Background: The goal of this study was to conceptualize and compute measures of "mechanical work" done by the esophagus using data generated during functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry and compare work done during secondary peristalsis among patients and controls. Methods: 85 individuals were evaluated with a 16 cm FLIP during sedated endoscopy, including controls (n=14), achalasia subtypes I, II and III (n=15, each), GERD (n=13), EoE (n=9) and SSc (n=5). The FLIP catheter was positioned to have its distal segment straddling the EGJ during stepwise distension. Two metrics of work were assessed: "active work" (bag volumes ≤ 40 mL where contractility generates changes in lumen area) and "work capacity" (bag volumes ≥ 60 mL when contractility cannot alter the lumen area). Results: Controls showed median (IQR) of 7.3 (3.6-9.2) mJ of active work and 268.6 (225.2-332.3) mJ of work capacity. All achalasia subtypes, GERD, and SSc showed lower active work done than controls (p≤0.003). Achalasia subtypes I, II, GERD, and SSc had lower work capacity compared to controls (p<0.001, 0.004, 0.04, and 0.001 respectively). Work capacity was similar between controls, achalasia type III and EoE. Conclusions Mechanical work of the esophagus differs between healthy controls and patient groups with achalasia, EoE, SSc and GERD. Further studies are needed to fully explore the utility of this approach, but these work metrics would be valuable for device design (artificial esophagus), to measure the efficacy of peristalsis, to gauge the physiological state of the esophagus, and comment on its pumping effectiveness.