CareerCast has released its list of 2012′s most stressful jobs. At number seven: PR executive.

CareerCast’s job description says PR pros are often responsible for addressing large crowds, work in public, and keep tight deadlines, not to mention the hostility coming from the media, particularly in a crisis situation. It also says the average pay is $91,810.

PR Daily notes that last year, CareerCast had PR pro listed at number two on the most stressful list.

Number six on the list is actually a related profession: event coordinator. For that job, CareerCast says the coordinator is responsible for what could be ”once-in-a-lifetime events,” which heightens the stress factor. Average pay for that job is listed at about half that for a PR pro: $45,260.

The top three most stressful jobs on the list are enlisted soldier, firefighter, and a commercial airline pilot, each a far cry from PR in any form. Among the least stressful are hair stylist, a medical lab technician, and a dietitian.

CareerCast’s methodology is explained here.

So what exactly makes a PR career so stressful that it would be placed so closely with jobs that could have life-or-death consequences? Let us know for a follow-up post. The comments section is open.