The 10 Highest Paying Jobs with the Lowest Stress Revealed

Imagine waking up on a Monday morning, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead, without the dread of stress hanging over your head. Sounds like a dream, right? In today’s fast-paced world, finding a job that offers both a high salary and low stress seems like an elusive goal. But what if I told you that it’s entirely possible? Join me as we explore the top 10 jobs where high pay meets low stress, according to recent insights.
For years, the balance between work and personal life has been a topic of much debate. Many have had to choose between jobs that pay well but come with stress or those that are peaceful yet not financially rewarding. But here’s the good news: a new report from Resume Genius highlights occupations that offer both financial stability and peace of mind. This list is particularly exciting for those who are planning their career moves in the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- These jobs offer a blend of high salary and lower stress levels.
- Each job requires at least a Bachelor’s degree.
- Projected job growth for these roles is promising over the next decade.
The Report and Its Findings
Resume Genius conducted an extensive analysis using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET Online. Their goal was simple: identify jobs that offer more than just a paycheck. They looked for roles where professionals could thrive without succumbing to burnout, which affects four out of ten Americans today. The study focused on jobs with salaries above the national median wage of $48,060 and projected growth faster than average.

This research comes at a time when many young people are questioning the traditional path of higher education. There’s a growing trend among Gen Zers who are considering trades like plumbing and electrical work over college degrees. However, the high-paying, low-stress jobs identified in this study typically require at least a Bachelor’s degree, highlighting an interesting contrast in career decision-making today.
The Importance of Mental Health
Evolving workplace dynamics have blurred the lines between work and personal life, especially with remote and hybrid work becoming more common. Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius, emphasizes the importance of mental health in choosing a career. As we move into 2025, prioritizing well-being is crucial for job seekers. Choosing a role from this list could mean not having to compromise mental health for financial security.
According to Eva Chan, “Our report on low-stress, high-paying jobs shows that you don’t have to sacrifice a competitive salary to achieve a healthier work-life balance.” This sentiment resonates deeply with those who want to find joy in their careers without the accompanying stress.
The List of High-Paying Low-Stress Jobs
- Water Resources Specialist
- Average annual salary: $157,740
- Number of jobs (2023): 86,300
- Projected job growth (2023–2033): 8%
- Required Degree: Bachelor’s Degree
- Astronomer
- Average annual salary: $149,530
- Number of jobs (2023): 23,500
- Projected job growth (2023–2033): 7%
- Required Degree: Doctoral or professional degree
- Actuary
- Average annual salary: $120,000
- Number of jobs (2023): 30,200
- Projected job growth (2023–2033): 23%
- Required Degree: Bachelor’s Degree
- Environmental Economist
- Average annual salary: $115,730
- Number of jobs (2023): 17,500
- Projected job growth (2023–2033): 5%
- Degree required: Masters
- Mathematician
- Average annual salary: $104,860
- Number of jobs (2023): 34,800
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