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Job stress can have severe consequences over time, even bringing a promising career to a sudden halt, particularly in a nation recovering from collective trauma.
Google searches about work stress reached an all-time high in December, with a recent study indicating that 62% of the American workforce experiences high levels of stress, extreme fatigue, and a sense of losing control.
The younger generation, according to Bryce Colburn, lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint, feels it the most. However, there's good news on the horizon, as a growing number of reports highlight the need for low-stress, high-paying jobs.
2024 High-Paying Jobs With Low Stress
While higher pay can come with its own challenges, such as higher taxes and lifestyle changes, a high-paying job doesn't have to equate to high stress.
USA Today Blueprint analyzed jobs with median annual wages of $100,000 or more, coupled with low stress tolerance scores from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network.
The stress tolerance of each occupation was measured on a scale of 0 to 100, leading to the identification of the top five positions offering both low stress and high pay:
1. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Experts in collecting and analyzing data from various sources, addressing issues in urban planning, homeland security, and natural resource management.
- Stress tolerance score: 52, median wages: $107,970.
2. Environmental Economists
- Researchers focusing on environmental topics and the implications of economic policies.
- Stress tolerance score: 52, median wages: $113,940.
3. Mathematicians
- Problem solvers in various fields, using mathematical methods to address practical problems.
- Stress tolerance score: 56, median wages: $112,110.
4. Water Resource Specialists.
- Implement strategies to address water resource issues, aiming to improve conservation efforts and water quality.
- Stress tolerance score: 59, median wages: $144,440.
5. Solar Energy Systems Engineers
- Experts creating solar energy development plans for various applications.
- Stress tolerance score: 61, median wages: $104,600.
USA Today Blueprint emphasizes that these low-stress jobs in science, technology, and mathematics often require advanced degrees. For those seeking a balance between pay and stress levels, green career fields like water resource specialists and solar energy systems engineers are recommended.
The analysis revealed that high-paying occupations in healthcare and legal services come with higher stress levels and lower average salaries compared to those in science, technology, and mathematics.
The analysis also identified less stressful jobs not requiring advanced degrees, including couriers, messengers, street vendors, furniture finishers, models, farm workers, welders, graders and sorters of agricultural products, and door-to-door salespeople, with salaries ranging from the low $30,000s to the mid-$40,000s annually.
6 Tips To Land A Low-Stress, High-Paying Job
In anticipation of the increased job applications in January, Glassdoor revealed a 20% surge. To navigate this period, John Cagle and Alana Rudder, editors at USA
Today Blueprint, and Laura Koepsell, founder of Koepsell Career Counseling LLC, offer six tips to secure a low-stress, high-paying job:
1. Consider the Schedule:
- Evaluate if the job involves long hours or overnight shifts for a healthy work-life balance.
2. Look Out for Red-Flag Keywords:
- Beware of stress-indicative phrases such as "fast-paced environment" or "autonomous working style."
3. Network:
- Make meaningful connections to expand knowledge and enhance the chances of landing a preferred position.
4. Conduct Informational Interviews:
- Connect with professionals in your field of interest to determine if it's a good fit.
5. Ask Crucial Questions:
- Inquire about work environments, hours, and workplace culture to make an informed decision.
6. Do Your Research:
- Explore lists by reputable companies about the best places to work, including those supporting remote work.
