8 Low-Stress Careers That Earn You Over $100,000 Annually

Today’s job market is very varied, so it is not just a dream to look for a job that pays well and does not cause too much stress. Contrary to what most people think, there are high-paying, low-stress jobs for people with a wide range of skills and hobbies, from creative people who want to be art directors to people who want to be data scientists. These highly sought-after jobs offer both a good salary and a good mix between work and personal life. This makes them perfect for people who want to avoid high-stress situations while still being financially secure. Taking on these kinds of jobs usually takes a certain level of education, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This shows how important it is to make sure that your academic goals are in line with your career goals. Here are the top eight low-stress jobs that can pay over $100,000 a year. Today, I am going to talk about 30 low-stress jobs in fields like healthcare, technology, and education that pay well and have great working conditions. Some of these jobs pay over $100,000 a year. As the list has roles for people with as little as a bachelor’s degree and as much as advanced degrees or specialized job training, it can help anyone, from recent college graduates to seasoned professionals looking to switch to a high-paying but stress-free career path.

1. Junior College Professor

Junior College Professors, often integral to the academic fabric of community colleges, provide a critical educational service without the intense pressures often found in four-year institutions. Their roles primarily focus on teaching rather than research, creating a more predictable and less stressful work environment. Here are some key aspects of their career:

Responsibilities and Work Environment

• Teaching and Student Interaction: They are responsible for delivering lectures, preparing lesson plans, and assessing student progress through assignments and exams.
• Support Beyond Classroom: In addition to teaching, these professors often offer tutoring and career advice, helping students transition to further education or the workforce.
• Focus on Teaching: Unlike their counterparts in research universities, the emphasis is more on pedagogy than on publishing research, contributing to a lower stress level.

Salary Insights and Growth

• Average Salaries: While the average salary for full-time junior college professors ranges between $60,000 and $70,000, it can vary significantly based on factors like geographic location, expertise, and tenure. For instance, salaries in states like Texas can reach up to $85,254.
• Part-Time and Adjunct Positions: Many community colleges also hire adjunct faculty, who are paid per course, typically earning between $2,000 and $5,000, which might average below the minimum wage when considering the hours spent preparing and grading.

Career Outlook and Requirements

• Educational Requirements: Most positions require at least a master’s degree in the subject area, with a preference for those who have prior teaching experience.
• Job Growth: The field is expected to grow by 11% to 15% from 2018 to 2026, indicating steady demand for educators in community colleges.

This role not only offers a chance at a stable career with respectable earnings but also allows for a significant impact on students’ early academic and career paths, all within a low-stress, focused teaching environment.

2. Art Director

The middle pay for an art director in 2022 was $105,180. In many kinds of media, they have a big impact on how things look. They are very important in magazines, TV shows, movies, websites, ads, and product packaging because they make sure that all the pictures fit the brand’s image and goals.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

1. Creative Oversight: Art Directors deliver groundbreaking and inspiring conceptual ideas that work across all media, maintaining a consistent visual message for brands.
2. Team Coordination: They lead design teams and coordinate with sales, editorial, digital, research, marketing, and merchandising departments to ensure consistent brand messaging.
3. Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership, team management, and excellent communication skills are essential, as Art Directors must orchestrate the creative process, often under tight deadlines and budgets.

Career Outlook and Challenges

• Job Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.1% employment growth from 2022 to 2032, with an estimated 8,200 job openings emerging in the field.
• Stress and Competition: Despite being categorized among low-stress careers, the role can involve high-pressure scenarios, especially in marketing agencies. Art Director jobs need to consistently deliver innovative work and manage competition, which can sometimes lead to a stressful environment.

Not only do you need to be creative, but you also need to be able to handle stress and lead a group well. In a field that is always changing, it is a tough but gratifying job.

3. Economist

Economists have one of the best low-stress, high-paying jobs because their main job is to look at economic problems and come up with ways to solve them. This job usually needs a graduate degree and mixes skills in math, statistics, and finance. People with this job can work in many areas, such as public policy, finance, and research.

Key Responsibilities and Salary Insights

1. Sector Variability: Economists’ salaries can vary significantly based on the sector. For example, public sector economists can earn up to $246,000 annually, while those in research roles at the Federal Reserve have salaries around $150,000.
2. High Earning Potential: In high-demand financial sectors, such as Wall Street, economists can earn several hundred thousand dollars, reflecting the high value placed on their specialized knowledge and skills.

Career Path and Stress Levels

• Educational Requirements: A career as an economist typically requires a master’s or doctoral degree, emphasizing the need for advanced education in this field.
• Low Stress and Work Balance: With a stress ranking of 52 out of 100 by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET), roles such as environmental economists not only promise over $100,000 in annual earnings but also a balanced work-life balance with minimal stress. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking both financial security and quality of life.

Economists’ ability to analyze and predict market trends not only makes them invaluable to businesses but also offers a stable career with the potential for significant financial rewards and low stress, especially in specialized fields like environmental economics.

4. Mathematician

Mathematicians are pivotal in various sectors, from academia to technology, where they utilize their skills to conduct research and solve complex problems. With a median salary of $112,110 as of 2022, this career not only promises financial stability but also a low-stress work environment, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-paying, low-stress jobs.

Key Responsibilities and Work Environment

1. Research and Development: Mathematicians engage in deep theoretical research or practical application of mathematical theories to solve real-world problems.
2. Versatile Roles: They might work as analysts in government agencies, as consultants in engineering firms, or as educators in academic institutions.
3. Data Analysis and Decision Making: In business and science fields, they analyze data and create models to help make informed decisions.

Educational Paths and Opportunities

• Educational Requirements: While a master’s degree in mathematics is often necessary for private sector jobs, a bachelor’s degree may suffice for certain federal positions. Additional certifications can enhance job prospects and allow for roles such as teaching at the middle or high school level.
• Career Advancement: Mathematicians often have the opportunity to advance into higher positions or specializations, such as data science or computational mathematics, depending on their area of expertise and additional training.

Mathematicians enjoy a profession with a below-average stress level, attributed to the intellectual nature of the work rather than physical demands or high-stress situations. This career not only offers substantial financial rewards but also provides a fulfilling experience to those who have a passion for mathematics and problem-solving.

5. Actuary

Actuaries are professionals who specialize in evaluating financial risk and uncertainty, leveraging their expertise in mathematics, statistics, and financial theory. This role is crucial in industries such as insurance, but is also expanding into other sectors.

Key Responsibilities and Career Path

1. Risk Assessment: Actuaries use their mathematical skills to predict and manage risks, which is essential for insurance companies and other businesses.
2. Financial Forecasting: They create models to forecast potential financial losses and determine how companies can prepare for future financial uncertainties.
3. Policy Development: Actuaries are involved in designing insurance policies and calculating premiums that balance risk with profitability.

Salary Insights and Growth Potential

• Median Salary: According to recent data, actuaries earn a median salary of $113,990 annually.
• Job Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 23.2% employment growth for actuaries from 2022 to 2032, indicating strong future demand for this profession.

Education and Certification Requirements

To become an actuary, one typically needs a bachelor’s degree in fields like mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science. The path to becoming a certified actuary involves passing a series of exams from professional bodies such as the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society. These exams are rigorous and can take several years to complete, reflecting the high level of expertise required in this field.

Actuaries enjoy a profession that offers not only a high salary but also a relatively low-stress environment, making it one of the best jobs for individuals seeking stability and excellent compensation without the high-stress levels often found in other professions.

6. Optometrist

Optometrists are healthcare professionals specializing in eye care, commanding a median salary of $125,590 annually. Their role is critical in diagnosing and treating vision issues, which contributes to their high earning potential. The job outlook for optometrists is positive, with 8.8% employment growth expected between 2022 and 2032, indicating a steady demand for this profession.

Key Responsibilities and Career Path

1. Patient Consultations: Optometrists conduct thorough examinations to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases.
2. Vision Therapy: They provide treatments, including prescribing glasses and contact lenses.
3. Health Assessments: Regular testing for eye health is necessary to prevent diseases.

Education and Training Requirements

• Initial Education: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by passing the Optometry Admission Test (OAT).
• Advanced Training: Completion of a Doctor of Optometry Program is essential, along with licensure through the National Board of Examiners in Optometry.
• Continuing Education: Optometrists must complete ongoing education to maintain their licensing and stay updated with the latest practices in eye care.

Despite the high salary and job growth, optometrists face challenges such as the repetitive nature of eye tests and the need for meticulous attention to detail during patient assessments. However, the ability to work independently and the satisfaction from helping improve patients’ quality of life make it a rewarding career. The role’s flexibility and above-average upward mobility also contribute to its classification among low-stress, high-paying careers.

7. Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers are pivotal in the development and innovation of computer systems and components, such as circuits, routers, and memory devices. Their role is essential in both the tech industry and broader sectors that rely on computing technology.

Key Responsibilities and Work Environment

1. Design and Prototyping: Engineers are tasked with creating blueprints for new hardware technology and testing prototypes to ensure functionality.
2. Maintenance and Optimization: Beyond initial designs, they continuously test hardware to optimize performance and update systems to work with new software.
3. User Training and Support: They also provide necessary training to users on new systems and offer support to resolve any operational issues.

Salary Insights and Growth Potential

• Median Annual Wage: As of May 2020, the median wage for computer hardware engineers was $119,560.
• Average Salary: Recent data suggests an average annual salary of $140,830, with top earners making significantly more, especially in high-demand areas like computer systems design and scientific research.

Education and Stress Levels

• Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a closely related field is essential.
• Stress Tolerance and Work Schedule: These engineers have a stress tolerance score of 66, indicating a manageable level of job-related stress. They generally work full-time, but may experience higher stress during project deadlines or critical product launches.

This career not only offers a lucrative salary but also positions itself as a fulfilling option for those interested in cutting-edge technology and innovation, all within a relatively low-stress environment.

8. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and Information Research Scientists are at the forefront of technological innovation and theoretical advancements in computing. These professionals focus on complex problem-solving and the development of new technology, making significant contributions to both academic research and practical applications in various industries.

Key Responsibilities and Skills

1. Problem Analysis and Solution Development: They analyze complex issues to develop solutions that involve computer hardware and software, applying theoretical expertise and innovation.
2. Project Collaboration: Participating in multidisciplinary projects, they work on areas such as virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and robotics.
3. Consultation and Strategy: They consult with users, management, and technicians to determine computing needs and system requirements, playing a key role in organizational tech strategy.

Salary Insights and Job Market

• Median Annual Salary: As of recent data, the median salary stands at approximately $131,490.
• Job Growth: The field is experiencing a significant growth rate of about 21% from 2021 to 2031, indicating strong future demand for these professionals.
• High Earning Potential: In places like California, salaries range from $114,500 to over $141,127 annually, with top earners potentially making even more.

Education and Work Environment

• Educational Path: A master’s degree is typically required, with foundational skills built through a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Workplace Conditions: The work environment demands a high level of intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving skills, with moderate attention to detail. Stress levels are generally moderate, with low physical demands and mild competition.

This career not only offers impressive paychecks but also a balanced work-life approach, making it a prime choice for those seeking low-stress, high-paying jobs in the tech industry.

Also Read: 7 Major Companies Offering Part-Time Jobs With Benefits