Abstract Background: Occupational stress is a workplace concern that may affect employees’ health, well-being and ability to perform assigned responsibilities. Academic staff in tertiary institutions may experience stress arising from workload, working conditions, role demands and organizational relationships. Objective: This study assessed occupational stress and its perceived effects on the job performance of academic staff of Plateau State College of Health Technology, Zawan, Nigeria. It examined the experience and sources of occupational stress, reported symptoms and perceived effects on job performance, and strategies for managing workplace stress. Methods: A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study population comprised 184 academic staff across six schools of the College, from which 115 respondents were selected. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Results: Ninety-two respondents (80.0%) reported experiencing work-related stress. Poor working conditions were identified as a major source of stress by 76 respondents (66.1%). Superiors were identified as a source of stress by 66 respondents (57.4% of the full sample; 72.5% of the 91 valid responses). Headache (34; 29.6%) and elevated heartbeat (31; 27.0%) were among the commonly reported symptoms. Recruitment of additional academic staff was the most frequently selected organizational strategy for managing stress (38; 33.0%). Conclusion: Occupational stress was commonly reported among the academic staff surveyed. Poor working conditions, workload and organizational factors were prominent reported stressors. Institutional interventions addressing staffing levels, workload distribution, working conditions, rest periods and workplace relationships may help reduce occupational stress and support staff performance. Keywords: occupational stress; job performance; academic staff; workload; working conditions; health technology institution; Nigeria.