17 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well

There’s nothing worse than a stressful day at work. Stress at a job happens from time to time but shouldn’t be a normal occurrence.

There are plenty of careers that offer low-stress working environments coupled with attractive above-average salaries in today’s modern world.

In these roles, you’ll walk out of work with a smile and, oftentimes, a six-figure paycheck, leaving those sleepless nights and stressful days behind for good.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a high-stress job that puts you under a lot of pressure and having a high-paying career are not always the same.

• With a low-stress job, you’ll improve your well-being and still make the big bucks.

• These jobs may require a specific skill-set, professional degree, specialization, or licensure, as these employees typically work as program managers, administrators, coordinators, and advisors.

17 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well

Here are 17 low-stress high paying jobs that’ll keep your bank account full while reducing your worries:

1. Web developer
   Average Yearly Salary: $72,000

   Web developers design functional, user-friendly websites for clients and companies using a variety of computer software systems.

   While the job does require a specific skill set, including knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, it comes with lots of flexibility and independence. Many web developers are self-employed or work for companies in computer systems design or business industries.

   Computer software designers and web developers are in high demand, according to labor statistics. The field is only expected to grow as the world relies more and more on modern technologies.

   Job security, a high-demand industry, and the ability to work at home while earning above-average wages pin web developers as some of the country’s highest-paid and least stressed professionals.

   Find Web developer jobs near me

2. Librarian
   Average Yearly Salary: $50,000

   Working as a librarian offers a great work-life balance. It’s a perfect low-stress job for book worms or people with a background in education, library sciences, literature, or English.

   You’ll spend your day in a friendly workplace environment, interacting with patrons and organizing library programs and events.

   Even better, the gig ranks as one of the best low-stress jobs for people with anxiety.

   Job requirements: Librarians typically need a master’s degree in library science, and school librarians may also require a teaching certificate. Labor statistics place the median salary just under $60,000 annually.

   Find Librarian jobs near me

3. Dental hygienist
   Average Yearly Salary: $78,000

   Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral infections, and provide advice and preventive care. As the global population ages, dental hygienists are in high demand.

   If you’re interested in oral healthcare, a hygienist is a high-paying career and lower-stress alternative to working as a dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon. It’s also one of the highest-paying jobs for women.

   Job requirements: All US states currently require dental hygienists to be licensed, and job seekers typically need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from an accredited program. On average, hygienists earn $60,000-$80,000 annually.

   Find Dental hygienist jobs near me

4. Computer and information systems manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $125,000

   Computer and information systems managers coordinate and oversee all computer systems within a company.

   As demand for computer and information systems managers grows, so does annual wage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the average yearly salary at $146,360.

   Job requirements: Computer and information systems managers typically work full-time and hold a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science. It ranks as one of the best-paid, low-stress jobs as much of the work is completed independently.

   Find Computer and information systems manager jobs near me

5. Graphic designer
   Average Yearly Salary: $45,000

   Graphic designers create innovative and creative digital designs, typically used in advertising and branding campaigns, for agencies and clients.

   Creative freedom creates a fun, low-stress work environment while hourly wages average more than $25.00.

   Job requirements: Graphic designers usually hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and often work from home to illustrate, edit art, and collaborate with design teams.

   Find Graphic designer jobs near me

6. Post-secondary teacher
   Average Yearly Salary: N/A

   Post-secondary teachers instruct students in various subjects after they have graduated high school. Typically, post-secondary teachers work at trade schools, community colleges, and public or private universities.

   Post-secondary teachers are afforded flexible schedules and the ability to research while teaching and advising students. Post-secondary teachers also earn lucrative salaries. The position is in high-demand and earns an average annual wage of $80,000.

   Job requirements: College professors typically teach adults eager to learn the subject matter, promoting a rewarding and low-stress working environment. Most institutions require post-secondary teachers to hold a Ph.D., although, depending on the subject matter and school, a master’s degree may suffice.

7. Marketing manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $106,000

   Marketing managers are some of the highest-paid professionals in the country. Making an average of just over $65 hourly, among the ten highest-paying occupations in Virginia, they use marketing strategies to boost interest for the company or client they work for.

   Marketing managers are afforded a certain degree of creativity to target audiences, improve brand awareness and increase business sales and profits.

   This positive work environment fosters communication, a progressive work-life balance, and a sense of unity, making marketing managing roles both rewarding and practical.

   Find Marketing manager jobs near me

8. Art director
   Average Yearly Salary: $74,000

   Art directors create artwork for websites, television shows, movies, magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and advertising campaigns.

   It’s a great gig for detail-oriented and creative individuals who hold either a bachelor’s degree or previous work experience in art or design.

   Art directors usually work for media companies, motion picture industries, publishing houses, or advertising firms. On average, they’re paid $45.00 per hour. Experienced art directors also find success as independent contractors, allowing for even more workday flexibility.

   Find Art director jobs near me

9. Personal service manager
   Average Yearly Salary: $49,000

   Personal service managers supervise a company’s employees to ensure that work requirements are being met and quality services are being delivered in a timely fashion.

   Many personal service managers work in the retail and education industries, where they complete productivity evaluations, manage payroll and troubleshoot problems.

   Not only is this low-stress job flexible with education requirements during hiring, but it’s also ranked among the 25 highest paying jobs in California.

   Job requirements: Most personal service managers hold a college degree. Still, it’s entirely possible to break into the industry with only a high school degree and high-level leadership, time-management, and organization skills.

   Find Personal service manager jobs near me

10. Optometrist
    Average Yearly Salary: $231,000

    Optometrists diagnose and treat eye injuries and disorders. The large majority of optometrists treat patients in doctor’s offices, optical good stores, or their privacy practices.

    Optometrists earn a comfortable six-figure salary and lead a rewarding career in the healthcare industry while avoiding the high-stressors that face many other medical professionals, including paramedics, physicians, and psychiatrists.

    Find Optometrist jobs near me

11. Purchasing manager
    Average Yearly Salary: $95,000

    Purchasing managers buy products, materials, or services for businesses, including wholesalers and retailers.

    Once you understand the inner workings of consumer sales and buying patterns, the job becomes virtually stress-free.

    Purchasing managers usually supervise a team of purchasing agents and play a direct role in growing a business and increasing sales. Purchasing managers earn a comfortable six-figure salary and fall within the top 20 highest paying jobs in Kentucky.

    Job requirements: The job is a senior-level position and typically requires a bachelor’s degree and at least a few years of experience.

    Find Purchasing manager jobs near me

12. Petroleum engineer
    Average Yearly Salary: $109,000

    Petroleum engineers work at drilling sites to develop plans and design equipment for extracting oil and natural gasses from underground. The highest-earning petroleum engineers make nearly $200,000 annually.

    Among engineering positions, petroleum engineering is typically classified as the least stressful, and most enjoyable and rewarding job, as it involves travel and critical thinking.

    Job requirements: The position requires a higher level of schooling — including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program and additional certifications — but ranks among some of the best-paying jobs in America and top 15 highest paying jobs in Texas.

    Find Petroleum engineer jobs near me

13. Computer Engineer
    Average Yearly Salary: $104,000

    Computer hardware engineers develop and test computer systems.

    Computer hardware engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in the country and typically work in research laboratories to build different models for computer system design services and manufacturing firms.

    Job requirements: Most computer hardware engineers will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. Like petroleum engineering, computer hardware engineering roles are typically regarded as low-stress, high-paying positions.

    Find Computer hardware engineer jobs near me

14. Public relations Manager and fundraising managing
    Average Yearly Salary: $88,000

    Ranked among the 20 top-grossing jobs in Arkansas, public relations and fundraising managers earn a median salary of $116,180 per year.

    Public relations and fundraising managers develop plans to enhance a company’s image and solicit and secure donations.

    The Bureau of Labor expects this industry to grow faster than average as nonprofit organizations require additional funding, and social media continues to be a driving factor in developing a positive company image.

    Public relations and fundraising manager roles offer job stability and allow employees to manage rewarding charitable campaigns, fostering a positive and low-stress work environment.

    Find Public relations manager jobs near me

15. Financial analyst
    Average Yearly Salary: $72,000

    A financial analyst sounds like an intimidating, stressful role, but, in actuality, the large majority of financial analysts work from home and have lots of flexibility.

    Financial analysts advise individuals and businesses on investment decisions. On average, they earn $82,000 annually — although those in the industry for extended periods make much more.

    Job requirements: Financial analysts typically must have a bachelor’s degree, although some also hold a master’s degree or MBA. Once you break into the industry, the extra schooling will pay off, as a financial analyst is a low-stress, high-pay job.

    Find Financial analyst jobs near me

16. Environmental specialist
    Average Yearly Salary: $51,000

    Environmental specialists are experts in their field. They monitor environmental impacts, identify environmental concerns and problems, and prepare reports with recommendations for remediation.

    Environmental specialists are high-ranked, low-stress, and well-paying jobs as they are afforded an excellent work-life balance and ample opportunity for growth.

    The industry is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years due to heightened public interest levels relating to environmental hazards.

    Find Environmental specialist jobs near me

17. Creative service provider
    Average Yearly Salary: N/A

    Creative service providers sell design, writing, social media, and other innovative services to individuals and organizations. Creative service providers act as independent contractors and offer freelance services, allowing for complete flexibility.

    Working as your own boss promotes a stress-free environment and allows you to set your rates and complete tasks how and when you want.

    This position also allows you to work closely with clients and develop professional relationships to further your career goals.

Perks of Top-Paying Low-Stress Jobs in America

Low-stress high salaried jobs rank high in employee satisfaction and are usually in growing, high-demand industries, like trades, creative companies, and computer and information businesses.

These roles have a higher median salary than other careers on the job market and provide employees with a highly sought-after work-life balance.

Many of the highest-earning positions are work-from-home gigs, freelance jobs, or full-time careers with ample flexibility.

Qualifying for the Highest-Paid Low-Stress Occupations

The least stressful and highest paying careers typically require a bachelor’s degree, specialty certifications, a master’s degree, or even a Ph.D. Employers seek skilled professionals when hiring for such high-paying careers.

The highest paying jobs may require a specific skill-set, professional degree, specialization, or licensure, as these employees typically work as program managers, administrators, coordinators, and advisors.

Although the best paying low-stress jobs often require advanced schooling, these positions can be a very lucrative line of work for long-term work-life happiness and professional success.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of low-stress, high-paying jobs that will keep you feeling both calm and accomplished. These 17 jobs will keep your wallet full and your workday anxieties few.

Many of the best high-earning, low-stress gigs require advanced qualifications and allow for ample flexibility, creative freedom, and inviting and comfortable work environments.

Whether you’re interested in computer software, websites, books, healthcare, marketing, science, art, or other creative industries, this article can help you find the career of your dreams.

Author

Elsie Boskamp

Elsie is an experienced writer, reporter, and content creator. As a leader in her field, Elsie is best known for her work as a Reporter for The Southampton Press, but she can also be credited with contributions to Long Island Pulse Magazine and Hamptons Online. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stony Brook University and currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee.