24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress

10 minute read

Think there’s no such thing as a high-paying, low-stress job?

Think again.

Career information expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., compared average salaries and stress levels of the 767 occupations identified by the U.S. Department of Labor to identify jobs with that perfect combination of high pay and low stress, and it turns out there are plenty.

The “stress tolerance” for each job is a rating on a scale from zero to 100, where a lower rating signals less stress. It measures how frequently workers must accept criticism and deal effectively with high stress on the job. The data was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Occupational Information Network.

Here are 24 jobs that pay more than $70,000 a year, on average, and earned a stress tolerance rating of 70 or lower, in order from lowest to highest stress score.

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Materials Scientists

Stress tolerance: 53.0

Average annual salary (2014): $94,350

What they do: Research and study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and the ways in which substances react with each other, use knowledge to develop new and improved products.

Education requirements: At least a bachelor’s degree; master’s degree or Ph.D. is needed for many research jobs.

Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

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  • Mathematicians

    Stress tolerance: 57.2

    Average annual salary (2014): $104,350

    What they do: Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in 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, and a doctorate may be required to work for private companies.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

     

    Geographers

    Stress tolerance: 58.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $75,610

    What they do: Study the nature and use of areas of Earth’s surface, conduct research on physical aspects of a region, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area.

    Education requirements: Master’s degree for most positions, some entry-level jobs in the federal government only require a bachelor’s degree.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Economists

    Stress tolerance: 58.7

    Average annual salary (2014): $105,290

    What they do: Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

     

    Statisticians

    Stress tolerance: 59.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $84,010

    What they do: Use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.

    Education requirements: Typically need a graduate degree.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Agricultural Engineers

    Stress tolerance: 60.8

    Average annual salary (2014): $75,440

    What they do: These professionals apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in agricultural engineering or biological engineering.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

     

    Political Scientists

    Stress tolerance: 60.8

    Average annual salary (2014): $104,000

    What they do: Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems.

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

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Materials Engineers

    Stress tolerance: 61.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $91,150

    What they do: Evaluate and develop materials, machinery, and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering, or a related field.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Biomedical Engineers

    Stress tolerance: 61.3

    Average annual salary (2014): $91,760

    What they do: They analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care.

    Education requirements: Typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program. Alternatively, they can get a bachelor’s in a different field of engineering and then either get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering or get on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Physicists

    Stress tolerance: 61.3

    Average annual salary (2014): $117,300

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

    Education requirements: Ph.D. for most research jobs.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Economics Teachers (Postsecondary)

    Stress tolerance: 61.8

    Average annual salary (2014): $102,120

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

    Education requirements: Typically need a Ph.D. to teach at the college level, but a master’s degree may be enough.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Astronomers

    Stress tolerance: 62.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $107,140

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

    Education requirements: Ph.D. for most research jobs.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers)

    Stress tolerance: 62.5

    Average annual salary (2014): $105,390

    What they do: Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth.

    Education requirements: At least a bachelor’s degree, and in several states geoscientists may need a license.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Law Teachers (Postsecondary)

    Stress tolerance: 62.7

    Average annual salary (2014): $126,270

    What they do: Teach courses in law.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s and law degrees.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Operations Research Analysts

    Stress tolerance: 63.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $82,940

    What they do: Use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions.

    Education requirements: Many entry-level positions are available for those with a bachelor’s degree, but some employers prefer to hire applicants with a master’s degree or Ph.D.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Actuaries

    Stress tolerance: 63.7

    Average annual salary (2014): $110,090

    What they do: Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty.

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

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Computer and Information Systems Managers

    Stress tolerance: 64.2

    Average annual salary (2014): $136,280

    What they do: These workers help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Applications Software Developers

    Stress tolerance: 65.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $99,530

    What they do: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree and strong computer programming skills.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Hydrologists

    Stress tolerance: 65.5

    Average annual salary (2014): $81,930

    What they do: Study how water moves across and through Earth’s crust. They can use their expertise to solve problems in the areas of water quality or availability.

    Education requirements: Master’s degree.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Orthodontists

    Stress tolerance: 67.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $201,030

    What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat dental misalignments and oral cavity anomalies, design appliances to realign teeth and jaws.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, four-year dental school, and two to three years of residency training.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Computer Hardware Engineers

    Stress tolerance: 67.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $110,650

    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 is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Art Directors

    Stress tolerance: 69.0

    Average annual salary (2014): $97,850

    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 is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

     

    Marine Engineers and Naval Architects

    Stress tolerance: 69.6

    Average annual salary (2014): $99,160

    What they do: Design, build, and maintain ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, sailboats, and tankers. Marine engineers work on the mechanical systems, such as propulsion and steering. Naval architects work on the basic design, including the form and stability of hulls.

    Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree, but practical experience is also highly valued.

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    Optometrists

    Stress tolerance: 70.3

    Average annual salary (2014): $113,010

    What they do: Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

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

    Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job.

    This article originally appeared on Business Insider

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