Best Low Stress Jobs for Work-Life Balance

For many people, earning a living means working long hours and enduring stressful days to make ends meet. However, some lucky people actually enjoy their work, and that is what most of us aspire to. Thankfully, there are several low stress jobs that make people happy, earn a good living, and lead a trouble-free life. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of jobs that won’t stress you while providing a decent income.

The following is a list of 30 low stress jobs that will help you earn a living without sacrificing your peace of mind.

Actuary

Average base pay: $97,776/yr

A typical 9-5 job for statistics and math gurus, actuaries perform high-level calculations to analyze risk for insurance companies. You can also find actuaries in financial institutions and other companies where they help cut running costs. Check here for actuary jobs.

Astronomer

Average base pay: $93,134/yr

Astronomers typically work in offices and research labs, although they may also do light fieldwork a few times in a year. The work is slow paced, predictable, and offers a high level of job satisfaction. Check here for astronomer jobs.

Baker

Average base pay: $21,859/yr

As a baker, you can work in bakeries, confectioneries, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in the food and hospitality industry. You can also bake and sell your goods from home. Bakers produce baked goods using measured ingredients, ovens, mixers, and other equipment. Check here for baker jobs.

Art director

Average base pay: $70,000/yr

Art directors create, develop, and execute the concept, layout, and design of visual content. They also manage projects and budgets and present finished work, such as magazines and websites to customers and businesses. Check here for art director jobs.

Economist

Average base pay: $97,811/yr

Economists can work in a wide range of fields, including universities, banks, government agencies, and research institutions. They conduct different types of research, develop, test, and validate theories, and formulate policies. Check here for economist jobs.

Geoscientist

Average base pay: $64,842/yr

As a geoscientist, your work will involve low-stress activities such as conducting research in the lab, or gathering data in the field. Geoscientists study the earth’s structure and composition to understand its physical characteristics. Check here for geoscientist jobs.

Biomedical engineer

Average base pay: $65,779/yr

Biomedical engineers play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They design biomedical devices such as diagnostic equipment, prosthetics, and artificial organs. They also install, maintain, and repair equipment. Check here for biomedical engineer jobs.

Statistician

Average base pay: $76,884/yr

Statisticians collect, sort, and analyze data to aid decision making and policy formulation. They can work in almost every industry, including government, banks, tech, research, academia, the military, and agriculture. Check here for statistician jobs.

Dental hygienist

Average base pay: $62,027/yr

Dental hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, record, update, and manage medical histories, and clean apparatus and equipment in the dental clinic. They also educate patients on proper dental hygiene, assist the dentist during procedures, and take x-rays. Check here for dental hygienist jobs.

Web developer

Average base pay: $68,524/yr

As a web developer, you will create and maintain websites and other web-based platforms. You don’t need any degrees or certifications so long as you have the skills to deliver to clients’ expectations. Check here for web developer jobs.

Software developer

Average base pay: $76,526/yr

Software developers create and improve software products for a wide range of platforms and clients. Some software developer positions require a college degree, but many clients just want someone who can complete their projects. Check here for software developer jobs.

Librarian

Average base pay: $51,024/yr

Working as a librarian is also a low stress job. You will help library users find books and other library materials. Librarians also catalog and maintain materials and provide information and other services to library users. Check here for librarian jobs.

Mathematician

Average base pay: $92,276/yr

As a mathematician, you can work in a wide range of industries, including academia, research institutions, government, law enforcement, medicine, astronomy, and meteorology. The job is low stress, high paying, and typically involves working in a quiet environment. Check here for mathematician jobs.

Physicist

Average base pay: $95,391/yr

Physicists study physical materials and perform experiments to develop theories, create new materials that will be useful to humans, and deepen the understanding of the universe. They can work in government, business, research agencies, academia, and many other industries. Check here for physicist jobs.

Nutritionist

Average base pay: $51,291/yr

As a nutritionist or dietitian, you help clients set and meet dietary goals to improve their health and wellness. Nutritionists have flexible schedules, and many have a private practice. Check here for nutritionist jobs.

Computer hardware engineer

Average base pay: $89,641/yr

Computer hardware engineers research, design, test, and improve computer hardware components such as processors, circuit boards, memory sticks, and routers. Check here for computer hardware engineer jobs.

Radiation therapist

Average base pay: $73,576/yr

As a radiation therapist, you will operate equipment used to administer radiation treatment to patients. Radiation therapists also operate, calibrate radiology equipment, and ensure treatment area is safe for patients and other healthcare professionals. Check here for radiation therapist jobs.

Data scientist

Average base pay: $113,309/yr

Data scientists create powerful algorithms and models for collecting and analyzing large amounts of datasets. They also create tools that allow businesses and organizations to use data to predict and forecast future trends and outcomes. Check here for data scientist jobs.

Audiologist

Average base pay: $70,666/yr

While it requires extensive postgraduate training, working as an audiologist is both fulfilling and rewarding. You will diagnose hearing loss and other impairments with the inner air, allowing you to help people regain the use of a vital part of their body. Check here for audiologist jobs.

Orthodontist

Average base pay: $246,114/yr

The job of an orthodontist involves diagnosing teeth and jaw abnormalities. Orthodontists also install dental devices in patients’ mouths and recommend treatment to patients based on their medical histories. Check here for orthodontist jobs.

Genetic counselor

Average base pay: $38,216/yr

Genetic counselors carry out tests to determine the genetic makeup of clients. They use the test results to advise clients of the chances of developing birth defects or having offspring with genetic defects and diseases. Check here for genetic counselor jobs.

Medical laboratory technician

Average base pay: $44,705/yr

Medical lab technicians work in laboratories where they collect, prepare, and analyze specimens to identify pathogens. They also maintain a sterile environment in the laboratory, maintain instruments, take records, prepare reports, and dispose of waste properly. Check here for medical laboratory technician jobs.

Hair stylist

Average base pay: $20,188/yr

Hair stylists have one of the best low stress jobs in the beauty and fashion industry. The job requires creativity, stamina, and dexterity, but is also fun and rewarding. Check here for hair stylist jobs.

Carpenter

Average base pay: $53,781/yr

If you have the skills, carpentry also promises to be low stress and drama-free, while providing decent income. Carpenters often set their schedules and are free to take or reject projects. As a carpenter, you can work out of your workshop, in residential buildings, or industrial settings. Check here for carpenter jobs.

Massage therapist

Average base pay: $40,881/yr

Massage therapists help people relax and manage physical pain with a wide range of tissue, joint, and muscle manipulation movements. They work in a quiet, low stress environment and earn above-average income. Check here for massage therapist jobs.

Wind turbine technician

Average base pay: $39,995/yr

A wind turbine technician job has a low entry requirement and is low stress work. You will install, inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines. If you are not afraid of heights, this job promises adventure, minimal stress, and decent earnings. Check here for wind turbine technician jobs.

Anthropologist

Average base pay: N/A

Anthropologists study human culture, including how biology, language, and customs evolve. They can work in academia, government, nongovernmental organizations, and even businesses. Anthropologists work in the office, laboratories, and in the field. Check here for anthropologist jobs.

Food scientist

Average base pay: $61,485/yr

Food scientists perform experiments to find novel ways of processing, preparing, storing, and preserving food. Their work helps create new materials and methods for preparing food and packaging food products. Check here for food scientist jobs.

Occupational therapist

Average base pay: $75,816/yr

Occupational therapists assist patients to adapt to physical and psychological problems. They treat clients who have injuries or disabilities to help them live a comfortable life with their physical condition. Check here for occupational therapist jobs.

Cartographer

Average base pay: $58,073/yr

Cartographers produce digital and physical maps. They also create, maintain, and update topographic and geographic databases. Cartographers can work in diverse industries, including government agencies, research institutes, and airlines. Check here for cartographer jobs.

Work-related stress is a big part of earning an income for many people, but this is avoidable. You can choose from a wide range of low-stress jobs that offer decent earnings, career fulfillment, and work-life balance.

Learn more: Finding a new job? Start here