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Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well (2026)

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist tops this list at $193,950 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), with +6.3% projected employment change over 2024–2034. Below are 30 careers that meet the criteria, each with its real median wage, outlook and entry requirement.

Occupations scoring low across O*NET’s time-pressure, conflict and consequence-of-error measures that also pay at least 25% above the US median wage.

Careers on this list
30

From 923 in the bank

Median pay on the list
$128,660

BLS OEWS, May 2025

Projected to grow
28 of 30

BLS EP, 2024–2034

Openings a year
649,300

Combined, BLS EP

How we built this list

  • Included when O*NET work-context scores for time pressure, conflict situations and consequence of error all sit in the lower part of their range.
  • Also required to pay at least 25% above the $50,980 US median wage.
  • Occupations whose work-context signal is too sparse to judge are excluded rather than guessed at.
  • Occupations with no BLS wage or projection data are excluded rather than estimated.
  • The list is regenerated from source data on every bank refresh. It is not hand-picked and no editorial ranking is applied.

The top 30 low-stress jobs that pay well

10% of these careers already have a full profile page; the rest publish with the next tranche and show the same bank data here in the meantime.

  1. 1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $193,950
    Growth
    +6.3%
    Openings/yr
    400
    Education
    Master's

    Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  2. 2. Physicist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $172,250
    Growth
    +4.0%
    Openings/yr
    1,700
    Education
    Doctorate

    Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  3. 3. Clinical Research Coordinator

    Management

    Median pay
    $167,220
    Growth
    +3.7%
    Openings/yr
    8,500
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  4. 4. Political Scientist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $142,080
    Growth
    -3.1%
    Openings/yr
    500
    Education
    Master's

    Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  5. 5. Regulatory Affairs Manager

    Management

    Median pay
    $141,900
    Growth
    +4.5%
    Openings/yr
    106,700
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  6. 6. Wind Energy Development Manager

    Management

    Median pay
    $141,900
    Growth
    +4.5%
    Openings/yr
    106,700
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  7. 7. Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist and Site Manager

    Management

    Median pay
    $141,900
    Growth
    +4.5%
    Openings/yr
    106,700
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  8. 8. Computer and Information Research Scientist

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $140,300
    Growth
    +19.7%
    Openings/yr
    3,200
    Education
    Master's

    Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  9. 9. Data Warehousing Specialist

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $139,500
    Growth
    +8.7%
    Openings/yr
    4,000
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  10. 10. Software Developer

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $135,980
    Growth
    +15.8%
    Openings/yr
    115,200
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs.

    Software Developer salary & outlook →

  11. 11. Aerospace Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $134,960
    Growth
    +6.1%
    Openings/yr
    4,500
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  12. 12. Training and Development Manager

    Management

    Median pay
    $133,000
    Growth
    +5.8%
    Openings/yr
    3,800
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  13. 13. Electronics Engineer, Except Computer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $130,220
    Growth
    +6.2%
    Openings/yr
    5,700
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  14. 14. Actuary

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $130,000
    Growth
    +21.8%
    Openings/yr
    2,400
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  15. 15. Astronomer

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $128,820
    Growth
    +2.2%
    Openings/yr
    100
    Education
    Doctorate

    Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  16. 16. Law Teacher, Postsecondary

    Educational Instruction and Library

    Median pay
    $128,500
    Growth
    +2.2%
    Openings/yr
    2,200
    Education
    Doctorate

    Teach courses in law.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  17. 17. Mathematician

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $126,710
    Growth
    -0.7%
    Openings/yr
    100
    Education
    Master's

    Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  18. 18. Economist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $124,720
    Growth
    +1.2%
    Openings/yr
    900
    Education
    Master's

    Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  19. 19. Environmental Economist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $124,720
    Growth
    +1.2%
    Openings/yr
    900
    Education
    Master's

    Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  20. 20. Economics Teacher, Postsecondary

    Educational Instruction and Library

    Median pay
    $123,920
    Growth
    +2.1%
    Openings/yr
    1,200
    Education
    Doctorate

    Teach courses in economics.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  21. 21. Microsystems Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $122,930
    Growth
    +2.1%
    Openings/yr
    9,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  22. 22. Wind Energy Engineer

    Architecture and Engineering

    Median pay
    $122,930
    Growth
    +2.1%
    Openings/yr
    9,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  23. 23. Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $122,570
    Growth
    +0.6%
    Openings/yr
    2,000
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  24. 24. Business Intelligence Analyst

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $120,230
    Growth
    +33.5%
    Openings/yr
    23,400
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports.

    Business Intelligence Analyst salary & outlook →

  25. 25. Clinical Data Manager

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $120,230
    Growth
    +33.5%
    Openings/yr
    23,400
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

    Clinical Data Manager salary & outlook →

  26. 26. Web Administrator

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $116,580
    Growth
    +8.2%
    Openings/yr
    31,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  27. 27. Geographic Information Systems Technologist and Technician

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $116,580
    Growth
    +8.2%
    Openings/yr
    31,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  28. 28. Document Management Specialist

    Computer and Mathematical

    Median pay
    $116,580
    Growth
    +8.2%
    Openings/yr
    31,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  29. 29. Art Director

    Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media

    Median pay
    $114,850
    Growth
    +4.2%
    Openings/yr
    12,300
    Education
    Bachelor's

    Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

  30. 30. Sociologist

    Life, Physical, and Social Science

    Median pay
    $106,030
    Growth
    +3.6%
    Openings/yr
    300
    Education
    Master's

    Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations.

    Full page coming in the next tranche. Data shown here is from the same bank.

Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well: FAQ

What is the top career on the low-stress jobs that pay well list?

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist leads the list with a median wage of $193,950 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) and projected employment change of +6.3% over 2024–2034. Typical entry-level education is master's.

How was this list put together?

Occupations scoring low across O*NET’s time-pressure, conflict and consequence-of-error measures that also pay at least 25% above the US median wage. Included when O*NET work-context scores for time pressure, conflict situations and consequence of error all sit in the lower part of their range. Also required to pay at least 25% above the $50,980 US median wage. Occupations whose work-context signal is too sparse to judge are excluded rather than guessed at. Every figure comes from BLS OEWS May 2025, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET 30.3 Database.

How much do low-stress jobs that pay well pay?

Across the 30 careers on this list the middle occupation pays $128,660 a year, from $106,030 at the bottom to $193,950 at the top (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The median across all US occupations is $50,980.

How many of these careers can you enter without a degree?

None. BLS lists an associate's degree or higher as the typical entry requirement for all 30 careers on this list.