30 Low Stress Jobs: High Paying, No Degree, & WFH Options

What You’ll Learn

Low-stress jobs can support a better work-life balance, but no career is completely stress-free. Stress levels vary by personality, job duties, and workplace, so finding a low-stress career means considering all three.

In this guide, you’ll discover some of the best-paying low-stress jobs, careers that don’t require a four-year degree, and remote-friendly options. You’ll also get practical tips to help you identify jobs that are more likely to offer a lower-stress work environment before you take the time to apply.

What Is a Low-Stress Job?

A low-stress job is a role that places fewer demands on your time, emotions, and decision-making than other occupations. There are no guaranteed stress-free careers, but low-stress jobs will typically offer a more predictable work environment, greater autonomy, and fewer high-pressure situations.

In general, low-stress jobs tend to share several characteristics:

Because both jobs and workplaces influence stress levels, the same occupation can feel very different depending on your employer, manager, workload, and personal preferences.

In fact, Monster’s 2026 State of Workplace Mental Health Report found that workers most often cite increased workload or understaffing (39%), poor management (33%), work-life balance (30%), workplace conflict (28%), stagnant pay (26%), and layoff fears (21%) as their biggest sources of workplace stress, highlighting that your work environment can matter just as much as your job title.

How We Ranked the Best Low-Stress Jobs

We selected jobs across industries, including science, technology, research, creative fields, and hands-on jobs, and organized them into three categories: high-paying, no-degree, and work-from-home jobs.

We evaluated these careers using two trusted government data sources:

10 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well ($100K+)

The following careers combine relatively low-stress work environments with average annual salaries of at least $100,000:

Job Title	Average Salary
Astronomer	$132,920
Computer Research Scientist	$153,930
Electronics Engineer	$137,280
Environmental Economist	$115,440
Geographer	$102,350
Mathematician	$129,260
Physicist	$171,180
Software Developer	$148,100
Statistician	$115,700
Transportation Planner	$107,690

Read more details on these low-stress, high-paying jobs here:

• 1.

  Astronomer

  Astronomy jobs center on independent research, data analysis, and long-term scientific projects and can offer a relatively low-stress work environment, with less emphasis on frequent high-pressure decisions or conflict.

  • Average salary: $132,920
  • Typical responsibilities: Observing astronomical phenomena, analyzing data, conducting independent research, and publishing findings
  • Education and training requirements: Doctoral or professional degree typically required for research positions
• 2.

  Computer Research Scientist

  Computer research scientists may experience less day-to-day workplace stress because their work is typically research-focused, analytical, and centered on longer-term technical problems.

  • Average salary: $153,930
  • Typical responsibilities: Developing computing technologies, designing experiments, creating algorithms, and solving complex computing problems
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree or higher
• 3.

  Electronics Engineer

  Electronics engineering can be relatively low-stress for professionals who prefer structured technical work, as many responsibilities involve designing, testing, and improving electronic systems.

  • Average salary: $137,280
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing electronic components, testing equipment, evaluating system performance, and preparing technical documentation
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree
• 4.

  Environmental Economist

  Environmental economists often focus on research, modeling, and policy analysis rather than high-pressure, public-facing responsibilities, which can contribute to lower workplace stress.

  • Average salary: $115,440
  • Typical responsibilities: Analyzing environmental policies, studying economic data, developing models, and evaluating costs and benefits
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree typically required
• 5.

  Geographer

  Geographers often spend much of their time conducting research and analyzing spatial data, making the career a potentially lower-stress option for people who enjoy focused analytical work.

  • Average salary: $102,350
  • Typical responsibilities: Analyzing geographic data, creating maps, using GIS technology, conducting research, and studying geographic patterns
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree; some positions require a master’s degree
• 6.

  Mathematician

  Mathematicians spend much of their time developing models, analyzing data, and solving complex problems, with generally less exposure to conflict and other high-pressure interactions that can contribute to workplace stress.

  • Average salary: $129,260
  • Typical responsibilities: Developing mathematical models, analyzing data, applying mathematical theories, and solving practical problems
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree typically required
• 7.

  Physicist

  Physics can offer a relatively low-stress work environment for people who prefer research and analytical problem-solving, particularly in roles centered on long-term scientific projects.

  • Average salary: $171,180
  • Typical responsibilities: Conducting experiments, developing scientific theories, analyzing data, and publishing research findings
  • Education and training requirements: Doctoral or professional degree typically required for research positions
• 8.

  Software Developer

  Software developers spend much of their time designing, coding, and testing applications, often with limited exposure to conflict or responsibility for others, though tight deadlines and heavy workloads can increase workplace stress.

  • Average salary: $148,100
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing software, writing and testing code, troubleshooting applications, and maintaining software systems
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree typically required
• 9.

  Statistician

  Statisticians primarily perform structured, data-driven work, often with limited public interaction and with clearly defined research or analytical projects, which can contribute to a lower-stress work environment.

  • Average salary: $115,700
  • Typical responsibilities: Collecting data, designing surveys or experiments, analyzing results, and interpreting statistical findings
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree typically required
• 10.

  Transportation Planner

  Transportation planning can be a relatively low-stress career because the work tends to focus on long-term projects, research, and data analysis rather than urgent decision-making, although the role can involve collaboration with agencies and the public.

  • Average salary: $107,690
  • Typical responsibilities: Analyzing transportation needs, developing transportation plans, reviewing data, and recommending infrastructure improvements
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree; some positions prefer a master’s degree

10 Low-Stress Jobs Without a Degree

These low-stress jobs don’t typically require a four-year degree, although some require apprenticeships, specialized training, career certifications, or state licensure.

Job Title	Average Salary
Craft Artist	$49,740
Dishwasher	$34,310
Floral Designer	$39,520
Janitor	$38,760
Library Technician	$45,500
Nail Technician	$38,570
Massage Therapist	$63,830
Painter	$55,420
Usher	$33,080
Watch & Clock Repairer	$70,840

Read more details on these jobs below, including some low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree!

• 1.

  Craft Artist

  The quiet, creative focus of craft artistry can contribute to a lower-stress work environment, particularly for professionals who prefer independent hands-on projects over managing people or handling urgent situations.

  • Average salary: $49,740
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing and creating handmade objects, selecting materials, using specialized tools, and preparing work for sale or display
  • Education and training requirements: No formal degree typically required; artistic skill and a portfolio are important
• 2.

  Dishwasher

  Dishwashing can be relatively low-stress in terms of decision-making and responsibility because tasks are typically routine, clearly defined, and performed without supervisory duties.

  • Average salary: $34,310
  • Typical responsibilities: Washing dishes and cookware, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and maintaining sanitation standards
  • Education and training requirements: No formal educational credential typically required
• 3.

  Floral Designer

  Floral design may offer a less stressful work environment for people who enjoy creative, hands-on projects with clearly defined outcomes, although holidays and special events can bring periods of greater time pressure.

  • Average salary: $39,520
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing floral arrangements, preparing flowers, helping customers select products, and maintaining floral inventory
  • Education and training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent typically sufficient; skills are often developed on the job
• 4.

  Janitor

  Routine tasks and limited responsibility for other workers can make janitorial work a relatively low-stress option, though the job can be physically demanding.

  • Average salary: $38,760
  • Typical responsibilities: Cleaning buildings, sanitizing surfaces, emptying trash, restocking supplies, and performing basic facility maintenance
  • Education and training requirements: No formal educational credential typically required
• 5.

  Library Technician

  Library technician can be a lower-stress career for people who thrive in structured, organized environments where most daily responsibilities follow established systems and procedures.

  • Average salary: $45,500
  • Typical responsibilities: Organizing library materials, assisting patrons, processing loans and returns, maintaining records, and helping manage collections
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary; some positions require a postsecondary certificate or associate degree
• 6.

  Massage Therapist

  Working one-on-one with clients in controlled environments and having greater flexibility over scheduling can contribute to lower stress for massage therapists, although the work itself can be physically demanding.

  • Average salary: $63,830
  • Typical responsibilities: Assessing client needs, performing therapeutic massage, maintaining treatment records, and recommending stretching or relaxation techniques
  • Education and training requirements: Postsecondary massage therapy program and state license or certification where required
• 7.

  Nail Technician

  Nail technician can be a relatively low-stress career for people who enjoy specialized, repeatable services and schedule flexibility, particularly when self-employed.

  • Average salary: $38,570
  • Typical responsibilities: Providing manicures and pedicures, shaping and polishing nails, maintaining tools, and sanitizing work areas
  • Education and training requirements: State-approved cosmetology or nail technician program and license typically required
• 8.

  Painter

  Painting can offer a less stressful work environment for people who prefer focused, hands-on tasks with clear project goals and limited responsibility for managing others.

  • Average salary: $55,420
  • Typical responsibilities: Preparing surfaces, mixing and applying paint, protecting surrounding areas, repairing minor surface damage, and cleaning equipment
  • Education and training requirements: No formal educational credential typically required; skills are commonly learned on the job
• 9.

  Usher

  Straightforward duties and limited decision-making responsibility can keep stress relatively low for ushers, although large events and busy crowds may create periods of greater pressure.

  • Average salary: $33,080
  • Typical responsibilities: Checking tickets, directing guests to seats, providing venue information, assisting with crowd flow, and maintaining event areas
  • Education and training requirements: No formal educational credential typically required
• 10.

  Watch & Clock Repairer

  For people who enjoy precise, independent work, watch and clock repair can be a relatively low-stress career with limited public interaction and little exposure to high-stakes decision-making.

  • Average salary: $70,840
  • Typical responsibilities: Inspecting timepieces, diagnosing problems, repairing or replacing components, cleaning mechanisms, and testing completed repairs
  • Education and training requirements: Postsecondary training or extensive on-the-job training is typically required

10 Low-Stress Work-From-Home Jobs

While remote availability varies by employer, these careers ranked toward the lower-stress end of the Work Context measures we analyzed and commonly offer remote job opportunities:

Job Title	Average Salary
Archivist	$70,640
Computer Programmer	$105,170
Data Warehousing Specialist	$144,440
Desktop Publisher	$61,970
Proofreader	$54,800
Social Science Research Assistant	$66,140
Survey Researcher	$79,580
Technical Writer	$96,970
Web Designer	$117,490
Writer	$86,090

Read more details on these remote-friendly, relaxing, and chill jobs below.

• 1.

  Archivist

  Archivists often experience lower-stress working conditions thanks to detail-oriented tasks, little (if any) group collaboration, and limited exposure to urgent or high-pressure decision-making.

  • Average salary: $70,640
  • Typical responsibilities: Organizing records, preserving documents, cataloging collections, digitizing materials, and helping researchers locate information
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree typically required
• 2.

  Computer Programmer

  With long periods of focused, independent work and limited public interaction, computer programming can offer a less stressful environment for professionals who enjoy technical problem-solving.

  • Average salary: $105,170
  • Typical responsibilities: Writing and testing code, updating programs, debugging software, and maintaining existing applications
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree typically required, although requirements vary by employer
• 3.

  Data Warehousing Specialist

  Data warehousing specialists primarily work with systems and data rather than the public, making this a potentially low-stress career for people who prefer structured, technical work.

  • Average salary: $144,440
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing data warehouse systems, integrating data sources, maintaining databases, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting data issues
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree typically required
• 4.

  Desktop Publisher

  The project-based nature of desktop publishing can contribute to a lower-stress work environment, with much of the job focused on clearly defined design and formatting tasks.

  • Average salary: $61,970
  • Typical responsibilities: Formatting documents, arranging text and graphics, preparing page layouts, reviewing proofs, and producing publication-ready files
  • Education and training requirements: Associate degree or postsecondary training may be preferred
• 5.

  Proofreader

  Proofreading is often a relatively low-stress job for people who prefer focused solo work, as assignments tend to be clearly defined and require limited interaction with the public.

  • Average salary: $54,800
  • Typical responsibilities: Reviewing written material, correcting spelling and grammar errors, checking formatting and consistency, and comparing proofs with source material
  • Education and training requirements: Requirements vary; strong language and editing skills are essential
• 6.

  Social Science Research Assistant

  Structured research projects, data analysis, and limited high-pressure decision-making can make social science research assistant roles less stressful than careers with frequent conflict or urgent responsibilities.

  • Average salary: $66,140
  • Typical responsibilities: Collecting research data, conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, maintaining databases, and assisting with data analysis
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree typically required
• 7.

  Survey Researcher

  For people who enjoy research and data, survey research can be a relatively low-stress career centered on structured analytical tasks rather than high-pressure or conflict-heavy work.

  • Average salary: $79,580
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing surveys, selecting research methods, analyzing responses, interpreting results, and preparing reports
  • Education and training requirements: Master’s degree typically required
• 8.

  Technical Writer

  Technical writing may offer a lower-stress work environment for professionals who prefer independent, project-based assignments and focused research, although deadline pressure varies by employer.

  • Average salary: $96,970
  • Typical responsibilities: Writing manuals and guides, researching technical topics, collaborating with subject matter experts, and editing documentation
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree typically required
• 9.

  Web Designer

  Self-driven work, remote opportunities, and a mix of creative and technical tasks can make web design a relatively low-stress career, though tight deadlines and client demands can increase pressure.

  • Average salary: $117,490
  • Typical responsibilities: Designing website layouts, creating visual elements, improving usability, testing designs, and updating websites
  • Education and training requirements: Education requirements vary; employers may prioritize technical skills and a strong portfolio
• 10.

  Writer

  Writing roles can be less stressful for professionals who value independence and remote flexibility, particularly in positions with manageable deadlines and limited responsibility for other workers.

  • Average salary: $86,090
  • Typical responsibilities: Researching topics, drafting written content, revising and editing copy, and working with editors or clients
  • Education and training requirements: Bachelor’s degree commonly preferred; requirements vary by role

How Do You Identify Low-Stress Jobs?

To know if a job will be low stress before you accept an offer, you first need to identify your preferred work style, learn to recognize signs of a high-pressure role in job descriptions, research company culture through employee reviews, use trusted tools to evaluate employers, and ask thoughtful questions during interviews.

Use these strategies to identify low-stress, relaxing, solo, and/or quiet jobs that are more likely to support a healthy work-life balance for you:

• Step 1:

  Know Yourself

  Start by thinking about what “low stress” means to you. A job that feels relaxing to one person may feel draining to another.

  For example, extroverted workers may enjoy collaborative, people-focused environments, while introverted professionals may prefer quieter, solo jobs. Likewise, some people thrive in fast-paced settings, while others are happiest with predictable routines and steady workloads.

  Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do I prefer working independently or as part of a team?
  • Am I comfortable with tight deadlines, or do I prefer long-term projects?
  • Do I enjoy working with people, or would I rather focus on tasks?
  • Would a remote, hybrid, or in-person role fit my lifestyle best?

  One of Monster’s career experts, Toni Frana, shares this advice on self-assessment and career exploration:

  Pro Tip

  “Knowing your strengths is a key part of choosing a career. Sometimes it’s hard for us to figure out exactly what our strengths are, which is why skills assessments can be helpful. Another strategy to uncover your strengths is through enlisting the help of your network, family, friends, and other coworkers by simply asking them what they think you’re good at.”

• Step 2:

  Look for Red Flags in Job Descriptions

  Job postings often provide clues about a role’s day-to-day demands, and some phrases may indicate a higher-pressure environment.

  Watch for terms like:

  • Fast-paced environment
  • Ability to multitask under pressure
  • Thrives in a high-pressure setting
  • Must meet aggressive deadlines
  • Flexible schedule required
  • Nights, weekends, or on-call availability
  • Handles competing priorities

  These don’t necessarily mean you should avoid the job, but they’re worth asking about during the interview process.

• Step 3:

  Read Employee Reviews & Experiences

  Before applying, look beyond the job description. Employee reviews can provide insight into workload, management style, work-life balance, and company culture.

  Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on a single positive or negative comment. Repeated mentions of burnout, excessive overtime, poor or toxic management, or unrealistic expectations may be signs that a role is more stressful than it appears.

• Step 4:

  Use Job Search & Salary Research Tools

  Research can help you compare opportunities before you apply. Salary tools can help you understand typical pay in your area, and job search platforms let you filter openings by factors like location, schedule, experience level, and remote work options.

  Combining salary research with information about job duties and work environment can help you identify opportunities that align with both your financial goals and preferred lifestyle.

• Step 5:

  Ask the Right Questions in Interviews

  A job interview is your opportunity to evaluate the employer just as much as they’re evaluating you. Asking thoughtful questions can help you better understand the role’s expectations and day-to-day pace.

  Consider asking:

  • What does a typical workweek look like?
  • How are priorities and deadlines managed?
  • How often do employees work overtime?
  • Is this role expected to be on call outside normal business hours?
  • What does the team do when workloads become especially busy?
  • How would you describe the team’s work-life balance?

Careers to Avoid If You’re Looking for Relaxing Jobs

If predictable workloads and fewer high-pressure situations are priorities for you, careers such as emergency medicine, critical care nursing, law enforcement, and other highly demanding fields may not be right for you.

According to O*NET Work Context data, the following careers rank toward the higher end of measures associated with workplace pressure, including conflict situations, time pressure, consequences of error, responsibility for others’ health and safety, responsibility for work outcomes, and dealing with unpleasant or angry people.

Many of these careers involve high-stakes decisions, responsibility for others, conflict, demanding accuracy requirements, emergencies, or significant consequences for errors. While they can be rewarding and meaningful professions, they may not be the best fit if your priority is finding a career with greater predictability and fewer common workplace stressors.

There Really Are Low-Stress, Relaxing, & Chill Jobs Out There!

Finding a low-stress job is less about choosing a specific occupation and more about finding relaxing, solo, or quiet jobs that match your strengths, priorities, and preferred work environment. By understanding what contributes to stress and carefully evaluating opportunities, you can make more informed career decisions and find a role that supports both your professional goals and your well-being.

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Methodology

To identify the low-stress jobs featured in this article, Monster conducted a qualitative analysis of occupational data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET database across 10 Work Context measures:

• Time Pressure
• Conflict Situations
• Impact of Decisions on Coworkers or Company Results
• Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
• Health and Safety of Other Workers
• Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels That Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
• Level of Competition
• Consequence of Error
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Rather than applying a fixed score or threshold, we reviewed how occupations ranked across all 10 measures and prioritized roles that generally appeared toward the lower-stress end of the rankings. A higher ranking in an individual measure did not automatically exclude an occupation if it ranked relatively low across most other measures.

We then evaluated qualifying occupations for fit within our high-paying, no-degree, and work-from-home categories. Final selections also considered salary data, relevance to Monster job seekers, and representation in Monster’s job listings.

Because workplace stress varies by employer, environment, workload, and individual preferences, these rankings are intended as a data-informed guide rather than a definitive measure of how stressful a job will be.