Tired of work stress? Here are the 5 best top-paying, low-stress jobs for 2024

Recruitment

by andrew coat

Earn more with less stress.

With the phrase “quietly quitting” recently entering the American dictionary, it's no wonder that workers are suffering historic levels of stress and demotivation in the workplace.

Two-thirds of American employees say their job is stressful, and a whopping 40% say their role is having a negative impact on their mental health.

Yet millions of miserable workers continue to languish in their jobs, believing they won't be able to earn a higher salary if they move into a more relaxed role.

However, new USA Today Research has shown that there are many jobs with low stress levels that pay well. To find it, you need knowledge.

The publication scoured the U.S. Department of Labor's database and found five jobs that pay six-figure salaries with the lowest levels of stressors as defined by the department. Occupational information network.

Below are five jobs that may reduce your stress levels and increase your bank balance at the same time.

environmental economist

This impressive-sounding job requires workers to “conduct economic analyzes related to environmental protection and the use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources,” according to O*NET. It is said that there is

Occupations in this category have a very high median wage of $113,940, but rank a relatively modest 52nd on O*NET's stress tolerance scale (1 to 100). (For comparison: a special education teacher scores a 94 on this scale, a urologist scores a 94) is a 100. )

However, if you are interested in this job, you may need to go back to school before applying for a job. USA Today reports that most jobs in this category require a master's degree.

remote sensing scientists and engineers

Workers in this field “analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, and homeland security.” It also has the potential to “develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications of existing systems.”

Employees in this category have an average median salary of $107,970, but also score 52 on O*NET's stress tolerance scale.

However, as with environmental economists, most advertised roles require a master's degree in the field.

Mathematician

If you did well in your math class in high school, you may want to transition into this field.

Although the industry has long been seen as outdated and uninteresting, the average median salary for mathematicians is impressive ($112,110).

O*NET's stress tolerance score is a very reasonable 56, and you may find yourself feeling more relaxed at work.

water resources expert

Given the high pay and low stress, we're sure many of our readers are hungry for a role as a water resource specialist.

This position typically requires workers to “design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues, including supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.”

The median salary is $144,440, but the O*NET stress tolerance score is 59.

It's also one of the fields where workers don't need a graduate degree to apply. Most entry-level positions require only a four-year college degree.

solar energy system engineer

Solar systems engineers “perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar power projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers.”

Depending on the role, you can also “design solar domestic hot water and heating systems for new and existing structures.”

This job may sound very technical, but it shouldn't be stressful. On the O*NET stress tolerance scale for this industry he only gave it a score of 61, meaning that most workers feel laid back.

Their six-figure salaries certainly help things as well. The average salary for a solar energy systems engineer is his $104,600.