Steep competition, long hours, and demanding schedules land the job of a real estate agent on this year's list of most stressful jobs.

The job of a real estate agent is considered one of the most stressful jobs you can have, according to CareerCast's 2010 Jobs Rated report, which analyzed the stress level of 200 professions.

As the economy has softened, competition among real estate agents has risen, which was a major factor in landing it on this year's list of top 10 most stressful jobs, according to the report.

The report noted: Real estate agents and brokers work long, erratic hours, spending much of their time showing properties to clients. They must be extremely independent, and able to handle sales quotas and deadline pressures.

In compiling its stress rankings, CareerCast accounted for such factors as work environment, competitiveness, and job risk. Overall stress scores ranged from the low 18.776 to 110.936. (Real estate agent had a 73.063 overall stress score.)

Here are the top 10 most stressful jobs in 2010, according to the report:

1. Firefighter
Stress score: 110.936
Hours per day: 11
Time pressure: Very high
Competition: Low

2. Corporate Executive (senior)
Stress score: 108.625
Hours per day: 11
Time pressure: High
Competition: High

3. Taxi Driver
Stress score: 100.491
Hours per day: 9.5
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: Moderate

4. Surgeon
Stress score: 99.463
Hours per day: 11
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: High

5. Police Officer
Stress score: 93.893
Hours per day: 9.5
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

6. Commercial Pilot
Stress score: 85.350
Hours per day: 9
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

7. Highway Patrol Officer
Stress score: 80.651
Hours per day: 9.5
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: Low

8. Public Relations Officer
Stress score: 78.523
Hours per day: 9
Time pressure: High
Competition: Very High

9. Advertising Account Executive
Stress score: 74.555
Hours per day: 9.5
Time pressure: Moderate
Competition: Very High

10. Real Estate Agent
Stress score: 73.063
Hours per Day: 9.5
Time pressure: High
Competition: Very High

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