Most of the time, high-paying jobs come with a lot of stress. Balancing income and stress levels is crucial when choosing a career. But you might want a stress-free environment. Leaving a high-paying, high-stress job for something better suited to your skills and personality can bring significant benefits, such as the ability to work remotely and enjoy your tasks more. Being stress-free doesn’t mean you can’t make money. Some of the least stressful jobs offer generous salaries and job security. Here are 37 stress-free high-paying jobs.
1. Technical Writer
Annual Salary $99,546
A technical writer conveys complex information in simple terms to the general public or a select audience. They write technical manuals, design specifications, project plans and more.
2. Cartographer
Annual Salary $65,470
The demand for cartographers is growing. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in cartography or an aligned field. You’ll be putting together maps and assisting with navigation systems.
3. Actuary
Annual Salary $108,350
You’ll be using math skills as well as statistics and analysis knowledge to develop probability tables, examine financial risks and set insurance rates. A bachelor's degree in statistics or a related field is typically required for actuaries to earn this six-figure salary.
4. Radiation Therapist
Annual Salary $85,560
Working in the healthcare field can be lucrative. And a radiation therapist is no exception. These professionals administer radiation treatment to people who have cancer and other ailments.
5. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
Annual Salary $107,970
These scientists analyze data from satellites, aircraft, geographic information systems and ground-based platforms. The data is applied to solve problems in urban planning. It also deals with homeland security and natural resource management. There is no stress with this job.
According to labor statistics, the demand for remote sensing scientists and technologists is expected to grow, with median pay reflecting the specialized skills required in this field.
6. Mathematicians
Annual Salary $112,110
Mathematicians use math to solve problems in different fields and industries. They solve problems in science, business engineering and more.
7. Solar Energy Systems Engineers
Annual Salary $104,600
These are alternative energy experts. They develop solar energy development plans for real-world applications.
8. Data Scientist
Annual Salary $$145,080
Usually, data scientists work in the tech industry. They present, evaluate and present information to their employer. You'll need a master's degree or higher and a background in mathematics and computer science.
9. Dietitian
Annual Salary $69,680
A dietitian works with people to lead healthy lives. Dietitians often help people with weight loss or weight management. Athletes often consult with dietitians. They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to ensure patients receive nutritious meals.
10. Librarian
Annual Salary $64,370
Law firms, museums and schools use librarians and research librarians for various purposes. They often work with professors to find obscure information or lawyers to find past law decisions.
Librarians are considered a low-stress job with good compensation and job security.
11. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Annual Salary $80,850
These individuals operate special imaging equipment to conduct medical tests or create images. They work in laboratories, hospitals or medical offices.
Diagnostic medical sonographers are considered part of low-stress jobs, offering good compensation and job security.
12. College or University Professor
Annual Salary $84,380
Most professors have a Ph.D., but some community colleges hire those with master's degrees to teach if they have a certain expertise.
13. Audiologist
Annual Salary $87,740
An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in auditory systems. Audiologists perform tests to determine the patient's hearing level and prescribe treatment
14. Operations Research Analyst
Annual Salary $83,640
These individuals use data and statistical tools to solve problems. They find ways to make businesses more efficient. You must have strong analytical skills and mastery of computer systems.
Operations research analysts use data collection, analysis, and modeling to help companies identify and solve problems within their organization. The projected growth of jobs in this field is 23% between 2021 and 2031.
15. Dermatologist
Annual Salary $319,494
This medical doctor treats skin diseases. Dermatologists also handle cosmetic disorders like hair loss and scars.
16. Speech Pathologist
Annual Salary $96,090
A speech pathologist assesses and treats people who have speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. They can work with children or stroke victims. Speech pathologists also treat patients who have problems swallowing. Their work significantly contributes to patients' mental health and overall well-being.
17. Ophthalmologist
Annual Salary $$375,421
An ophthalmologist is an eye care specialist. Unlike optometrists or opticians, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor. An ophthalmologist has specific training and experience in diagnosing vision and eye conditions.
18. Software Developer
Annual Salary $127,260
Software developers design, create and maintain computer programs and systems. They work to meet their clients' needs. They can build operating systems, mobile apps and video games.
19. Petroleum Engineer
Annual Salary $96,592
A petroleum engineer designs systems for extracting gas and oil from the earth. Many focus on developing efficient and environmentally sustainable drills and rigs.
20. Art Director
Annual Salary $77,358
The job description of an art director includes overseeing the style and visual elements of product packaging. Art directors work with artists, designers, and photographers to ensure that the graphics and design pieces align with the original concept. They also ensure that everything is within budget and that deadlines are met.
21. Purchasing Manager
Annual Salary $79,610
These managers develop strategies for buying and sourcing equipment, services and goods for an organization. Purchasing managers interact with suppliers to track the process of product deliveries. They determine the organization's supply needs by taking inventory. They also check the company's quality specifications and standards.
22. Biomedical Engineer
Annual Salary $86,755
Biomedical engineers use a combination of scientific and engineering knowledge to design and build artificial organs, prosthetic limbs, and other devices to help people function.
23. Economist
Annual Salary $111,940
An economist analyzes the creation and distribution of services, goods and other industry resources. They do this by analyzing trends, data and other economic issues.
24. Research Scientist
Annual Salary $95,565
These scientists coordinate, design and implement experiments to analyze data. They then review the results. A research scientist will also develop research strategies to increase productivity and efficiency levels. They often conduct research and present findings on under-studied topics.
25. Operations Engineer
Annual Salary $98,783
Operations engineers ensure an organization’s machinery and other technical items are running efficiently.
26. Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers oversee activities related to an organization's computer systems. They will review the company's needs and recommend more effective upgrades to management. Information systems managers also manage the maintenance and installation efforts of various software and hardware systems. This includes analyzing costs and benefits.
27. Dentist
Annual Salary $223,864
Dentists evaluate, diagnose and treat issues in the patient’s mouth. This includes gums and teeth. They may perform cleanings, tooth extractions, and correcting bite issues.
According to O*NET, dentists have a stress tolerance score of 70, which is higher compared to many other professions, indicating a higher level of stress tolerance required.
28. Accountant
Annual Salary $77,857
An accountant helps individuals and organizations administer financial documents. They prepare taxes, perform internal audits, reconcile accounts and develop financial statements.
According to O*NET, accountants have moderate stress tolerance scores, indicating they often need to accept criticism and handle stressful situations, but not as frequently as some other professions.
29. IT Technician
Annual Salary $52,455
These technicians specialize in investigating and resolving issues with IT equipment. This includes computers, hardware, software and networks.
30. Business Intelligence Analyst
Annual Salary $87,886
Business intelligence analysts help organizations extract meaning from business data. The result is that companies can make informed strategic decisions about the topic. Business intelligence analysts’ duties include collecting and sorting data. With that data, they can forecast sales market data and report their findings to leaders. Business intelligence analysts are often considered part of stress-free jobs due to their good compensation and job security.
31. Model
Annual Salary $93,419
Models pose in photo shoots, video shoots and appear at live events to promote a product. They are mainly in the fashion industry but specialized models like hand and foot models exist.
32. Historian
Annual Salary $67,573
Historians study, interpret and record the past. They do this by finding and organizing data from archives, artifacts, ancient texts and other records. They often publish their discoveries in books or academic journals.
33. Law Clerk
Annual Salary $59,371
Law clerks help judges research issues, write opinions, and make legal determinations. They are usually attorneys or have completed law school.
34. Real Estate Appraiser
Annual Salary $83,091
Real estate appraisers assess property value and provide objective opinions. They provide appraisals to buyers, sellers or mortgage companies. A real estate appraiser may also research and prepare reports about the residential or commercial property.
35. Political Scientist
Annual Salary $122,510
Political scientists study political systems and governments. They also may research government policies and political ideas. Some teach political science, forecast political trends and analyze election results.
36. Chemical Engineer
Annual Salary $105,550
Chemical engineering is considered a high paying job due to its substantial salary. These engineers apply the principles of chemistry to manufacture drugs, plastics, chemicals, and many other products. Chemical engineers may also design chemical plant equipment and develop new and improved manufacturing processes.
37. Physicist
Annual Salary $152,430
Physicists research physical phenomena, such as the origin of the universe and the nature of time. They develop theories and models based on observations and experiments.
Conclusion
If you can’t handle stress, examine any one of these careers. Choosing a less stressful job can offer benefits such as a decent salary and job security, which are often lacking in more stressful jobs. They’re all lucrative and stress-free. From models to physicists, you’re sure to find something that’s a fit.
