30 Jobs Most Connected to Divorce and Relationship Struggles
Marriage can be hard, and some jobs seem to make it harder. Today, we are checking out careers that have more divorces than others. I find this interesting because our jobs can really affect our personal lives.
Let’s look at what is going on and why some jobs might add pressure to marriages. In general, divorce rates have been dropping lately. But when we look closely, some jobs still show higher divorce numbers.
You may ask, “Does my job impact my marriage?” The link is stronger than you might think. Jobs that pay well and offer steady work usually have fewer divorces.
This makes sense because less money stress means couples can pay more attention to each other. On the other hand, jobs with low pay or changing hours often have more divorces.
In this article, we will look carefully at the 30 jobs with the most divorces. We will try to understand the reasons and what may affect how stable relationships are in these jobs.
Ranking the Highest Divorce Rates: Methodology and Insights
Researchers looked at data from the American Community Survey, found in the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, to study 30 jobs and rank them by divorce rates. They worked out these rates by comparing how many people in each job were divorced to the total number of people in that job who had ever been married. The study also looked at how many people were employed and their wages in different jobs.
Surprisingly, people who haven’t worked for over five years or never worked had a divorce rate of 21.4%, which is lower than all the jobs in the list.
Next, we will go through the top 30 jobs with the highest divorce rates. Although these numbers may seem high, it is useful to know what causes them.
30. Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (Metal and Plastic)
People who work with forming machines in the metal and plastic industries have a divorce rate of 23%. These jobs often require long hours and hard physical work, which can cause tiredness and stress.
The middle annual salary of $44,273 means these workers earn a moderate income. With 102,040 people working in this area, it is an important part of the manufacturing industry.
The mix of physical effort, average pay, and sometimes uneven work hours can make it hard to keep a good balance between work and personal life.
29. Bus Drivers (Transit and Intercity)
Bus drivers in city and long-distance services have a divorce rate of 23%. They make a median yearly income of $50,890, which is more than some other jobs listed. There are 141,530 bus drivers working across the country.
Even with fair pay, bus drivers often work long hours and have irregular shifts, such as early mornings, late nights, and weekends. This schedule can make it hard to spend good time with family and keep strong relationships.
Dealing with traffic and keeping passengers safe adds extra stress to their daily work.
28. Pressers (Textile, Garment, and Related Materials)
Textile and garment pressers have a divorce rate of 23%, with a separation rate of 7.4% being quite high. This job is known for a low average yearly pay of $29,690, which can cause money problems for families.
The industry hires 28,570 workers, making it one of the smaller groups on our list. The work is often hard on the body, needing long hours of standing and doing the same movements again and again.
These reasons, along with the stress of low pay, can put a lot of pressure on marriages.
27. Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers have a divorce rate of 23.1%. These workers earn a median yearly salary of $50,490, putting them in a middle income range. There are 53,680 people working in this job across the United States.
The pay is fairly good, but the work can be stressful. Title examiners often have tight deadlines and must be very careful with details.
The need to avoid mistakes, which can cause serious legal and money problems, can make the job very stressful. This pressure may affect their home lives and relationships.
26. Word Processors and Typists
Word processors and typists have a divorce rate of 23.4%. They make a middle-range yearly pay of $44,330. Across the country, about 41,990 people work in this field.
Their job usually means sitting for many hours and looking at computer screens, which can cause body pain and tired eyes. Doing the same tasks over and over may also make the work less enjoyable.
These reasons, along with the pressure to meet deadlines, can cause stress that affects their personal lives.
25. Home Health Aides
Home health aides have a divorce rate of 23.4%, and 7.6% go through separation. This job is known for a low average yearly pay of $30,180, which can cause money problems.
There are 3.5 million workers in this field around the country. Home health aides often work long and unusual hours, including nights and weekends. The work can be emotionally hard as they help sick or old patients.
The low pay, tough hours, and emotional stress can create a lot of strain on marriages.
24. Dancers and Choreographers
Dancers and choreographers have a divorce rate of 23.5%. These artists make a median yearly salary of $50,990, which is more than some other jobs on this list. There are 14,330 people working in this field across the country.
The pay is fairly good, but the work has special challenges. Dancers and choreographers often work at odd times, including nights and weekends for shows. They may need to travel a lot for performances or contests.
The job is physically demanding and the pressure to do well can cause stress. These things can make it hard to keep steady relationships.
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23. Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants have a divorce rate of 23.8%. They make a median yearly salary of $48,780, which is a middle income level.
There are 159,940 people working in this job in the United States. The pay stays fairly steady, but the job can be very stressful. Legal secretaries often deal with strict deadlines, strict lawyers, and must be very careful in their work.
The stress from the legal work and sometimes long hours can cause problems in their personal lives.
22. Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors have a divorce rate of 23.9%. They make a median yearly wage of $39,990, which is lower than some other jobs on our list. There are 82,420 people working as rehabilitation counselors across the country.
These counselors help people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities to live on their own. Their job can be hard emotionally because they often handle tough situations and care deeply about their clients’ success.
The mix of emotional challenges and low pay can cause stress that impacts their personal relationships.
21. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed practical and vocational nurses have a divorce rate of 23.9%. These healthcare workers earn a middle yearly pay of $54,620, which is more than many other jobs on this list.
This field is big, with 632,020 people working in it across the country. The pay is good, but the work can be hard. Nurses often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The job can be tough on the body and hard on feelings as they care for sick or hurt patients. The stress of making important choices and the emotional strain from patient care can affect their personal relationships.
20. Pharmacy Aides
Pharmacy aides have a divorce rate of 24.3%. They make a median yearly salary of $33,270, which is near the bottom on our list. This job hires about 43,230 people across the country.
Pharmacy aides usually work in stores, meaning their work hours can be irregular, including nights and weekends. The job can be tough because it needs careful attention when dealing with medicines and talking to customers who might be sick or upset.
The low pay along with the hard work in stores can cause stress that impacts their personal lives.
19. Residential Advisors
Residential advisors have a divorce rate of 24.3% and a separation rate of 5.7%. They earn a median yearly salary of $35,720, which is quite low compared to many other jobs on our list.
There are 86,770 people working as residential advisors in the United States. They usually work in college dorms or group homes, which often means unusual hours and being available for emergencies.
The job can be emotionally hard because they handle residents’ personal problems and conflicts. The low pay, unusual hours, and emotional stress can create a lot of pressure on their marriages.
18. Crossing Guards and Flaggers
Crossing guards and flaggers have a divorce rate of 24.4%. These workers make a median yearly income of $33,380, which is among the lower salaries on our list. There are 91,270 people working in this job across the country.
The job may seem simple, but it has its own challenges. Crossing guards often work split shifts, covering busy school times in the morning and afternoon. They deal with the pressure of keeping people safe in heavy traffic areas.
The mix of low pay, split shifts, and the duty to protect others can cause stress that affects personal relationships.
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17. Personal Care Aides
Personal care aides have a divorce rate of 24.5% and a high separation rate of 6.3%. They make a median yearly salary of $30,180, which is among the lowest on our list. This job employs 3.5 million people across the country.
Personal care aides often have long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. The work can be hard both physically and emotionally as they help elderly or disabled clients with daily activities.
Low pay, tough working conditions, and caring deeply for clients can create a lot of stress on personal relationships.
16. Supervisors of Personal Care and Service Workers
Supervisors of personal care and service workers have a divorce rate of 24.6%. They earn a middle-range yearly salary of $48,210 compared to other jobs on our list.
This job employs 205,440 people across the country. Although they earn more than the workers they oversee, the role has its own difficulties. Supervisors need to guide staff, deal with customer issues, and make sure good care is given.
The stress of balancing staff and client needs, along with possible odd working hours, can put strain on their personal relationships.
15. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Switchboard operators have a divorce rate of 24.7%. They earn a median yearly pay of $34,670, which is one of the lower salaries on our list. There are 47,430 switchboard operators working around the country.
Switchboard operators often work in busy settings, handling many calls and several lines at once. The job can be repetitive and hard on the mind, needing steady focus and patience.
Sitting for long hours and working shifts can also add to job stress. These reasons together can put pressure on personal relationships and may lead to more divorces.
14. Gambling Services Workers
Gambling services workers have a divorce rate of 24.7%. They make a median yearly salary of $29,470, which is one of the lowest on our list. There are 91,460 people working in this job across the country.
Jobs in casinos and other gambling places often require working late nights, weekends, and holidays. The workplace can be very stressful, with lots of noise and the need to stay polite to customers all the time.
Being around smoking and alcohol at work can also harm health and well-being. These tough work conditions, along with low pay, can cause a lot of stress in workers’ personal lives.
13. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators (Except Postal Service)
Gambling services workers have a divorce rate of 24.7%. They make a median yearly salary of $29,470, which is one of the lowest on our list. There are 91,460 people working in this job across the country.
Jobs in casinos and other gambling places often require working late nights, weekends, and holidays. The workplace can be very stressful, with lots of noise and the need to stay polite to customers all the time.
Being around smoking and alcohol at work can also harm health and well-being. These tough work conditions, along with low pay, can cause a lot of stress in workers’ personal lives.
12. School Bus Monitors
School bus monitors have a divorce rate of 24.8%. They make a median yearly salary of $29,880, which is among the lowest on our list. There are 64,100 people working in this job across the country.
School bus monitors usually work two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, riding with students. The job needs patience and energy to handle kids’ behavior and keep them safe while traveling.
Taking care of the children can be stressful, especially when the weather is bad or traffic is heavy. The low pay and the special challenges of the job can create pressure on their personal relationships.
11. Telephone Operators
Telephone operators have a divorce rate of 25.5%. They earn a middle-level salary, with a median yearly income of $38,330. There are 4,030 people working in this job, making it one of the smaller groups in our study.
Telephone operators usually deal with many calls and questions, which can be stressful. The work is often repetitive and needs a lot of focus and patience.
Working different shifts and staying calm during tough times can increase stress. This stress may affect personal life and lead to more divorces.
10. Interviewers (Except Eligibility and Loan)
Interviewers in this group have a divorce rate of 25.6%. They earn a median yearly salary of $38,700, putting them in the middle of our list. This job employs 168,680 people across the country.
Interviewers work with many different people and situations, which can be both good and hard. The job might include asking personal questions or sharing tough news, which can be tiring emotionally.
Having to meet goals for the number of interviews done can make the job stressful. These things, along with possible irregular work hours, can cause stress that affects personal relationships.
9. Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Postal service workers in this group have a divorce rate of 25.7%. Their median yearly pay is $49,130, which is more than many other jobs on this list. There are 119,530 people working in this field across the country.
The job often includes night shifts and odd hours because mail is processed all day and night. It can be hard on the body, with long times standing and doing the same movements.
Fast machines and strict deadlines make the work stressful. Even with good pay, these tough conditions can cause problems in personal life.
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8. Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Hotel and resort desk clerks have a divorce rate of 25.9%. They make a median yearly salary of $28,910, which is one of the lowest on our list. There are 243,180 people working in this job in the United States.
Desk clerks often have to work unusual hours, such as nights, weekends, and holidays, when hotels are busiest. They must always talk with guests, some of whom may be tired, upset, or demanding.
Dealing with complaints and fixing problems fast can be stressful. The mix of low pay, unusual hours, and stressful customer service can put a lot of pressure on personal relationships.
7. Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Sports officials have a divorce rate of 26.1%. They earn a median yearly salary of $36,010, which is average compared to other jobs on this list. Across the country, 12,720 people work in this field.
Sports officials usually work at odd times, like nights and weekends when most games happen. Their job often needs them to travel, which can affect family time. They must make tough choices under pressure, often in front of big crowds.
Even though many love sports, the uneven pay and schedule can cause problems in their marriages.
6. Massage Therapists
Massage therapists have a divorce rate of 27.6%. Their median yearly pay is $49,860, which is fairly good compared to other jobs on this list. There are 86,270 people working in this field nationwide.
Massage therapy includes close physical contact, which can sometimes cause problems in personal relationships. The job often means working at odd hours to fit clients’ needs.
Job stability can be a worry, especially for those who are their own bosses or work in spas. These difficulties may put pressure on relationships, even with the decent pay.
5. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Hazardous materials removal workers have a divorce rate of 27.6%. They make a median yearly pay of $46,690, putting them in the middle of the pay range on our list. There are 46,780 people working in this job across the country.
The job means handling risky substances, which can cause a lot of stress and worry about safety. Workers usually have to wear protective clothing and follow strict safety rules, which can be hard on both their body and mind.
The stress that comes with working with hazardous materials probably leads to the higher divorce rates in this job.
4. Bartenders
Bartenders have a divorce rate of 27.8%. They make a median yearly wage of $29,380, one of the lowest on this list. This job has 613,070 workers in the United States. Bartenders usually work late nights, which can upset regular family routines.
The job means being with customers all the time in a busy setting, which can tire people emotionally. Being around alcohol and sometimes loud behavior can make the job more stressful.
The mix of low pay and hard work often puts pressure on marriages.
3. Acupuncturists
Acupuncturists have a high divorce rate of 29.2%. They earn a median yearly salary of $72,220, which is among the highest on our list. There are 7,800 acupuncturists working across the country.
Even with good pay, acupuncturists face special challenges. Stress from patient results and keeping their practice successful can be very strong. Many work for themselves, leading to money worries and irregular hours.
Caring deeply for patients and managing a business can put a strain on their personal relationships.
2. Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
Workers in this group have a divorce rate of 29.5%. They make a median yearly pay of $47,675, which is average compared to other jobs on the list. This field has 25,390 workers across the country.
The job is very hard on the body, often with very hot or cold conditions and heavy machines. There is a lot of danger, which adds stress to daily work. People often work in shifts, which can upset family routines.
The hard work, high danger, and changing hours probably cause extra pressure on marriages.
1. Telemarketers
Telemarketers have the highest divorce rate at 34.4%. They make a median pay of $31,030 a year, which is among the lowest on our list. There are 96,520 telemarketers working across the country.
Telemarketing work is often stressful, with tough sales goals to meet. The job can be hard on people’s feelings, due to constant rejection and sometimes rude reactions.
Many telemarketers face unstable jobs, which adds money problems to their personal lives. The mix of low pay, high pressure, and job uncertainty leads to the highest divorce rate of all the jobs we studied.
Surprising Omissions
You may be curious about some well-known, stressful jobs that did not appear on our list. Many think that careers like professional athletes, musicians, chefs, lawyers, doctors, and pilots have high divorce rates. Surprisingly, these jobs were not in the top 30.
This might be because of different data used or the special challenges of these jobs. It could also be that the way people live in these careers affects how stable their marriages are.
Balancing Work and Marriage
Our look at these 30 jobs shows a mixed connection between work and personal life. We have seen how irregular hours, high stress, and money problems can affect marriages.
But keep in mind, these numbers do not tell the whole story about each relationship. Many people in these jobs have strong, happy marriages by talking openly and supporting each other. If your job is on this list, don’t worry!
Use this info as a way to start talks with your partner about balancing work and home life. Every couple faces hard times, and knowing about job stress can help partners work as a team to grow closer.
In the end, it’s not only the job you do but how you and your partner handle life’s ups and downs together.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
