In 100 female secondary school teachers (TE) and 60 office workers (OW) the work ability and the risk factors as well as resources and their health status were examined (mean age: 44±9 years). The work ability was evaluated with the questionnaire Work Ability Index, the health status with the Vitality Measurement Station® which consists of 45 vitality indicators from the physiological, mental and social capabilities. In addition, cardiac risk factors, physiological and mental fitness, diagnosed diseases, ailments, inability to recover, burnout risk and effort–reward ratio were included. TE showed a significantly lower work ability than OW and a higher risk for this (odds ratio: 1.6). As the strongest influence factor of decreased work ability, the number of actual ailments was identified. Spinal bone diseases showed the highest frequencies in both groups. Besides TE displayed emotional exhaustion, diseases of the cardiopulmonary system and decreased hearing acuity. Decreased visus and cardiac risk factors were found primarily in OW. High mental ability and physiological fitness could be identified as resources in TE. Furthermore, it is important to evaluate personality and work-related influence factors (e.g. gratification).