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We often think that a high-stress job equals better pay and job satisfaction. However, that’s rarely true, at least not for everyone. People generally have different stress tolerance, but that doesn’t mean that someone who prefers a low-stress job can’t be successful. There are several high-paying low-stress jobs that won’t make you anxious, and are extremely fulfilling and rewarding!
The trick lies in doing something you enjoy, so the work doesn’t feel like work. If you are doing something you love, you won’t just be successful and make more money, but also have a better work-life balance.
Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, there is something for everyone with or without a degree. Here are the best low-stress careers that fit different lifestyles and personal goals.
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1. Massage Therapist
Are you someone with magic hands who is the unofficial masseuse of your friend group? Then, being a massage therapist might be the perfect opportunity for you to help other people through their stress and anxiety. It is one of the best no-degree jobs with low stress and an average salary of $71,679 per year.
While you don’t need a degree to become a massage therapist, you’ll have to complete an accredited massage therapy program and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). The entire process takes a year to get certified, and less time if you can spare multiple hours daily.
Once you are a certified massage therapist, you have the freedom to work part-time or full-time. Additionally, you get tips on top of your hourly fee, making it one of the best opportunities for people who enjoy physical, hands-on work!
2. Electrician
Being skilled at household maintenance not only saves money but also pays well. It is hands-on work where you won’t have to deal with meetings or sit at a desk all day long. Being an electrician can be a fun job where you help people with maintenance or lay the electrical work for new construction.
To become an electrician, you will need a high school diploma or GED. Some may even attend trade school, but that is not mandatory. Instead, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program, which will help you learn the necessary skills.
Handymen like electricians can easily make up to $40 per hour, depending on where you live and how good you are at your job! This pay also varies if you are working independently or with a contractor.
3. IT Analyst
The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy once said, “True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” This quote also fits professionally, as sometimes change is the only way to grow. For example, there is more than one way to utilize your years of experience working in the IT sector. Instead of working at a stressful job like a software engineer, you can switch careers and work as an IT analyst.
This works well for someone with a tech background and who likes having a daily routine. Even if you don’t have prior experience, you can still become an IT analyst by completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.
An IT analyst focuses on problem-solving, system maintenance, and improving tech processes instead of sitting on a computer and coding all day. Moreover, you mostly work behind the scenes and won’t have to deal with client pressure or chaos directly. So, if you want low-stress jobs that pay well (approx. $85,868 per year), you might want to consider becoming an IT analyst.
4. Blogger
Some of the best relaxing jobs that make money include creative jobs like blogging. Here, I can say with personal experience that becoming a blogger is one of the best decisions of my life. I love every minute of what I do and have never been as fulfilled. It is a highly flexible job that lets me work according to my own timeline and from the comfort of my home. So, I wouldn’t be wrong when I say that blogging is a great way to follow your passion for writing and build your brand while getting paid for it!
Statistics will tell you that you can make approximately $23 per hour as a blogger. However, this number does not account for different means of getting paid as a blogger. For example, Finsavyy Panda helps me get paid through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and advertisements. Granted, these methods take time and effort to build, but you will transition from $0 to 6 figures within a year or two if you keep trusting the process.
5. Dental Hygienist
A dental hygienist is different from a dentist in many ways. Dental hygienists are not doctors and do not operate on patients. Instead, they clean patients’ teeth, educate them on proper tooth care, and take diagnostic images when needed.
Moreover, you do not necessarily need to work 8 hours a day for 5 days a week to make good money. You can make up to $143,803 yearly by working just 3 to 4 days a week, depending on where you live. That’s because places like San Diego and Lexington have higher hourly wages relative to others like Chicago or New York.
The best part about being a dental hygienist is that you won’t have to deal with many surprises. Dental hygienist work is mostly routine, making it a good choice for individuals who want to work in the healthcare industry without its added stress.
6. Photographer
Photography, like writing, is an art, and it is well-known that art helps reduce stress and anxiety. Just imagine being able to capture countless beautiful moments. Not only that, but you can choose between working alone, with a friend, or with your significant other. It doesn’t get any more stress-free than this.
There are many photography niches for you to choose from. Besides the high-paying niches like wedding photography, you can become a product, portrait, or lifestyle photographer, among others. A photographer typically makes $53,626 a year. However, the actual pay varies depending on your preferred niche and where you live.
7. Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant is one of the best low-stress remote jobs, where you help busy professionals and businesses with administrative tasks. You are basically working as an assistant to someone without physically going to the office. It is a work-from-home job that includes handling tasks like email management, scheduling, researching, and data entry.
You don’t need any certifications or a specific degree to become a virtual assistant. A simple high school diploma or GED, along with a basic resume, will do the job. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be paid fairly. A virtual assistant makes an average of $27.95 per hour, with areas like New York paying up to $31.91 per hour.
You can further supplement your income by taking two or more clients simultaneously. While it should only take a couple of hours to complete the tasks, you also have the option to take roles tailored to your strengths for better efficiency. For example, if you are a wiz at spreadsheets, data entry tasks will be easier for you.
8. Commercial Pilot (Charters or Cargo)
I know you might be thinking, how on Earth are flying jobs low-stress, right? Well, I am not talking about flying passenger flights, which is a challenge in itself. On the other hand, working as a commercial pilot is much less stressful, as you only fly charter and cargo planes and won’t have to interact with passengers as much.
It should be a simple transition for you if you are already a pilot, as you just need to obtain a commercial pilot license (CPL). However, you will need at least 250 hours of flight time and specific hours as pilot-in-command, in addition to the license, if just starting out. As a commercial pilot, you essentially get paid to travel. Moreover, it is one of the highest-paying jobs on the list, and once you have built up the hours, you can make as much as $200,000 yearly.
9. Librarian
When I picture a library, I am immediately reminded of its calm environment and structured routine. As far as low-stress jobs go, nothing beats being a librarian, as your workplace is meant to be quiet and peaceful.
You are basically making money by reading and recommending books, which you might do anyway if you love reading. Besides that, your job includes simple tasks such as managing archives, holding talks, and overseeing day-to-day operations. A librarian basically works alone, spends their day in a calm environment, and gets paid for it.
10. Landscaper or Groundskeeper
No matter how you look at it, spending your days staring at a screen and handling meetings is stressful. Our minds and bodies need fresh air and sunlight to function properly. This is why working as a landscaper or groundskeeper is one of the best low-stress jobs for someone who loves to be outside.
Not beating around the bush, but as a landscaper, your job includes taking care of the bushes. Besides that, you will maintain lawns, gardens, and outdoor environments for commercial or residential properties.
It can also be a great summer side hustle, where you take a much-needed break from your regular 9-to-5 job. Experimenting with these seasonal gigs will give you the clarity and experience you might need to make a full-time switch. If that wasn’t enough, listen to this – a groundskeeper can make as much as $70,904 yearly in areas like San Diego and Phoenix.
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