What characterizes a low-stress job? It depends on how one defines “stressful,” and some employees, of course, are unable to change their employment or quit their jobs. There are prospects in many industries, though, if you’re looking for one of the least demanding careers with a respectable wage and employment stability.
KEY LESSONS
Each has a different threshold for what defines work-related stress.
A low-stress job may not always move slowly, but signs of low stress work may include job security, little travel obligations, and a non-competitive environment.
In the upcoming ten years, many job sectors, particularly in the medical, health, and wellness sectors, are expected to develop.
Working for yourself isn’t necessarily low-stress.
Certain low-stress jobs pay well over average on an annual basis.
14 Careers with Little Stress
CareerCast ranked the careers based on 11 stress variables in its yearly report. Whether or not the profession required substantial travel, public interaction, physical demands, or a risk to one’s health or life were some of these considerations. It’s very likely that factors like running into risks and working in demanding situations will cause some level of stress for people in general.
Certain employment with minimal levels of stress offer respectable pay, little risk to one’s physical safety, few deadlines, and little workplace competition. Working environment, relationships with coworkers, and other personal characteristics can all contribute to stress at work. Nonetheless, it could be simpler to manage the daily pressures that arise at work if your job’s baseline is relatively low stress.21
According to CareerCast, each of these positions is rated as having “low stress” or “extremely low stress” (in no particular order). The pay data below is from the United States and is based on its most recent (2019) jobs report. According to the BLS for 2021.34
1. Analyst of data
$131,490 is the median annual wage.
Minimum educational requirement of a master’s degree
The duties of a data scientist, who frequently works in the tech industry, include evaluating and presenting information to their company.
Since both computer science and mathematics are frequently required in their professions, data scientists typically have a background in these fields. The BLS estimates that by 2031, this industry will grow by 21%, making the prospects for new workers quite good. To earn the typical annual pay of $131,490.5 for data scientists, you must have a master’s degree.
2. Dietitian
The average yearly wage is $61,650.
Level of Education: Bachelor’s.
Dietitians assist people and families in leading healthy lives and achieving their health-related goals.
Dietitians can offer assistance with meal planning, weight control, and other food-related issues with a focus on consuming foods high in vitamins and minerals. By 2031, there will be a projected 7% rise in the number of dietitian employment, which is about average for all occupations.
Although working as a consultant or freelancer may allow you more independence, it can be stressful because you have to work hard to get money.
3. Technician for Medical Records
The median wage is $46,660.
Education: An associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate. Further certification may be necessary for some job routes.
Particularly during pandemics, the health sector is frequently linked with stressful occupations, long hours, and extremely difficult working conditions.
The position of a medical records technician, which was designed to allow one person to organize and handle patients’ information, defies this trend in healthcare. These professionals have an average career outlook, with 7% job growth expected by 2031.7
4. Therapist of massage
Average pay: $46,910
State and professional licensing criteria in terms of education.
Those looking for job who prefer a relaxed, slow-paced environment can choose a career in massage therapy. A massage therapist’s primary duties include soothing sore or overworked muscles and creating a relaxing environment, but they may also cater to clients who are less particular about their needs.
If you are ready to go through the training to get your license, the career also has low entry requirements and the health and wellness industry is expanding. Moreover, a 20% increase in demand is anticipated by 2031, which is well above normal.
Licensed massage therapists can work for themselves or in spas, clinics, and other places.
5. Repairer of appliances
Average yearly pay: $43,180
education: a high school diploma or its equivalent.
A career in appliance repair can be a good fit if you are skilled with tools and seeking a position that is almost always in demand.
According to CareerCast, this position has “extremely low” stress levels, and general maintenance and repair positions often pay over $40,000 annually on average. You can also need extra certifications, depending on your field. Some repair professionals can earn well over $70,000.
6. Librarian
Average pay: $61,190
Educated to the master’s level.
This low-stress profession might be satisfying if you’re considering a career change, and employment chances are not simply available in public libraries.
For a variety of duties, schools, universities, legal companies, and museums frequently employ librarians or research librarians. Although a master’s degree may be required to land an outstanding career in this profession, the BLS reports that the median salary in this industry is $60,820.10
7. Sonographer for medical diagnosis
Average pay: $75,380.
Educated to the associate level.
Diagnostic medical sonographers use specialized imaging tools to carry out procedures or produce images.
Diagnostic medical sonographers frequently work at hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. The median salary for this low-stress position, which just requires an associate’s degree, is $70,380 as of 2021.11
8. academic professor
Average yearly pay: $79,640
Ph.D. or another doctoral-level degree in education.
Notwithstanding the opinions of some academics, CareerCast did include tenured “university professor” as a low-stress position.
According to the BLS, this position is classified as a “postsecondary instructor,” and job growth is 12%, which is more than usual. The majority of professors hold a Ph.D., however some—particularly those employed at community colleges in a particular field of study—may simply be required to hold a master’s degree.
9. stylist for hair
Average pay: $29,680
Level of education: Cosmetology license.
Despite the fact that hairstylists deal with the public on the job, according to CareerCast, this position has low pressure.
Although all states require a license to practice, stylists can work for themselves or for a salon, and the position is unrelated to education. After graduating from a cosmetology program that has been approved by the state and passing an exam, you can start working. Although the median yearly pay is low, the 11% job growth rate is substantially higher than normal.
10. Enforcement Officer
$60,000 to $120,000 on average, depending on the sector.
Education: A Bachelor’s degree or another postsecondary degree, together with a certification unique to your industry, may be required.
A compliance officer is in charge of making sure businesses adhere to internal policies, bylaws, and legal and regulatory requirements. Assuring environmental compliance on an oil rig or reviewing the financials of a trading corporation are just two examples of the diverse industries in which compliance officers might operate. The industry will determine average salaries.
11. Audiologist
Average pay: $78,950.
A doctorate in audiology (Au.D.) is required, along with state licensure requirements
An audiologist is a physician who focuses on the auditory systems of the body. When a patient has hearing loss, they may conduct tests to evaluate their level of hearing or offer treatment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that audiologists have a promising career path, with demand rising by about 10% by 2031. This is roughly twice as quickly as the average industry’s rate of job growth.
12. Jeweler
Average pay: $46,640
the equivalent of a high school diploma
Jewelers are artisans who work with priceless gems or metals like platinum, silver, and gold. Also, they might handle delicate equipment like watches. The job prognosis is favorable despite the relatively low entry barriers, with the number of jeweler jobs predicted to increase by only 1% by 2031, significantly less than the average.17
13. Analyst for operations research
Average pay: $82,360
Higher education: Bachelor’s
An operations research analyst solves issues and looks for ways to increase a company’s efficiency using data and statistical tools. Strong analytical abilities are needed for this, in addition to technical tool and computer system expertise. With a projected 23% growth in employment by 2031, the future is especially bright for operations research analysts.
14. pharmacy assistant
Average pay: $36,740
High school diploma or its equivalent
Pharmacy technicians are experts who help pharmacists dispense medications and provide other necessary services in a pharmacy setting. These technicians have a substantially lower entry hurdle despite being paid less than a full pharmacist. You should be aware of some state licensing requirements, though. By 2031, there will be a projected 5% increase in the number of positions available for pharmacy technicians.
What Nursing Careers Have the Lowest Stress Levels?
These are some of the least demanding nursing positions:
Nurses using telemedicine can care for patients while relaxing in their own houses.
Nurse educators: These professionals enable nurses to put their knowledge and skills to use without the pressure of patient care.
Excellent job choice for nurses who appreciate working with children in educational settings: school nurse or summer camp nurse.
Nurse administrator: Nurse administrators are able to benefit from their hospital knowledge without the daily stress of bedside care by concentrating only on the administrative side of nursing (schedules, organizing records, budgeting, etc.).
What Positions in Medicine Include the Least Stress?
Some of the less demanding medical occupations include:
Dermatology is a fantastic option for those who value a work-life balance because dermatologists often have the freedom to choose their own office hours.
Pathology: This discipline is ideal for problem solvers who want to spend less time with patients because pathologists consult with other doctors and conduct disease investigations.
Ophthalmology: Just like dermatologists, ophthalmologists have the ability to establish a specific number of office hours and cultivate enduring patient relationships.
What Military Professions Have the Lowest Stress Levels?
Military jobs with low-stress levels that also transition easily to the private sector include:
specialized in information technology
Carpenter
dental assistant
vehicle mechanic
assistant in administration
What Professional Positions Have the Lowest Stress Levels?
Some of the professions with the least stressful occupations are:
Dental hygienist: Dental hygienists normally work a set number of office hours. They clean patients’ teeth and instruct them on good oral hygiene.
Speech therapists: Speech therapists have comparatively accommodative office hours and diagnose and treat speech issues.
Occupational therapist: Occupational therapists assist sick, injured, and disabled people with overcoming the difficulties of daily life.
What Are the $100K Careers with the Lowest Stress Levels?
The following are a few of the least demanding careers that make at least $100,000 annually:
Software developers create and create computer programs and applications. The average yearly salary is $107,51020.
Data scientists design the algorithms that are used to glean insights from data. Data scientists make an average yearly pay of $126,830.20.
Actuary: For people who enjoy math and statistics, actuaries crunch numbers and interpret unstructured data, offering a low-stress profession. Actuaries make an average of $108.350.21 per year.
the conclusion
While every profession involves some level of stress, certain jobs offer a better work-life balance than others. Also, a variety of full-time positions with decent benefits and income are readily available in booming industries. These positions come with less stress.
One choice may be to look for employment responsibilities in booming and prosperous businesses, like those mentioned above, for individuals who are eager to embrace a low-stress career and live a fulfilling family life.