Survey reveals the most attractive careers — and why health care tops the list for singles
Who’s got the hottest job? According to a study from exclusive dating app The League, careers that mix brains, ambition and a caring touch are the ultimate turn-ons — but men and women don’t always agree on what jobs they find the most alluring.
The survey — which polled 2,000 single men and women — revealed that professions centred on caring for others are particularly appealing. Here are some of the study's highlights:
Don't miss
A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead
Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes
Trump says trade tariffs could hit Canada, Mexico and China as early as Feb. 1 — but US economists warn it could effectively 'tax' Americans instead. Here’s why and how to protect your money ASAP
Most attractive professions
Health care topped the list for both men and women, with 26% of respondents naming doctors as the most attractive occupation.
“Careers in healthcare typically combine aspects of financial security, intelligence, and caregiving — which are all very appealing qualities in a partner,” Rachel DeAlto, a dating expert at The League explained in a press release.
Lawyers came in a close second, with 24% of respondents listing them as the most attractive profession.
However, opinions diverged when it came to the education field. While 28% of men ranked education as the most desirable career path, only 19% of women felt the same way.
Nursing ranked highly as well, with 22% of respondents finding it the most attractive profession just ahead of entrepreneurs at 21%.
Interestingly, women were equally drawn to professionals in finance and the arts, with both scoring 18%.
When it comes to financial dynamics in relationships, women were more likely than men to want equal breadwinning: 45% of women preferred a relationship where both earn the same, compared to just 33% of men.
On the flip side, some career traits were seen as major turn-offs. Respondents cited constant burnout, long overtime hours and frequent job-hopping as red flags. Meanwhile, working as an influencer was particularly unpopular, with 22% of participants labeling it as unattractive.
Overall, ambition emerged as the most attractive quality in someone’s approach to their career.
Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among America’s wealthiest — plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio
How to land a hot job
If you’re thinking about switching to a “hot” profession, becoming a doctor, nurse, lawyer or teacher takes varying degrees of effort and expense, depending on where you live.
Fix you
Aspiring doctors face a long and costly road. After completing a pre-med track undergraduate program with strong grades, they must ace the MCAT and gain admission to medical school, which typically takes four years.
Salaries vary by specialty, but the average physician makes $239,000 annually, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Raising the bar
For lawyers, the journey involves earning a three-year degree (Juris Doctorate) after obtaining an undergraduate degree. Admission to law school requires passing the LSAT and maintaining a high grade point average (GPA).
After law school, graduates must pass the bar exam to practice. Most states also require an apprenticeship, but a few, such as California, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, allow candidates to skip law school if they pass the bar. Similarly, states like Maine, New York and Wyoming let candidates bypass an apprenticeship if they can complete one or two years of law school.
The average lawyer earns $145,000 per year, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Hello, nurse
Becoming a nurse is faster and more affordable but also pays considerably less. A nursing degree can take two to four years to complete and graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become registered nurses.
The average nurse earns $86,000 annually, according to Regis College, a non-profit university in Massachusetts.
Hot for teacher
Teaching is also a more accessible career path, though it’s not as lucrative. Most teachers need a bachelor’s degree to earn certification, and in some states, such as Connecticut, Maryland and New York, a master’s degree is required (though this can often be earned while working).
Some states offer alternative certification programs, allowing candidates to teach while completing their requirements. In certain cases, work experience can substitute for education — for example, in fields like electrical engineering or health sciences.
Prospective teachers need to pass certification exams, with most states using the Praxis Subject Test for K-12 instructors. According to Niche, the average teacher earns $58,000 annually, though this figure can vary widely by state.
Careers in health care, law, education and entrepreneurship remain the most desirable, thanks to their mix of stability, ambition and caregiving qualities. And while salaries and effort vary, one thing’s for sure: a strong sense of purpose and drive can be just as attractive as the job itself.
What to read next
I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
‘Savers are losers’: Robert Kiyosaki warned that millions of 401(k)s and IRAs will be ‘toast’ — here's his advice for older Americans who want to protect their wealth
Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.