13 Low-Stress Jobs With Great Salaries

High salaries and low stress levels don't have to be mutually exclusive. Here, we'll examine professions' median annual wages and stress levels to identify which jobs offer the perfect combination of high pay and low stress.

The stress tolerance required for each job is rated on a scale from zero to 100 — the lower the number, the lower the stress. 

The figure comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and measures how much a job "requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations."

The median annual wage data (accurate as of 2023) and job descriptions are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you're looking for ways to get ahead financially but lower your stress, you'll want to look into these jobs.

Stress tolerance: 78
Median annual wage: $84,380

What they do: "Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research."

Education requirements: Bachelor's and law degrees

Stress tolerance: 78
Average annual salary: $131,860

What they do: "Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses."

Education requirements: Bachelor's, four-year doctor of optometry program, and a state license

Stress tolerance: 71
Median annual wage: $100,270

What they do: "Design, build, and maintain ships, from aircraft carriers to submarines and from sailboats to tankers."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree (practical experience is also highly valued)

Stress tolerance: 71
Median annual wage: $149,530

What they do: "Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, but most astronomers go on to get a master's and Ph.D

Stress tolerance: 70
Median annual wage: $120,000

What they do: "Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty."

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree and a series of exams to become certified

Stress tolerance: 69
Median annual wage: $106,500

What they do: "Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree or previous work experience

Stress tolerance: 68
Median annual wage: $132,350

What they do: "Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study [topics such as] public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, followed by master's or Ph.D in political science, public administration, or a related field.

Stress tolerance: 67
Median annual wage: $170,910

What they do: "Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and improve appearance."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, four-year dental school, and one to two years of residency training

Stress tolerance: 66
Median annual wage: $138,080

What they do: "Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited program

Stress tolerance: 64
Median annual wage: $104,860

What they do: "Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information."

Education requirements: Typically need a graduate degree.

Stress tolerance: 64
Median annual wage: $115,730

What they do: "Conduct research, prepare reports, and evaluate issues related to monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and analyze statistical data."

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree

Stress tolerance: 62
Median annual wage: $76,400

What they do: "Research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products."

Education requirements: At least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. Many get a doctoral degree.

Stress tolerance: 56
Median annual wage: $104,860

What they do: "Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in the application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods."

Education requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree for those who want to work in government. A doctorate may be required to work for private companies.

Stress is expected with any job, especially high-paying ones. Luckily, some careers are less difficult to deal with than others while still providing an impressive paycheck. 

There's already enough stress in dealing with day-to-day finances. While you may be reconsidering your career path, you should also consider looking into ways to help eliminate some money stress in your life.