As the new year approaches, many individuals are reconsidering their work-life balance and seeking careers that offer both financial stability and peace of mind.
On December 16, Resume Genius unveiled its list of high-paying jobs known for low stress levels. The study defines “low-stress jobs” as those with fewer demands, predictable hours, supportive environments, and manageable workloads. Many of these roles also offer remote or hybrid work options, combining reduced stress with competitive salaries.
“As we move into 2025, prioritizing mental health at work is crucial for job seekers looking for a sense of ease,” said Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius. “With remote and hybrid setups now commonplace, work-life boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. Our report shows you don’t have to compromise a good salary for better balance. The right role can support both financial and mental well-being.”
Each job on the list requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. The rankings were created using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the career site O*NET Online. High-stress jobs were filtered out using O*NET, and the remaining roles were cross-checked with the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, focusing on jobs with a median salary above $48,060 and “faster-than-average” growth.
Here are the jobs ranked by salary:
Water source specialists make a median annual salary of $157,740. There were 100,100 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 8 percent within the next 10 years. The only requirement is to have a Bachelor’s degree. A water source specialist monitors both regional and municipal water supplies to make sure the water is clean and sustainably managed.
Astronomers make a median annual salary of $149,530. There were 23,500 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 7 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a doctoral or professional degree. Astronomers study stars, planets, and other space-related incidents. Their job is largely based on research in an academic setting.
Actuaries make a median annual salary of 120,000. There were 30,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 22 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically only a Bachelor’s degree. Actuaries analyze financial risks using math, statistics, and other financial data.
Environmental economists make a median annual salary of $115,730. There were 17,500 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of five percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a Master’s degree. Environmental economists typically work with governments or other organizations to evaluate the costs and benefits of specific sustainable projects.
Mathematicians make a median annual salary of $104,860. There were 34,800 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a Master’s degree.
Computer systems analysts make a median annual salary of $103,800. There were 527,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Computer systems analysts aim to help businesses make the most out of the technology they use such as software and computers.
Fuel cell engineers make a median annual salary of $99,510. There were 291,900 in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. A fuel cell engineer designs, develops, and improves systems that generate clean energy for vehicles, buildings, and other applications.
Remote sensing scientists and technologists make a median annual salary of $92,580. There were 26,000 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of five percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Remote sensing scientists and technologists use satellite data to analyze various problems such as climate change and urban planning.
Geographers make a median annual salary of $90,880. There were 1,600 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of three percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants with their studies being used to enhance aspects of urban planning and disaster management.
Transportation planners make a median annual salary of $81,800. There were 45,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of four percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Master’s degree. Transportation planners come up with solutions to various transportation-related problems such as traffic and making cities more bike-accessible.
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