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In 2016, the dating app Tinder published a list of the “sexiest careers” for both men and women. A second list was released in 2018. Their methodology was based on swipes—which careers were right-swiped (chosen) the most by men and women.
Since then, other reports have come out about the careers men and women find most desirable in the opposite sex. These were typically based on actual surveys.
We looked at Tinder’s two lists and three fairly current surveys to determine which careers were deemed sexiest across all of the lists. And…drum roll…here are the results!
Careers Men Find Most Desirable in Women
There were two careers that appeared in all five lists. The first may not surprise you, based on common stereotypes. Regarding the second—it’s nice to see teachers being appreciated!
- Nurse
- Teacher (middle school was specified on two lists)
A number of careers appeared on three lists. Several more stereotypes with the flight attendant and secretary. But some men DO appreciate brains as well!
- Flight Attendant
- Waitress
- Bartender
- Lawyer
- Secretary
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Careers Women Find Most Desirable in Men
Three careers appeared on all five lists. Firefighter? What woman doesn’t dream of firefighters! They bravely risk their lives and are usually in good shape to boot. Sexy calendars have been made of them, after all. The other two professions are prestigious and powerful. (And, to be realistic, salary might also be a driving factor for these choices.)
- Firefighter
- Lawyer
- Doctor (4 doctors and one Physician Assistant)
Two careers appeared on four of the lists, and they are as different as can be. Interestingly, I found one list that included the least desired jobs, and Police Officer was on it. Go figure…
- Police Officer
- Founder/Entrepreneur (one list specified CEO, but CEOs could also be founders and entrepreneurs)
And the following careers appeared on three of the lists. Once again, quite a range.
- Pilot
- Engineer
- Builder/Construction
- Paramedic
Additional Observations
Do men and women want the same thing?
For the most part, women and men wanted different things in their partner. The only career that appeared on three or more lists for both men and women was Lawyer. (Perhaps all those bad lawyer jokes are misguided!) Teacher appeared on two of the lists for men and five of the lists for women. Beyond those two careers, however, there is no significant overlap.
What types of careers were women attracted to?
The careers they chose seem to be split between brawn and brains. Women also tend to like men in powerful careers, or careers which involve taking charge. Money could be a driving factor for some of the careers they chose—the median annual salary for the top nine careers women chose was about $97,000.
What types of careers were men attracted to?
Big salaries don’t seem to matter as much to men. While the median annual salary of the top 9 careers that women chose is about $97,000, for men’s choices it is about $68,000. Beyond that, men seem to be attracted to careers that involve taking care of and nurturing others. Powerful women in general might be a turnoff for them—only one occupation, Lawyer, is typically held by powerful women.
Some interesting or unexpected careers that women chose:
There were a number of unusual careers that popped up on women’s lists. For example, one list included Faith Leader and Father! ( “Father” isn’t actually a career, but it’s a sweet thought.) Two lists included Electrician, and another, Farmer.
Some interesting or unexpected careers that men chose:
Men tended to be a little more traditional in their preferences. However, I was somewhat surprised at two of the careers they chose—Dentist and IT Worker. I mean, who likes dentists? And IT Worker might conjure up a picture of a nerdy woman wearing glasses.
Career Information
Now that you have an idea of what career you should pursue to be considered sexy by the opposite sex, here is some information about them, including average salaries and education requirements. (Salary figures are from 2022.)
Sources
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm#tab-12https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm#tab-43https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-14https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-45https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm#tab-16https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm#tab-47https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm#tab-18https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm#tab-49https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm#tab-110https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm#tab-411https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-112https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-413https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm#tab-114https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm#tab-415https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-116https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-417https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-118https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-4