Top 5 Low-Stress, High-Paying Jobs with Expected Six-Figure Salaries in 2024

Work stress can be debilitating and even fatal over time, and in some cases, a promising career can come to a screeching halt, especially in a country recovering from the collective trauma seen here. It may stand up and stop. Google searches for work stress hit an all-time high in December, and a recent survey found that 62% of the American workforce feels high levels of stress, exhaustion, and loss of control. It has been shown that Young people are feeling it the most, but good news is on the way, said Bryce Colburn, editor-in-chief of USA TODAY Blueprint. “There are increasing reports of high levels of stress among employees, and younger generations seem to be feeling the most stress,” he says. “Drilling deeper into these statistics, the USA Today Blueprint team decided to create a list of the top low-stress, high-paying jobs.”

Low-stress, high-paying jobs in 2024

While it's true that higher salaries come with their own set of challenges, such as higher taxes and insecurity, high-paying jobs don't necessarily come at the cost of higher stress. USA Today Blueprint analyzed jobs with median annual wages of $100,000 or more and low stress tolerance scores, as defined by the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a U.S. Department of Labor database. We measure each job's stress tolerance on a scale of 0 to 100, and we've ranked the top 5 with the lowest stress and highest pay so those looking to change jobs don't have to sacrifice their mental health to make big bucks. It has led to two professions. This means you can land a high-paying job in any of the following positions without much stress.

1. remote sensing scientists and engineers We are experts in collecting and analyzing data from satellites, aircraft, ground platforms, and geographic information systems. They apply this data to solve urban planning, homeland security, or natural resource management problems. Stress Tolerance Score is 52 and Median Wage is $107,970.
2. environmental economist Study environmental topics and spread awareness about the environmental impact of different economic policies. If topics such as soil conservation, endangered species protection, the use of alternative fuels, and environmental pollution resonate with your career ambitions, working as an environmental economist can help you achieve professional level support without the high costs. You can focus on nature and earn more money. cost of stress. Stress Tolerance Score is 52 and Median Wage is $113,940.
3. Mathematician Use mathematical methods to address practical problems in science, business, engineering, and other fields to solve problems in a variety of fields and industries. Stress Tolerance Score is 56 and Median Wage is $112,110.
4. water resources specialist Implement strategies to address various water resource issues related to water supply and water quality, as well as oversee regulatory and compliance requirements. Their goal is to improve water conservation efforts, develop clean water initiatives, conduct technical studies of water resources, and determine water treatment options based on the results. Stress Tolerance Score is 59 and Median Wage is $144,440.
5. solar energy system engineer Alternative energy experts create solar energy development plans for a variety of real-world applications, from single-story homes to commercial office buildings. He has a stress tolerance score of 61, a median wage of $104,600, and only requires a four-year degree.

“Our list identifies several occupations that are perfect for people seeking a low-stress, high-paying career path,” Colburn told me via email. “But it also emphasizes that you don't have to sacrifice high stress to get a high-paying job.” Many low-stress jobs in science, technology, and math require advanced degrees. You'll notice something. For job seekers looking for a balance between salary and stress level, green career fields such as water resources specialist or solar energy systems engineer are a good fit.

O*NET's analysis found that high-paying occupations such as medical and legal services have higher stress levels and lower average salaries than science, technology, and math fields. Their analysis also lists courier, messenger, street vendor, furniture finisher, model, farm worker, welder, produce sorter/sorter, and door-to-door sales as the least stressful jobs that do not require an advanced degree. members are listed. According to their research, salaries for these jobs range from the low $30,000s to the mid-$40,000s annually.

6 tips for landing a low-stress, high-paying job

Glassdoor revealed a 20% increase in job applications in January. So, ahead of these applications, John Cagle, editor of USA Today Blueprint, his girlfriend Alana Rudder, and Laura Koepsell, founder of Koepsell Career Counseling LLC, created a list of tips to minimize job applications. We've compiled her six tips below. Stressful, high-paying jobs:

1. Please consider your schedule. It is important to consider whether the job involves long hours or night shifts. Also consider your work schedule to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
2. Beware of red flag keywords. If you see two or more high-stress phrases such as “fast-paced environment” or “self-directed working,” it's likely a high-stress work environment with potentially little support. You will be advised.
3. Communication network. Making meaningful connections will expand your knowledge of different professions and help you land the position you want. Connecting you with people who can vouch for you to employers can also set you up for success, the authors say.
4. Conduct informational interviews. Find professionals in the career you're interested in, whether it's through LinkedIn, specific companies, or mutual connections, and decide if it's a good fit for you.
5. Ask important questions. The authors recommend that you don't be afraid to ask about the work environment, working hours, and workplace culture. Be curious about questions like “What are your average work hours?” and “What is the company culture like?”
6. Please research. Google has a list of well-known companies for best places to work, including companies that support remote work.