With prices rising in today’s economy, earning $60,000 annually alone isn’t enough in many US states. To make matters worse, some jobs are stressful and have low salaries. But what if you could find a job that pays well and has low stress?
Earning a high salary without stress doesn’t have to feel like a fantasy. It’s possible. Here’s a list of jobs paying $80,000 or more annually with a work–life balance. You no longer have to dread Sundays. Use this list to find your next low-stress job or as inspiration to make a long-overdue career shift.
Methodology
We used salary data from Glassdoor. Additionally, we took into account the work-life balance and job security offered by these jobs. There are other factors that make jobs less stressful, but work–life balance and security are two of the biggest factors most employees consider after income.
All of the jobs in our list are considered secure because the skills required for each role are transferable to other roles and have emerged due to recent trends.
1. Actuary
Would you pay someone who could help you with a bet to choose the winning team? Most would. That’s why businesses pay actuaries to help them mitigate risk using statistics and financial theory. This job pays, on average, $195,000 and requires a Bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, or a similar major. Because this job can be done remotely, you’ll have higher odds of achieving a good work–life balance as you can skip traffic each morning.
2. Data Scientist
Similar to actuaries, data scientists use statistics to organize their data. Because of the Internet of Things (IoT), companies now have more data than ever. For example, smartwatches can track how much you sleep, walk, and much more. However, data alone isn’t what makes businesses money. It’s analyzing it and taking action.
As a data scientist, expect to earn $155,000 annually on average. Because you’ll be working with data, depending on your employer, you may be able to do this work remotely. This role will require a Bachelor’s in computer science or a similar role.
3. Software Developer
As we continue to depend more on software to perform many of our everyday tasks, this role will continue to grow in demand. Generally, as a software developer, you’ll use your programming skills to create or enhance existing software. Software developers have an average salary of $130,000.
The best part? You don’t need a college degree and can easily find remote roles.
4. Pharmacist
You’ve most likely interacted with pharmacists at your local pharmacy at some point in your life. You may be surprised to learn pharmacists have an average salary of $132,000. Additionally, some roles are remote, but if you opt for a local role, you may find one that’s a short commute from home.
5. Geologist
Geologists study the Earth’s composition, including rocks, soils, and oceans. In essence, they help us understand our planet and its environmental impacts. Geologists have an average salary of $122,000.
A typical day may involve studying Earth’s materials, visiting different locations, reviewing photographs, and much more. You may be required to report to a physical location when first starting out, but depending on your work, you may be able to do some of it remotely.
6. Ship Engineer
Ship engineers have an average salary of $164,000. Ship engineers perform maintenance for sea vessels. Additionally, they perform inspections to ensure crew members are safe during commutes. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in naval engineering or something similar to perform this role.
7. Financial Planner
Generally, financial planners need a bachelor’s degree. If you enjoy crunching numbers and working with people, a role as a financial planner may be just for you. Financial planners work with clients to help them reach their long-term financial goals. They have an average starting salary of $153,000 and can help clients remotely.
8. Speech Therapists
Speech therapists work with people with different types of speech disorders, such as pronouncing sounds correctly or understanding others. On average, they earn $122,000 annually and have the flexibility to help others remotely. You also need a Master’s degree to work as a speech therapist.
9. Statistician
Like many of the roles in this list, statisticians rely heavily on using their statistical skills to solve real-world problems. They have an average annual salary of $117,000. If you love working with numbers and enjoy solving problems, you’ll feel good knowing that your work is helping make the world a better place.
Statisticians also have the flexibility to work remotely. Keep in mind that a Bachelor’s degree is enough to work as a statistician, but most start working with a Master’s.
10. Operations Research Analyst
Businesses struggling with revenue or looking to improve can benefit from operational research analysts. An operational research analyst’s core function is to review business policies and procedures and note any gaps that will help them improve. Operational research analysts have an average salary of $157,000. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree, but some require a Master’s.
11. Hospice Nurse
Hospice nurses can’t work remotely, but we’ve included it in our list because it can be rewarding to the right people. The core job of a hospice nurse is to watch over terminally ill patients. Additionally, they provide support for patients’ families.
This isn’t an easy job, but it’s one that can give you perspective and help you feel more grateful about your life. Hospice nurses have an average salary of $114,000. Although hospice nurses require a degree, an associate’s degree (2 years) is sufficient.
12. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help treat people with injuries or disabilities. On average, they earn $121,000 annually. Depending on the type of therapy you provide, you can provide therapy from the comfort of your home. This role may suit you if you enjoy working with people and seeing their transformation. However, you’ll need a master’s degree in occupational therapy to work in this role.
13. Human Resources Manager
Human resource managers generally manage the entire recruiting process, from interviewing to hiring new staff. On average, they earn $106,000 annually and have the flexibility to do their job remotely. What better feeling is there than onboarding an employee who makes a positive contribution to your company? Most businesses require you to have a Bachelor’s degree in human resources, communications, or a similar field.
14. Marketing Manager
A marketing manager typically develops and executes marketing strategies for a business—for example, email campaigns, social media ads, and much more. If you work for a large company, expect to manage only a portion of the company’s marketing.
On average, marketing managers earn $108,000 annually but can quickly earn more as they acquire more experience. Many companies require marketing managers to hold a Bachelor’s in marketing or a similar field.
15. Technical Writer
Technical writers generally show users how products work by drafting well-written product manuals to guide users on how to use a product properly. Technical writers earn, on average, $92,000 annually. If you enjoy breaking down complex processes into simple steps, working as a technical writer may work well for you.