The worst job in America is a newspaper reporter. It's worse than being a lumberjack, soldier or oil rig worker, all three of which are known for being dangerous and low-paying.

That's the word from CareerCast.com, which for 25 years has ranked the best and worst jobs in the United States based on five factors: physical demands, work environment, income, stress and hiring outlook.

Why are newspaper reporters in such sad shape? CareerCast.com blames it on ever-shrinking newsrooms, dwindling budgets and competition from Internet businesses.

Meanwhile, actuary has been crowned as the best job. Hey, it's not glamorous, but it pays well with an average salary of $87,650.

The worst jobs of 2013 and the average pay:

  1. Newspaper reporter: $36,000
  2. Lumberjack: $32,870
  3. Enlisted military personnel: $41,998
  4. Actor: $17.44/hour
  5. Oil rig worker: $37,640
  6. Dairy farmer: $60,750
  7. Meter reader: $36,400
  8. Mail carrier: $53,090
  9. Roofer: $34,220
  10. Flight attendant: $37,740

The best jobs of 2013 and the average pay:

  1. Actuary: $87,650
  2. Biomedical engineer: $81,540
  3. Software engineer: $90,530
  4. Audiologist: $66,660
  5. Financial planner: $64,750
  6. Dental hygienist: $68,250
  7. Occupational therapist: $72,320
  8. Optometrist: $94,990
  9. Physical therapist: $76,310
  10. Computer systems: $77,740

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