The explanation from the report will look familiar to many reporters: fewer available jobs, a worsening industry forecast and paltry pay.

A gradual decline in print publications at the turn of the century became a steep downturn for the past decade. Publications folding mean far fewer job prospects, and declining ad revenue means unfavorable pay for those in the Fourth Estate.

Broadcaster was rated the third-worst job, finishing behind disc jockey, military personnel and pest control worker, according to the report:

Employment of broadcasters is expected to decline by 9%, or 4,800 total positions, by 2024. Broadcasters seeking a job transition can parlay their skills into a career as a podcaster, online news producer, or data journalist. Print newspaper reporters can transfer their skills to writing for online mediums, public relations, or corporate communications jobs.

Career Cast comes up with its annual ranking by looking at the workplace environment, salary and outlook of the various jobs on its list. If you’re a print or broadcast journalist, do you agree with this year’s ranking? Why or why not? What (if anything) can individual journalists do to get off this list? Would you be slightly better off as a logger? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter or email and we’ll include them here.