In today’s fast-paced world, many people seek jobs that balance income and stress levels well.
Why shouldn’t they when statistics suggest that about 83% of employees felt emotionally drained from their work and 62% of women and 52% of men reported to be feeling stressed due to work. [1]
The good news is that there are plenty of careers out there that not only provide a comfortable salary but also come with lower stress levels.
Whether you are looking to make a career change or just curious about what’s out there, this guide will introduce you to 30+ low-stress jobs to consider that pay well.
1. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Salary: $70,380/year
Education Requirements: Associate’s degree
Job Outlook: 14% growth
Diagnostic medical sonographers operate imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose various medical conditions. This role typically involves working in a controlled environment with predictable routines and minimal patient interaction. If you are looking for a healthcare career that offers stability and a sense of accomplishment without the high stress, this might be the right fit.
2. Orthotist or Prosthetist
Salary: $70,190/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 18% growth
Orthotists and prosthetists design and fit medical devices such as braces and artificial limbs to enhance patients’ mobility and quality of life. This role combines technical skills with patient interaction in a supportive environment. If you enjoy making a tangible difference in people’s lives without the high-pressure demands of other medical roles, this career might be a great choice.
3. Statistician
Salary: $91,160/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 35% growth
Statisticians analyze data to solve real-world problems and make informed decisions. The job involves working with numbers and patterns in a quiet, focused environment. For those who love data and problem-solving, this role offers intellectual stimulation and a calm work setting, making it a rewarding option with a steady pace.
4. Technical Writer
Salary: $74,650/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 7% growth
Writing clear, concise documentation and manuals requires focus but is typically done in a quiet environment with little to no customer interaction.
5. Genetic Counselor
Salary: $85,700/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 21% growth
Genetic counselors work with patients to understand genetic conditions, offering support and information in a non-urgent setting.
6. Librarian
Salary: $60,820/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree in Library Science
Job Outlook: 6% growth
Library technicians assist with organizing and managing library materials, helping patrons find resources. This role often involves a quiet, organized work environment with minimal stress. If you enjoy working in a structured setting and have a passion for books and research, this career can be both fulfilling and low-stress.
7. Dietitian or Nutritionist
Salary: $63,090/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 7% growth
Dietitians provide guidance on nutrition and diet to promote health and manage diseases. The role typically involves one-on-one consultations in a supportive and controlled setting. If you have an interest in health and nutrition and seek a job with meaningful interactions and manageable stress, this profession is a great choice.
8. Massage Therapist
Salary: $47,180/year
Education Requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
Job Outlook: 21% growth
Massage therapists work in tranquil environments, helping clients relax and manage pain, which also helps reduce the therapist’s stress levels.
9. Audiologist
Salary: $81,030/year
Education Requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
Job Outlook: 13% growth
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. They often work in clinical settings with structured schedules and minimal stress. If you are interested in helping people with hearing issues and prefer a calm, focused work environment, this role can be both rewarding and low-stress.
10. Environmental Scientist
Salary: $73,230/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 8% growth
Environmental scientists often work outdoors or in labs, studying the environment and developing plans to protect it, with minimal stress from management.
11. Operations Research Analyst
Salary: $86,200/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 25% growth
This role involves analyzing data to help businesses make better decisions, typically in a calm, office environment.
12. Geoscientist
Salary: $93,580/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Geoscientists study the Earth’s composition, working in a mix of outdoor and lab settings, often with flexible schedules.
13. Cartographer
Salary: $68,380/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Cartographers create maps and spatial data for a variety of uses, often working in quiet, focused environments.
14. Radiation Therapist
Salary: $86,850/year
Education Requirements: Associate’s degree
Job Outlook: 7% growth
Radiation therapists work with cancer patients to administer treatment, typically in calm, supportive settings.
15. Hydrologist
Salary: $84,040/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Hydrologists study water resources, often working outdoors or in research labs, with minimal stress from tight deadlines.
16. Art Director
Salary: $100,890/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They work in creative environments where they can express themselves and manage design projects from conception to completion. If you thrive in creative settings and enjoy shaping visual experiences, this role offers a rewarding blend of creativity and flexibility.
17. Actuary
Salary: $111,030/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 24% growth
Actuaries analyze financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. The role involves working in a controlled, office environment with analytical tasks. If you have a strong math background and enjoy solving complex problems with minimal pressure, this job provides both a challenge and a good work-life balance.
18. Biomedical Engineer
Salary: $92,620/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 6% growth
Biomedical engineers design medical devices and systems, working in research labs and development teams where creativity is encouraged, but stress is low.
19. Economist
Salary: $105,630/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 14% growth
Economists study financial trends and data, typically in quiet office environments with regular hours and little pressure.
20. Civil Engineer
Salary: $88,570/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 8% growth
Civil engineers design and oversee construction projects, often working in a mix of office and field settings, with manageable deadlines.
21. Postsecondary Teacher
Salary: $80,790/year
Education Requirements: Master’s or doctoral degree
Job Outlook: 12% growth
Postsecondary teachers work in academic settings, teaching and conducting research in their areas of expertise, with flexible schedules.
22. Epidemiologist
Salary: $74,560/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Epidemiologists study disease patterns and work in research settings, with a focus on prevention rather than emergency response.
23. Physical Therapist Assistant
Salary: $59,770/year
Education Requirements: Associate’s degree
Job Outlook: 32% growth
Physical therapist assistants work with patients to improve mobility, often in supportive environments with flexible hours.
24. Web Developer
Salary: $77,200/year
Education Requirements: Associate’s degree
Job Outlook: 13% growth
Web developers design and maintain websites, often working remotely or in quiet offices, with the ability to manage their own schedules.
25. Technical Support Specialist
Salary: $54,760/year
Education Requirements: Some college, no degree
Job Outlook: 8% growth
Technical support specialists help users solve IT problems, typically in calm, structured environments with clear procedures.
26. Environmental Engineer
Salary: $92,120/year
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Job Outlook: 5% growth
Environmental engineers design systems to protect the environment, often working in both office and field settings with a focus on long-term sustainability.
27. Speech-Language Pathologist
Salary: $80,480/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 25% growth
Speech-language pathologists work with patients to improve communication skills, often in supportive, one-on-one settings.
28. Occupational Therapist
Salary: $86,280/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 14% growth
Occupational therapists help patients regain daily living skills, often working in calm, therapeutic environments with flexible hours.
29. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Salary: $54,180/year
Education Requirements: Associate’s degree
Job Outlook: 7% growth
Clinical lab technicians work behind the scenes in medical labs, conducting tests with minimal patient interaction and a steady workflow.
30. Urban Planner
Salary: $76,240/year
Education Requirements: Master’s degree
Job Outlook: 7% growth
Urban planners create land use plans and programs that guide the development of communities. They work closely with local governments and community stakeholders to ensure that urban spaces are functional, sustainable, and vibrant. This role involves thoughtful analysis and collaboration, offering a structured work environment with a focus on improving community life. If you enjoy working on long-term projects that shape the future of cities, try this job.
Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
Want a low-stress job but don’t have a degree? Worry not! There are still great options available that offer a comfortable salary and minimal stress, if you have got the skill.
- Massage Therapist
Salary: $47,180/year
Imagine spending your day in a calm, peaceful environment, helping people feel their best. That’s the life of a massage therapist, where your work revolves around promoting relaxation and well-being.
- Technical Support Specialist
Salary: $54,760/year
If you enjoy solving puzzles and helping people, being a technical support specialist is a great fit. You will troubleshoot IT issues in a structured environment, often with clear guidelines that make the work both manageable and rewarding. - Web Developer
Salary: $77,200/year
Fancy the idea of crafting the web from anywhere? As a web developer, you can design and build websites with the freedom to work from home, a café, or wherever inspires you. - Commercial Driver
Salary: $45,260/year
Hit the open road with minimal oversight and enjoy the autonomy of being a commercial driver. It’s a job where you can take in the sights, set your pace, and appreciate the freedom that comes with it. - Photographer
Salary: $41,280/year
Making money while capturing images in various settings. That sounds more like fun than work, right?
FAQs
What makes a job low-stress?
Low-stress jobs typically offer a calm work environment, manageable deadlines, minimal physical strain, and a good work-life balance. This goes beyond money, employees feel high-stress but low job satisfaction even in high-paying careers.
Can you earn a good salary with a low-stress job?
Absolutely. Many less stressful jobs, such as statistician, art director, and actuary, offer salaries well above the national average.
Do low-stress jobs require a lot of education?
Some do, but there are also well-paying and relatively low-stress jobs that require less formal education, such as web development or massage therapy.
What are some low-stress jobs that don’t require a degree?
Some jobs offer low stress careers without a degree, like massage therapist, technical support specialist, and commercial driver.
How can I transition into a low-stress job?
Start by identifying your strengths and interests, researching potential careers, and considering any additional training or education that might be required.
Conclusion
Finding a less stressful job that pays at least a median salary is possible, whether you are looking for a career with minimal pressure, good work-life balance, or even no degree requirement.
The key is to identify what you value most in a job and match that with a career that aligns with your skills and interests. With the right approach, you can enjoy a fulfilling career that doesn’t compromise your peace of mind.
Sources
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.