What are the most attractive professions?

Almost half of Aussies (42%) think that someone’s job can influence their attractiveness, according to research conducted here by eharmony. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents admitted to considering whether a particular job might add to their perceived attractiveness when applying for a new role. A majority of Australians make sure to ask a potential partner what they do for a living on a first date.

Healthcare professions come out top

Healthcare workers took top spots for both men and women, perhaps showing COVID-19 has made us feverish for partners who can take care of us. Nurses are at the top of the attractive ladder for almost a third (30%) of Aussie men with a quarter (24%) choosing doctors. Slightly more (27%) women put doctors at the top of their list.

Most attractive professions according to Australian men

Most attractive professions according to Australian women

Least attractive professions according to Australian men

Least attractive professions according to Australian women

How much should a partner earn?

Many won’t admit to prioritising the earnings of a potential partner when it comes to finding love. More than a third (34%) say they wouldn’t care what their potential partner earns, but 14% believe the lowest acceptable income for a potential partner would be $110,000. This is significantly higher than the national median personal income of just under $42,000 (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics), suggesting a strong streak of materialism among a significant minority.

The appeal of a uniform

The stereotype of fancying a man in uniform is still going strong, with 70% of women prioritising them in the desirable jobs list. Firefighters, police officers and pilots all made the top 10.

We commonly associate traits with certain careers; nurses are caring, lawyers are strong-willed and so forth. We then use these traits to make judgements about a potential partner and our compatibility with them. Not only does someone’s job tell you about their personality, but it also tells us about the compatibility of your lives together. We know some jobs keep people away from each other longer than others or require more hours working late at home, and this may or may not fit with our lifestyle and what we’re looking for in a relationship. Ultimately, it’s just another way to get to know a potential partner and learn more about them. One aspect of a person’s life doesn’t define them, but acts as a puzzle piece that may or may not fit our picture of our future lives.