A new study finds engineers are more likely to cheat than men in any other profession
Infidelity in America is shifting in ways that might surprise even the most seasoned relationship experts. While the stereotype of the smooth-talking salesman as the classic cheater has long held sway, new research points to a different profession leading the pack: engineers. According to Mariefrance, a recent study by Ashley Madison, a dating site known for facilitating extramarital affairs, reveals that men in engineering roles now report the highest rates of infidelity, overtaking those in sales and commercial jobs.
Data from the "fidelity barometer"—a survey conducted by Ifop for Gleeden and published in April 2025—shows that overall, Americans are becoming more faithful. The percentage of women admitting to cheating dropped from 37% in 2019 to 26% in 2025. For men, the numbers fell from 45% to 36% over the same period. Yet, within these improving statistics, the profile of the typical unfaithful man is evolving. The once-dominant image of the charismatic salesman is being replaced by the more understated, analytical engineer.
Changing Patterns
The study’s findings challenge old assumptions about who is most likely to stray. Engineers, often seen as methodical and reserved, now top the list of professions with the highest rates of infidelity among men. Ashley Madison’s data, as reported by Mariefrance, suggests that the demands of engineering jobs—long hours, frequent meetings, and high stress—may provide both the opportunity and the rationale for stepping outside the bounds of a committed relationship. These work-related factors can serve as plausible alibis for absences and late nights, making it easier to conceal affairs.
Engineers are not alone in this trend. The top three professions for male infidelity now include artisans and commercial directors, following closely behind. For women, the most unfaithful are found in commerce, technology, and hospitality, with nurses, teachers, and homemakers also appearing in the rankings. The data paints a nuanced picture: infidelity is not confined to any one sector or personality type, and the reasons behind it are as varied as the people involved.
Behind the Numbers
What drives these patterns? The study offers some clues. Among men who cheat, a majority report being more satisfied with their careers than with their marriages. Physical traits also emerge: the typical unfaithful man is most likely to have brown hair (41%), often graying (32%), and brown eyes (46%). Yet, the motivations go beyond appearance or job stress. One-third of those who admit to infidelity say they are genuinely happy in their relationships. For them, cheating is less about dissatisfaction and more about seeking novelty or escape from routine.
Interestingly, 35% of respondents have been with their current partner for over 21 years, suggesting that infidelity is not just a young person’s game. The desire for new experiences and the ability to compartmentalize work and personal life seem to play significant roles. Some use their professional obligations as a shield, rationalizing their actions as a byproduct of demanding careers.
Work as Cover
The findings highlight how certain professions can inadvertently facilitate infidelity. Engineers, with their unpredictable schedules and frequent travel or off-site meetings, may find it easier to hide extramarital activities. The same holds true for artisans and commercial directors, whose work often involves irregular hours and time away from home. For women, jobs in commerce and hospitality can present similar opportunities, especially when combined with the pressures and stresses unique to those fields.
Yet, the study also underscores that infidelity is not simply a matter of opportunity. Emotional factors, personal values, and relationship dynamics all contribute. The modern workplace, with its blurred boundaries between professional and personal life, can complicate these dynamics further, making it harder for couples to maintain trust and transparency.
As the landscape of infidelity changes, so too do the challenges for couples and therapists. Understanding the interplay between work, stress, and relationship satisfaction is crucial for anyone seeking to address or prevent infidelity. The data suggests that open communication and realistic expectations about the demands of modern careers may be more important than ever in maintaining healthy, faithful partnerships.
For those navigating the aftermath of infidelity, therapy can offer a structured space to explore the underlying issues and rebuild trust. Couples counseling, individual therapy, and support groups are all valuable resources. The key is recognizing that infidelity rarely has a single cause—and that healing requires both partners to engage honestly with the realities of their relationship and the pressures they face, both at home and at work.
