Simple topic. Outside of what you do for a living, list 1-3 jobs, careers, and/or self-employments by title you admire the most, and tell why you admire them the most. And know, in this topic all reasons are open for commenting and questioning by other Dopers.
I shall also answer in a post below, but a lil later on. 
Hmm. I guess I’d say astronautical engineers, because in addition to being incredibly difficult (it really is rocket science!) they’re working towards the stars, which is something I believe in. Musicians of all types, though I’m mainly thinking classical musicians, would go in as well, for similar reasons - they produce something I value very highly. Lastly, the doctors with Doctors Without Borders. They put their lives on the line to save others lives, which is pretty much the definition of heroic.
Military folks, other than that work is just the curse of the drinking classes to me.
The prostitute because they help people lose their virginity. 
I always kinda admire those people that don’t have a job, but have 4-5 sidelines/projects/skills and they make a living. I have known people like this who work really hard and do very well. There us a courage and a flexibility in that way if thinking about life that I think is cool.
international aide worker- many times the work is thankless, futile, and dangerous, yet the personal reward is so dear, especially when children are educated/inoculated, clean water is drilled for successfully and villages are saved.
hospice worker- again another thankless job but the comfort that you can help provide to someone and their family is immense and WILL be forgotten, but you have AGAIN the personal satisfaction that you got to see someone leave this world in peace.
comedian- Admire it so much because I wish I had the guts to go up there and risk ridicule with the hopes of making a few people chuckle. Darn it! I just need to cross this off my list and do it!
Despite the current cynicism regarding the federal workforce I have a great deal of regard for federal judges.
I admire the rulings that are fair and honest and divulge in writing a clear method and reasoning that leads to the decision. I think they work hard and although they had to impress a politician to get the job the senate has to confirm.
Plus its a job for life, retirement has the same exact pay as non-retirement. You get to work in a (usually) beautiful building. You get to meet US Marshalls. You get protection. Most people treat you with great respect.
Downsides? The work schedule is crushing. The work can be monotonous and requires great detail and there are few chances for a good enough standard.
**Nursing **- I would imagine 90% of the work is done by a nurse but the doctor gets all the press.
Law enforcement - Much like nursing, the vast major of street cops do a great job but it is the very few that can give it a bad reputation.
SDMB Mod - Well I sure as shit don’t want the job but I happy someone else is able to do it. They must be heavy drinkers…
It’s not just doctors. Or has my cousin the nurse with Doctors Without Borders done something to you? 
Teachers, cops and firefighters. Underpaid, overworked and abused by everyone.
I agree generally. I would nitpick the workload. They work hard, but no harder than an average lawyer. They have much lighter caseloads than state court judges, and a lot of staff/clerks. If they get behind, deadlines can be extended on a whim, and trials bumped if you want to go fishing (happened to me last summer).
Teachers: Underpaid, they keep our society literate.
Veterinarians: They keep our “best friends” healthy, and sometimes have to put them down as well.
Librarians: They help spread knowledge, in all its forms.
Most non firefighter EMT’s and Paramedics make about 1/3-1/2 what cops and firefighters do.