15 Low Stress Jobs | career

Work can be stressful, but some jobs offer work-life balance, less emotional stress, and steady pay.

Find out if your job is among the lowest-stress careers, according to experts, and how it compares to other low-stress careers from the US News 100 Best Jobs ranking. Many of these positions also offer above-average incomes, which can help ease financial stress. The data comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average salary: $113,990
Required education: Bachelor’s degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 23.2%

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk for insurance firms and financial organizations. While the position requires considerable precision and expertise, it is generally perceived as low-stress because of an organized structure and predictable workload, Mike Horne, executive coach and organization development consultant at Leadership Acts, wrote in an email. Plus, actuaries usually work regular hours and don’t have to be on call.

Average salary: 82680 dollars
Required education: Doctoral or professional degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 10.6%

An auditor’s duties and job responsibilities typically include the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders, which are often performed in a quiet, controlled environment. The combination of a structured work environment, the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of their patients, and the satisfaction of helping others make audiology a relatively low-stress profession, Natalie Rosado, a licensed mental health counselor and expert on the Sanity & Self-care app, said in an email.

Average salary: $50,990
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Expected job growth until 2032: 5%

Choreographers create original dance movements and routines for plays and productions. Many work on a freelance basis and earn a flat fee for individual projects. Because of this flexibility, choreography is considered a low-stress career path. “Low-stress jobs tend to be the ones that offer the most autonomy, allowing employees to control where, when and how they work,” wrote Kelly Roehm, career consultant and a Society of Resource Management-certified senior professional. Human, in an email. “This often looks like gigs and other roles that don’t require a standard 9-to-5.

Average salary: 103 500 dollars
Required education: Bachelor’s degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 35.2%

Data scientists use technology to glean insights from the vast amounts of data they collect to help businesses make decisions. The profession is often seen as less stressful because of the flexibility of working conditions, the option to work remotely and relatively manageable deadlines compared to other tech jobs, Horne said. Some colleges offer degree programs for data scientists, but you don’t necessarily need a degree in the discipline as many boot camps and online programs teach data science skills.

Average salary: 40 410 dollars
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Expected job growth until 2032: 11.5%

Another job that offers autonomy and therefore less stress is delivery truck driver. Delivery truck drivers unload cargo at a variety of locations, including businesses, college campuses, and homes in residential neighborhoods. If you are an independent contractor working in this field, you can choose your hours and accept or decline projects.

Average salary: $81,400
Required education: Associate Degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 7.4%

Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients about oral health and care. They tend to have somewhat flexible schedules, and many may work part-time or only a few days a week. They may also work in more than one dental office.

Average salary: $57,990
Required education: Bachelor’s degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 3.3%

Graphic design is another career that offers autonomy and control over where, when and how you work, especially if you work on a freelance basis. These professionals design and create visuals for various client projects, from websites to print ads.

Average salary: $35,890
Required education: No formal educational credentials
Expected job growth until 2032: 3.5%

Landscapers and groundskeepers create and maintain landscapes, including gardening, lawn care, and horticulture.

Rosado said this is a great career to consider if you value work-life balance. Connecting with nature and being able to exercise can help reduce stress levels and promote overall health and well-being,” she said. “Landscapers also have a high level of autonomy in their work, allowing them to express creativity and make design decisions. , which can provide a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Average salary: $49,860
Required education: Non-degree postgraduate award
Expected job growth until 2032: 18.3%

Massage therapists work to relieve clients’ pain and tension through therapeutic touch. They may specialize in a variety of areas, including deep tissue, acupressure, reflexology, orthopedics, and sports massage. Horne said massage therapist is a low-stress career because therapists typically work in quiet environments that prioritize physical and emotional well-being. Also, their scheduling flexibility and opportunity to bond with clients make it a great career to consider if you prefer a low-stress environment, he said.

Average salary: $64,250
Required education: Associate Degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 24%

Compared to other medical professionals, occupational therapy assistants may have more flexibility in terms of work hours. Clients usually come by appointment and the work stays in the office so the OTAs don’t take it home in the evening. This can mean a greater work-life balance.

Plus, because occupational therapy assistants work alongside occupational therapists, they have someone to turn to if they have questions or run into problems. Jobs that allow you to work independently and provide regular feedback are usually less stressful, wrote Kyle Smith, a human resources and leadership consultant, in an email.

Average salary: $125,590
Required education: Doctoral or professional degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 8.8%

If you have your own optometrist practice, you can set your own hours. And because you usually don’t have to deal with life-threatening emergencies like other professionals in the medical field often do, you may experience less stress in the field.

As Smith said, I believe that most employees, regardless of occupation, are happiest when they can ‘work their trade’ with a high degree of freedom. Optometry offers that kind of autonomy, making it a career path worth considering.

Average salary: $174,360
Required education: Doctoral or professional degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 4.5%

Orthodontists are dental specialists who help patients straighten their teeth and improve their bite. Orthodontists are typically perceived as a relatively low-stress profession since they operate within a clinical environment characterized by set hours and a collaborative team, Rosado said.

Also, unlike some high-stress healthcare professions, orthodontists typically have minimal exposure to traumatic events or life-threatening situations, which reduces their risk of secondary trauma and burnout.

Average salary: $62,770
Required education: Associate Degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 26.1%

Physical therapist assistants are responsible for guiding patients through exercise, educating them about their health, and performing some administrative tasks. Working closely with physiotherapists means they have support and resources whenever they have questions or face challenges. As Smith noted, jobs that offer independence along with regular feedback tend to be less stressful.

Average salary: $35,170
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Expected job growth until 2032: 9.5%

Recreation and fitness workers can include yoga teachers, swim instructors, dance teachers, or anyone who helps people of all ages stay active.

If you’re looking for a low-stress job that helps you stay fit, this career path may be for you. Fitness workers engage in physical activity throughout the day, which can essentially relieve stress and energize. The positive impact they have on the well-being of their clients can be rewarding and contribute to overall job satisfaction, Rosado said.

Average salary: $78,580
Required education: Bachelor’s degree
Expected job growth until 2032: 17%

Freelance web developer is another example of a job that offers a lot of freedom and control over where, when and how you work. Plus, web developers often make good money, so you don’t have to worry so much about finances.

Web developers create and maintain websites. With plenty of coding bootcamps and self-taught options available, you don’t necessarily need a college degree to get started.