You don’t want to be stressed out at work all the time, but you want to make a decent salary. There’s no reason you can’t have both with low stress careers. We’ve found 12 low-stress jobs that still pay well.
1. Art Director
Annual Salary $77,358
Art directors oversee the style and visual elements of publications. They approve effective designs, review and grant approval for artwork, develop timelines and budgets. Art directors ensure that the finished production aligns with the brand. Often times, an art director has a high school diploma or a bachelor's degree. They don't encounter many high stress situations and have a calm work environment, which allows them to maintain a low stress career.
2. Research Scientist
Annual Salary $95,565
Research scientists coordinate, design and implement experiments. Their goal is to analyze data sets and review their results. Research scientists strive to develop research strategies to increase productivity and efficiency levels. A research scientist can be a high paying job and most have a master's degree, if not more. Most research scientists have a quiet work environment and tend to work at their own pace without tight deadlines, making this a relatively low-stress job.
3. Audiologist
Annual Salary $83,343
Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients’ hearing conditions. The audiologist median salary is $82,680, and the profession requires a doctoral degree in audiology. According to labor statistics, the field is expected to see significant job growth, with projections indicating a faster-than-average increase in demand.
They use tools and instruments to understand the severity of a patient’s hearing loss and if there are any balance issues. Audiologists fit patients with hearing aids or similar devices.
4. Economist
Annual Salary $111,940
An economist analyzes the creation and distribution of goods and services. They analyze trends and data related to economic issues. Using mathematical techniques, models and software, they input results in charts and tables. These results are then reported to stakeholders.
5. Biomedical Engineer
Annual Salary $86,755
Biomedical engineers combine scientific and engineering knowledge to design and build artificial organs and prosthetic limbs. They also train physicians to use new equipment properly.
6. Mathematician
Annual Salary $111,102
A mathematician uses mathematical techniques and theories to offer solutions to an organization's challenges. They analyze gathered data to understand issues and develop models to overcome these problems. Mathematicians use geometry and algebra teachings to develop new mathematical theories.
7. Optometrist
Annual Salary $145,632
Optometrists examine patients’ eyes. They identify, diagnose and treat certain vision injuries, conditions or diseases. They also perform routine eye examinations on patients and prescribe glasses, contacts or other corrective lenses.
The career path for optometrists is highly favorable, offering excellent job satisfaction and prospects due to increasing demand and opportunities for autonomy.
8. Business Intelligence Analyst
Annual Salary $87,886
Business intelligence analysts are data analysts. They help organizations extract meaning from business data to inform strategic decisions. Business intelligence analysts collect, sort data, visualize data, forecast sales and report their findings to leaders.
9. Dental Hygienist
Annual Salary $74,321
Dental hygienists clean people’s teeth and educate them on proper tooth and gum care. They often take X-rays of patient’s teeth and create moldings. Dental hygienists collaborate closely with dentists to provide overall dental care.
10. Auto Mechanic
Annual Salary $65,329
Auto mechanics inspect, repair and maintain vehicles. They examine vehicles for safety and mechanical issues. Auto mechanics perform tests to diagnose problems and replace faulty parts.
11. Accountant
Annual Salary $59,606
An accountant helps individuals or organizations organize and administer their financial documents. They help prepare clients’ taxes, perform audits, reconcile accounts and develop financial statements.
12. Software Engineer
Annual Salary $108,896
Software engineers, also known as software developers, use the principles and techniques of computer science, mathematics and engineering to create and test organizational software applications. While a college degree is often required for many software engineering positions, the evolving job market increasingly values practical skills and certifications. Once tests have been completed, they monitor systems and apply necessary updates or fixes.
Conclusion
Just because you want to make a lot of money doesn’t mean you have to be stressed out all the time. These 12 jobs will bring in a good buck while calming your nerves and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
