Top Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Really Well

You may well have heard the expression ‘You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do.’ There is a certain truth to that, of course, but those who are lucky enough to find such a job are few and far between.

The rest of us have to put up with some sort of stress in our jobs. And that usually takes some form of balance in terms of the amount of stress involved.

However, are there such things as Jobs with Low Stress That Pay Really Well?

Let’s find out…

You Have A Choice

It is probably true that most of us would like to have jobs that offer an easy lifestyle. But we also have to look at the bank account. Some jobs offer a relatively stress-free existence; we are going to look at those soon. But for those that don’t want to work in those environments, it becomes a little harder. However, you do have the choice.

It Mustn’t Consume You

You can accept a little stress as long as it isn’t completely consuming. Which is what we are really talking about here. Every job, no matter what, will have an element of stress. It is more a case of what is the acceptable level. And that will be different for just about everybody.

But before we can move on, perhaps we need to identify stress at work. We need to do that because that also will be different for everybody.

Stress At Work

Some occupations are labeled stressful because that is how others see them. I don’t completely agree with that idea. There are ‘stress indexes’ and ‘stress tolerance’ ratings produced. These will measure how people deal with managing stress at work.

However, how is that information accrued and then analyzed? People’s opinions and comments? And isn’t stress something to do with other situations?

What is a High-Stress Occupation?

I have a good friend who is an Air Traffic Controller at London Heathrow. That would no doubt be on someone’s ‘stress index.’ Not for her; she loves it. When I asked her, she said not at all. She loves what she does. And with today’s technology, it is different from when her father was a controller some years ago.

A Fireman? I know one of those as well. Sorry stress index, he feels no pressure even though his life is on the line at times. He loves his job and the camaraderie that exists within the crew.

We All Feel Stress Differently

What is stressful to some may not be for others. Some may find sitting in a room on their own all day working quite stressful. Yet to others, it would be a perfect occupation. But enough of all this analysis and consideration. You don’t always need to look too deep. Let’s see if we can identify a low-stress job that you might like with a decent salary.

The first list will usually require a good level of education. After all, we are looking at low-stress jobs with a good salary. But what about those without the education required? Do we just say hard luck? After, we will look at jobs that do not require degrees, etc.,

Health Services

Do you quite like the idea of working in a job where your business is helping others? If so, there are many options.

Audiologist

Qualifications- Doctorate or specific Degree.

If you don’t mind achieving the educational qualifications required, this could be an ideal position. An audiologist will diagnose problems with the inner ear and hearing loss problems and treat them. It pays well, between $65,000 and $75,000, carries no real stress level at all, and you will probably work in a small team.

Occupational Therapist

Qualifications- Degree or, in some circumstances, a Master’s.

Another job that will require plenty of study and commitment but one that brings its own rewards. An Occupational Therapist will treat people who have been injured or are disabled. They help them cope with changes in daily living habits and any limitations they may have.

The work will mostly be with older people but include those recovering from accidents or hospital treatment, so it might not suit everyone.

Pay Scale between $75,000 to $85,000.

Genetic Counsellor

Qualifications- Relevant Degree or, in most circumstances, a Masters.

Genetic Counsellors are advice-based people. Their role is to assess the genetic makeup of the people they see. The reason is to advise them about any potential birth defects for children they may be planning. This role is often undertaken if one or both of the prospective parents have a defect they may feel might threaten an unborn child.

The methods of predicting outcomes in genetics have advanced over the last twenty years. This will be an expanding role in the future.

Pay Scale between $70,000 to $90,000.

Dental Hygienist

Qualifications- Degree.

The role of the Dental Hygienist is really in supporting the Dentist. Hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, assist with procedures, and carry out preliminary assessments. They will also advise patients about correct dental hygiene. With aging populations, this will be another industry seeking qualified people.

Pay Scale $70,000 to $80,000.

Speech and Language Therapist

Qualifications- Degree or sometimes higher

Speech therapists and pathologists will diagnose and decide on treatments for a range of speech-related problems. For these positions, you will need a license to practice. The license will be issued following the level of education required by each individual governing body.

Therapy is undertaken with both adults and children. The range of activities can extend to helping someone learn to speak again after a stroke. Also, providing therapy for speech impediments and for those having trouble expressing what they mean. Or even helping someone who cannot speak at all. Once more, an aging population will increase the demand for these professionals.

Pay Scale $70,000 to $85,000.

Radiation Therapist

Qualifications- Associate Degree

Radiation therapists will usually be found in hospitals or specialized clinics. They fulfill an important role in giving radiation treatments to patients suffering from cancer and some other illnesses. They use and set up the equipment for these functions and have to ensure all safety precautions are met.

Therapists also explain the treatment and tell the patient what to expect. They are also on-hand to monitor any adverse reactions and act quickly if necessary.

Pay Scale, $80,000 to $90,000.

Optometrist

Qualifications- Degree plus four years specialized training

An Optometrist is what we might call an eye doctor. They specialize in everything to do with the eye. This will include diagnosing and dealing with any injuries, diseases, and a variety of visual problems.

If you are working in the US, you will need to get a license approved by your state. Most European countries operate a national licensing scheme that applies to all districts and areas.

Pay Scale $110,000 to $120,000.

Mathematically Based Occupations

Statistician

Qualifications- Entry Level Bachelors Degree. Other, Masters degree in Maths based subjects.

The work involves collecting and analyzing data and applying it to practical problems. This will be a job that will tend to be isolated from other staff members. But it will also offer a low level of stress as there are unlikely to be deadlines to meet. If you like playing around with numbers, then this could be an ideal position.

Pay Scale $80,000 to $95,000.

Operations Research Analyst

Qualifications- Degree

Working in Operational Research has a different slant to the Statistician. You are likely to be more involved with staff. This is because it requires the collection of data about organizational processes and behavior.

Using this information, they assess any trends and offer solutions to problems in advance. The creation of mathematical models and statistical models helps senior managers make any necessary policy decisions.

Pay Scale $80,000 to $90,000.

Actuary

Qualifications- Maths based Degree plus related field examinations

The role of the Actuary is all about assessing potential financial risks. The work includes using maths and statistics to assess and predict likely scenarios. The results will provide financial modeling used for risk assessment.

They are usually employed by Insurance companies looking at accidents, natural disasters, and the risk of illness. Pay Scale, $90,000 to $110,000.

Economist

Qualifications- Entry Level requires a Maths-based degree. Other levels require a Master’s or Ph.D.

An Economist will collect data to analyze it for research projects. They may use mathematical-based financial or another modeling to achieve a result. They tend to work more in the area of assessing economic policy and its effects.

For that reason, the positions are often found in Government departments or Universities. The economist will sometimes extend their activities to writing books and papers on their chosen subjects.

Pay Scale, $95,000 to $110,000

Computing

Software Developer

Qualifications- Degree, although some companies offer entry-level with other good maths-based qualifications.

The role of the Software developer can cover a wide range of activities. This will depend on the various industries in which you might be employed. You may be involved in developing apps and other small to medium technologies. Or in another scenario providing solutions for big mainframe users.

The principal activities, though, remain the same. Software developers design and create computer systems and applications for information processing. The developer will require to think logically and combine that with creativity. Software solutions are not just practical applications these days. They also have to look good and be very ‘user-friendly.’

A growing industry…

There is no doubt that this is a serious growth industry at the moment. And it will continue to be so as we rely more and more on automation. This is a job where you would need to assess the stress level based on the workload.

Smaller businesses tend to put everything on one person. That could indeed be stressful if many people are waiting for ‘instant’ results.

Pay Scale, $70,000 to $110,000.

Data Scientist

Qualifications- Degree minimum but preferable a Master’s in a relevant subject.

This can sound like a confusing title, but it is quite simple. It is a position and a job function that has materialized in its modern form in recent years. This is due to the increase in the power of computing.

However, it was first used in ancient times in a practical form. It was introduced into mathematical thinking in the 19th Century, and now it has a quite different connotation and application.

Present times…

These days Data Scientists create algorithms for very specific purposes. They are used to identify and then create patterns based on large datasets. As well as watch trends and provide a visual example of the direction for future service requirements. They can also be used to evaluate future product developments.

As companies rely more and more on the analysis of data, the Data Scientist will become a very valuable commodity in the workplace.

Pay Scale $100,000 to $130,000 and rising.

Graduate Appointments

As you can see, these are all appointments for graduates and higher. But some who didn’t have the benefit of a University education might also want low-stress occupations. And even though they are low-stress, they still offer a decent salary range. Let’s take a quick look at what might be on offer.

Non-Graduate Options

Dental Assistant

Qualifications- High School or Community College Diploma.

These positions are for people working in Dental surgeries or hospitals. They work in support of the Dentist and the Dental Hygienist. Some of the work will be administrative, scheduling appointments, and updating patient records. But you will also be helping with X-rays.

For those that might be seeking part-time work, this is a good option. Places will exist for both part and full-time employees.

Pay Scale, $35,000 to $45,000, depending on the number of hours.

Medical Assistant

Qualifications- A One Year course with a diploma at a certified College.

Medical assistants are usually employed in hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ surgeries. They will spend much of their time fulfilling administrative duties. These might be scheduling and rebooking appointments, keeping patient records up to date, and filing.

There are some occasions where some might find working in hospitals stressful. However, the clinics and the surgeries are not so.

Pay Scale $35,000 to $45,000.

Massage Therapist

Qualifications- License after an approved number of hours of training at a local facility.

Massage Therapists will often be found working in hospitals or specialist clinics. But you will also find them in dedicated centers in towns and cities. Their role is to provide treatments to bring relief from pain or, in some cases, just some relaxation. There is quite a lot of repeat business in this job.

One of the important requirements is for the masseur to understand the nature of the injury or need to deliver the correct therapy. Massage Therapists can be self-employed and are therefore able to work the hours they choose. Pay Scale, $30,000 to $45,000 depending on hours worked.

Library Technician

Qualifications- High School or College Diploma plus a Certificate in Library management.

If you are looking for one environment that most would consider stress free, it would be the library. Quiet and peaceful and a place where many just go to study, it is an ideal environment for some. Library technicians, or Library Assistants as they used to be known, are responsible for the administrative aspects of managing a library.

Duties will include cataloging books and any associated media, organizing the shelves, and helping visitors to the correct areas. Another big asset for some of working in a Library will be the holidays. As they are usually closed on public holidays, there will be some free time.

Not as popular anymore…

These days Libraries are not as popular as they once were when there was no alternative. The onset of online learning and study has reduced their importance somewhat. Having said that, they still serve an important role in the community. Pay Scale, $16 to $18 per hour.

Whatever role you aspire to, there is nothing wrong with professionally approaching the job. A nice briefcase gives the right impression, such as the Tassia Luxury Leather Executive Case Attache Briefcase, as does a nice pen, like this professional yet affordable Parker IM Fountain Pen.

It’s also never a good idea to get to work having got all soaked through, so get yourself a Lilyxin Premium Automatic Compact Umbrella Windproof.

Need Advice On Handling Stress?

Not a fan of stress? Then my guide on the Best Jobs For Introverts is what you need!

Next, we’ve found a selection of online reds for handling stress in today’s chaotic world. Why not take a look at the Mindfulness Workbook for Stress Relief, Managing Negative Emotions: How to deal with anger, anxiety, and irritation anywhere and anytime, Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World, as well as Be Calm: Proven Techniques to Stop Anxiety Now.

We also found Master Your Emotions: A Practical Guide to Overcome Negativity and Better Manage Your Feelings, and even The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It to help to relieve that tension.

Or maybe your stress is confidence-related. For that, we recommend reading up on The Self Confidence Workbook, The Confidence Gap: A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt, Unstoppable Self Confidence, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life, and finally, The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance all available online in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Some would say that having a high-stress, highly paid job is vital for your future. However, many would disagree with that. The toll that sort of stress can take not only on your health but your home life can be tragic.

Some jobs, though, are not always what they seem. It may look like a relaxed atmosphere but not always. If you have a low-stress job in a high-stress industry, you will feel that. There will be pressure all around, even if it is not aimed at you.

The context of where you will be working will be important. Ask people who are already in the situation you are considering to find out if it is as Low-stress as you hope it might be.

All the best with finding your high-paying, low-stress job!