We used the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to compile this list of jobs with a low potential for emotional strain. The Occupational Information Network, or O*NET, is a database maintained by the United States Department of Labor that is accessible online and free of charge.
A stress tolerance score, which may range from 0 to 100 and is assigned by O*NET to each employment, is a measurement of how often employees are required to take criticism and cope with difficult circumstances. The ability to handle stress at a lower level is often required for professions with a lower score, while the ability to handle stress at a greater level is required for positions with a higher score. Urologists, anesthesiologist assistants, and nurse anesthetists have stress tolerance ratings of 100, 98, and 98, respectively, making them some of the most stressful but best-paying careers, according to O*NET. These three professions also have some of the highest average salaries.
Even though some of the occupations on our list do involve some level of stress, we decided to include them on our list since we believe they are among the least stressful high-paying employment available. If you are presently working in a high-stress position, you may find that switching to one of these jobs, which often provide a good work atmosphere and a healthy balance between work and personal life, is a welcome change.
30 of the least stressful occupations that pay over a hundred thousand dollars each (ranked)
1. a person who works with mathematics
The capacity to tolerate stress: 57
Median salary: $101,900
Mathematicians are employed in a wide variety of fields, and their primary responsibilities include research, data analysis, and the application of mathematical theories and computational techniques to the solution of real-world problems in areas such as business, engineering, healthcare, and other areas. They come up with mathematical models to assess the data and then put those models through various tests to verify whether or not the data is reliable. After that, they submit their results in order to contribute to the solution of the issues that are being discussed.
Education and training requirements include a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a discipline closely linked to it; however, in private enterprise, an additional degree such as a master's or PhD may be necessary.
2. People Who Develop Software and Applications
Tolerability of stress: 61
Median salary: $103,620
The primary responsibilities of these software developers include the development of new computer programs as well as the modification of existing ones. To put it another way, they are responsible for the production of the apps that are used on computers and other devices. These software engineers begin the process of designing, testing, and developing apps for consumers only after doing an analysis of the requirements of those users. They could also alter the application software that is already in use in order to fix bugs, boost performance, or accommodate new hardware.
Education requirements and training: In most cases, a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or another discipline that is closely related is necessary.
3. Political Scientist
Tolerability of stress: 61
Median salary: $117,570
The work of a political scientist entails the study of political systems and governments, with a focus on their historical roots, subsequent evolution, and operational procedures. The political concepts and government policies that they investigate, such as the political system of the United States and its ties with other countries, are then evaluated in terms of the impact such policies have had on the government, corporations, and individuals. Additionally, political scientists may also teach political science, evaluate the outcomes of elections, and make predictions on future political developments.
Education and training requirements include a bachelor's degree in political science for employment at the entry level; however, the majority of political scientists are required to finish either a master's degree or a doctoral program.
4. Physical Scientist
Tolerability of stress: 61
Median salary: $120,950
Physicists perform research into physical phenomena, such as the nature of time or the beginning of the universe, in addition to studying the ways in which various kinds of matter and energy interact with one another. They then communicate their results in scientific publications, in scientific conferences, or in lectures, based on the scientific theories and models that they have developed based on their own observations and experiments.
Education and training prerequisites include a doctoral degree, which is required of physicists seeking employment in research and academic settings. A bachelor's degree in physics is often necessary for employment in government agencies.
5. Chemist and Industrial Engineer
Tolerability of stress: 61
Median salary: $104,910
Chemical engineers put the principles of chemistry to use in the production of chemicals and products, such as fuel, pharmaceuticals, food, polymers, and a wide variety of other goods. They may be responsible for the design of equipment for chemical plants, the conduct of experiments, the monitoring and analysis of the results of those experiments, and the development of new and better production processes.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: You are required to have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a discipline that is closely linked to it.
6. Astronomer
The capacity to handle stress: 62
Median salary: $105,680
Astronomers investigate a wide range of heavenly bodies, including planets, stars, and galaxies, making use of ground-based and space-based instruments, such as radio and optical telescopes in addition to the Hubble Space Telescope. Some may investigate wonders such as neutron stars and black holes, while others may keep an eye out for space junk that might collide with satellites and cause interference.
Requirements in terms of education and training include, but are not limited to, post-doctoral education for academic posts. However, if you have a bachelor's degree in astronomy or a scientific field that is closely connected to it, you may be eligible for assistant roles at observatories.
7. Economist
Tolerance for pressure: 64
Median salary: $104,340
Researching the production and distribution of resources, products, and services is an important part of an economist's job, which involves coming up with solutions to economic issues and developing strategies to implement those solutions. They not only advise corporations, organizations, and governments on economic concerns but also conduct surveys, assess and anticipate market trends, and provide other economic advice.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: Those with a bachelor's degree in economics may be eligible for entry-level work, but the vast majority of economists require either a master's or a doctoral degree.
8. Research Scientist in the Field of Computers and Information
tolerability of stress: 66
Median salary: $118,370
The primary responsibility of computer and information research scientists is to devise answers to issues that arise with computer hardware and software. They conceive of and create novel methods to computer technology, make advancements to already existing technology, and devise theories and models to solve basic problems in the field of computing.
Educational prerequisites and training: Typically, a master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or another discipline that is closely related is necessary.
9. An Engineer Specializing in Computer Hardware
The capacity to handle stress: 67
Median salary: $114,600
Computer hardware engineers do research, design, and development of computer systems and components for use in commercial and industrial settings, the military, and scientific fields, respectively. Processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and routers are all examples of components that may be found in computers. Building and evaluating product prototypes is one of the tasks that need to be completed, along with upgrading old computer equipment so that it is compatible with newly developed software and generating thorough specifications that describe the process of product development.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: One of the requirements is a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as computer or electrical engineering, computer science, or another field that is closely related.
10. Dentist or Orthodontist
The capacity to handle stress: 67
Median salary: $208,000+
Orthodontists are dental professionals that focus on the correction of malocclusions, or improper bites, as well as the misalignment of teeth. Orthodontists perform patient exams to assess and identify anomalies in tooth position and jaw development. Following these evaluations and diagnoses, orthodontists provide patients with a range of treatment options to correct crooked teeth and appropriately align the jaw.
Education and training prerequisites include a bachelor's degree, completion of four years of dentistry school, and two to four years of residency.
11. Environmental Economist
The capacity to handle stress: 68
Median salary: $104,340
These environmental economists are responsible for organizing and carrying out economic analyses with a primary emphasis on the conservation of natural environments and the natural environment itself. This encompasses resources in the areas of water, air, land, and renewable energy. They conduct research on economic and environmental subjects, evaluate the costs and advantages of laws and regulations that have an impact on the environment, and create academic publications that summarize the findings of studies.
Requirements in terms of education and training often consist of a master's degree or higher in environmental science, or perhaps a doctorate degree.
12. Optometrist
Tolerability of stress: 70
Median salary: $111,790
Optometrists, in general, are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients who are experiencing issues with their vision. Conditions and illnesses that affect the human eye, such as glaucoma and color blindness, are included in this category. They also establish treatment programs based on the findings of vision tests and prescribe and fit patients for corrective devices such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other aids that assist improve vision.
Educational prerequisites and training include the successful completion of a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree program that lasts for four years.
13. Nuclear Engineer
Tolerability of stress: 70
Median salary: $107,600
The purpose of the work done by nuclear engineers is to devise the procedures and apparatus that are utilized to extract value from nuclear power. They are responsible for the design and development of nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores and radiation shielding, as well as the direction of the operations of nuclear power plants to guarantee compliance with all applicable safety regulations. Nuclear engineers are trained to respond effectively to emergent situations by taking remedial steps, and then using the lessons learned from those accidents to develop more effective preventive measures.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: For most entry-level positions in the field of nuclear engineering, a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering is required of the candidate.
14. The actuary
Tolerability of stress: 70
Median salary: $102,880
Actuaries are responsible for estimating the risk and likelihood of prospective occurrences, such as death, accidents, illness, and disability, and their primary place of employment is in the insurance sector. They make projections about the risk and obligation involved in the payment of future benefits using this data.
In terms of educational qualifications and training, a bachelor's degree is normally necessary, in addition to any potential further certificates.
15. Architect of Computer and Network Systems
Tolerability of stress: 71
Median salary: $109,020
Design and construction of many types of computer and information networks, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and intranets. Job description These interactions may be as simple as connections made between offices or as complex as cloud infrastructures that cater to a number of different clients simultaneously. They build disaster recovery plans, construct network models, and upgrade current gear, such as routers and adaptors, according on the requirements of the network.
Education and training prerequisites often include a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as computer science, information systems, or another field that is closely related.
16. a doctor who specializes in nuclear medicine
The capacity to handle stress: 72
Median salary: $200,890
A physician who specializes in nuclear medicine is a medical practitioner who employs the use of radioactive materials and procedures in order to diagnose and treat illness. They monitor radiation safety standards for both patients and staff, prescribe radionuclides and doses to be given to patients, and analyse imaging data in order to establish diagnoses. All of this is done while keeping radiation protection standards.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: A bachelor's degree, four years of medical school, and completion of an internship and residency are all required for training.
17. Petroleum Engineer
The capacity to handle stress: 72
Median salary: $137,170
Petroleum engineers are responsible for developing strategies that may be used to collect oil and gas from resources located underneath the surface of the planet. They make advancements to the already existing oil and gas extraction technologies and decide if new or modified extraction equipment is required. They guide and supervise the assessment of wells, as well as oversee drilling activities, monitor production rates, and keep an eye on production rates.
Education requirements and training: Typically, a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or another branch of engineering relevant to petroleum engineering is necessary.
18. Programmers Working on Operating Systems and Other Software
75 for tolerance to stress
Median salary: $110,000
Software developers who specialize in systems software research, design, and development of operating system-level software for applications that are used in a wide range of industries, including medical, industrial, military, and aerospace, are responsible for this type of work and are referred to as "systems software developers." They utilize the methodologies of computer science and engineering in order to change already existing software in order to correct bugs and make it compatible with new hardware. In addition, they establish testing procedures for software systems.
Education and training requirements include a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a discipline that is closely related in order to work as a developer.
19. Director of Technology and Product Development for Biofuels and Biodiesel
75 for tolerance to stress
Median salary: $140,760
Technology and product development managers for biofuels and biodiesel strive on lessening society's dependency on fuels derived from oil in their line of work (which have a greater impact on the environment). In order to do this, they plan and carry out research studies on biodiesel or biofuels, in which they analyze several alternative process technologies that have the potential to be brought to market in the near future. They have the opportunity to engage on projects that include a wide variety of subject areas, from filtration and extraction to transport and thermodynamics.
Educational prerequisites and prerequisite training include a bachelor's degree at the very least, with certain employment requiring a master's degree in biochemistry or biophysics.
20. Marketing Manager
75 for tolerance to stress
Median salary: $134,290
The marketing policies and programs of companies and organizations are within the purview of marketing managers, who are responsible for their structure and direction. One of the responsibilities is to ascertain the level of demand for the company's goods and services, as well as to locate prospective clients. The responsibility of devising pricing plans that strike a healthy balance between maximizing profit and guaranteeing consumer satisfaction falls squarely on the shoulders of marketing managers.
A bachelor's degree in advertising, marketing, or a discipline that is closely related is often required of marketing professionals in order to meet the educational and training requirements.
21. Purchasing Manager
tolerability of stress: 76
Median salary: $118,940
Procuring managers are responsible for planning and directing the operations of buyers who are engaged in the process of purchasing goods, services, and materials for a company. They work as the representatives of corporations while negotiating contracts with suppliers and developing methods for cutting costs. Purchasing managers are responsible for keeping records of the things purchased, as well as the costs, delivery, and stocks of those items.
Requirements in terms of education and training include a Bachelor's degree in addition to previous experience working in procurement.
22. Electronics Engineer Rank
tolerability of stress: 76
Median salary: $102,700
Electronics engineers conduct research, design, and development of electronic components and systems for a wide range of businesses and organizations, including the government, the scientific community, and the military. Electronics engineers use their knowledge of electronic theory to create electronic equipment, such as portable music players and devices that use global positioning systems. Their designs may be found in broadcast and communication systems (GPS).
The majority of occupations need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a similar engineering subject as a minimum prerequisite for education and training.
23. Manager of Projects Involving Wind Energy
tolerability of stress: 77
Median salary: $107,480
The development of prospective wind energy prospects is one of the things that wind energy project managers are responsible for managing. They devise the plans for wind energy projects, direct all activities linked to the project, such as development, energy assessment, and engineering, and keep track of the expenses associated with these projects during the whole process.
Education requirements and training: Typically, a bachelor's degree is necessary, and it must be earned in an area related to engineering.
24. Manager of Natural Science Departments
tolerability of stress: 77
Median salary: $123,860
Managers in the natural sciences are responsible for monitoring the work that other scientists do in disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They oversee actions that are associated with research and development, coordinate activities linked to testing, quality control, and manufacturing, and examine the researchers' methodologies as well as the veracity of their research findings.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: Natural sciences managers often have one of the following degrees: a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in a relevant scientific field.
25. Chief Operating Officer for Environmental Affairs
tolerability of stress: 77
Median salary: $189,600
Chief sustainability officers are entrusted for discussing concerns with sustainability to the management of a business, as well as to shareholders, customers, and workers of the organization. This involves establishing and carrying out strategies to solve challenges ranging from the use of energy and the conservation of resources to the recycling of garbage and the elimination of waste altogether. They do research on topics related to sustainability, evaluate the feasibility of projects related to sustainability, and analyze the performance of programs related to sustainability.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: In most cases, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in an area related to business or environmental science; however, some roles may call for candidates to possess advanced degrees.
26. Managers of the Production of Biofuels
tolerability of stress: 77
Median salary: $103,380
Biofuels production managers are in charge of overseeing plant operations in addition to the production of various types of biofuels. They are responsible for overseeing operations, collecting data on the production and performance of the plant, and finding solutions to problems that impair the facility's operational efficiency.
Instructional prerequisites and requirements: In most cases, obtaining a bachelor's degree is obligatory. The disciplines of chemical, mechanical, and industrial engineering, as well as environmental chemistry and sustainability, are among those that are pertinent.
27. Engineer in Aerospace Exploration
The capacity to handle stress: 78
Median salary: $115,220
Aerospace engineers are responsible for coordinating the design, production, and testing of a wide variety of aerospace goods, including airplanes, missiles, spaceships, and even spacecraft. These engineers solve technical issues that arise with aircraft and aerospace vehicles by conducting experimental, operational, and stress tests on prototypes; developing designs with the use of mathematical models; and doing stress testing.
Education and training requirements include the completion of a bachelor's degree program in either aeronautical engineering or another discipline that is closely related.
28. Radiologist
Tolerability of stress: 79
Median salary: $200,890
X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), mammography, and ultrasound are some of the imaging techniques that radiologists use to examine patients and make diagnoses. The primary responsibility of a radiologist is to examine patients and make diagnoses using these imaging techniques. They are responsible for the interpretation of the results of diagnostic imaging operations, the preparation of reports on their findings, and the delivery of these findings to other medical professionals, patients, or the families of patients.
Education and training prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in radiography or a similar subject, as well as four years of medical school and residency programs.
29. Managers of Public Relations and Financial Contributions
Tolerability of stress: 79
Median salary: $114,800
Description of the Work Public relations managers are responsible for planning and coordinating actions and materials that will enhance the public image of their company or client via the use of advertising and marketing campaigns as well as news releases. Managers of fundraising are assigned with the responsibility of organizing and directing fundraising tactics in order to collect financial support for unique initiatives or charitable organizations. They often attend meetings with benefactors, submit grant applications, and handle the process of getting closer to an organization's fundraising objectives.
Education and training prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, fundraising, or a related profession for PR managers.
30. Directors of Information Technology and Computer Systems
Tolerability of stress: 79
Median salary: $142,530
Computer and information systems managers are responsible for planning and coordinating operations in a wide variety of sectors, including electronic data processing, information systems, and computer programming, amongst others. They are often charged with the responsibility of installing computer systems in order to satisfy an organization's information technology objectives, which they may have helped define.
Education and training prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in either computer science or information science, in addition to relevant prior professional experience.