Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well (10 Mini Job Guides)

While no job is completely stress free, some jobs have less pressure and responsibility than others. Furthermore, what one considers a stressful job may not be stressful to someone else. There are many reasons why someone might need a low-stress job. They may already have high stress and responsibilities at home, or they may suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Some people may simply not want to be stressed out at work. You also may consider a job that has low interaction with other people to be low stress.

Different jobs in different fields have different characteristics, so the following list explores jobs from multiple areas to provide many options!

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An information systems manager maintains and troubleshoots computer systems and anticipates any technical needs of the company they work for. While this job may come with some stressors, it can often be one that allows you to work independently on a regular basis.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is required, though an associate degree is often preferred.

Average salary: $60,810

Read more: In Demand Technology Business and Creative Careers for 2023

Virtual assistants often work for themselves and have clients who they do administrative tasks for. Virtual assistants should be proficient in communication, time management, and organization.

Virtual assistants work remotely and can often be their own bosses, taking on freelance clients and choosing the work they do, making this job a great fit for someone who wants to work from home and be their own boss.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is required, but a degree or training program is sometimes preferred.

Average Salary: $49,194

Read more: 10 Jobs You Can Get with an Online Degree

A sterile processing technician is a vital role in the healthcare field. They are responsible for maintaining a clean, sterile environment in medical settings. Unlike many other healthcare roles, sterile processing technicians don’t work directly with patients, so it can be a less stressful role than others in the medical field.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is required, but a training program is preferred.

Average salary: $45,280

Read more: What Does a Sterile Processing Tech Do? (Duties, Salary, & FAQs)

Medical coders compile, process, and maintain patient files. Working as a medical coder has the potential to provide one of the most coveted characteristics of a low-stress job: the ability to work from home.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is required, though certification and a degree are preferred

Average salary: $48,780

Read more: Your Medical Billing & Coding Salary Guide

If creativity is important to you, becoming a floral designer could be for you! A job like this brings with it the satisfaction of caring for plants and creating beautiful floral arrangements for several occasions. Potential stress from this job can come from working with clients or fulfilling big orders, but it also offers the opportunity for you to be creative and you may often work alone to complete arrangements.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is preferred, though a floral design career program can be beneficial.

Average salary: $34,690

Read more: Do I Need to Go to College to Get a Good Job?

Interior designer is another job where creativity shines. This career is perfect for those who find themselves with several Pinterest boards dedicated to interior design. While this is another job that can sometimes be stressful –especially when working with difficult or demanding clients – the ability to be creative and let your artistic vision drive your work can be a benefit!

Education requirement: A bachelor's degree is often required.

Average salary: $62,510

The creative careers are near endless! Jewelry designers often open their own businesses but can also work for an already established jeweler. Another job that allows your art to shine, this work often comes with minimal stress because you work on your schedule when you own your own business.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is usually required.

Average salary: $47,450

Read more: How to Decide if a Diploma or a GED is Right for You

If you like fixing things or working with your hands, becoming an appliance repair professional could be a good fit. As an appliance repair professional, you’ll likely work on household appliances like washers and dryers, ovens, dishwashers, etc.

Education requirement: A high school diploma/equivalent is required, but a training program is recommended.

Average salary: $47,170

Becoming a plumber is a respected career that can earn you a great paycheck! As a plumber, you can work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. This career often allows you to start your own business, so you can choose the work you take on.

Education requirement: Often on the job training is sufficient, but some employers require vocational training and a license.

Average salary: $61,550

Locksmiths make and repair keys, take service calls and perform repairs as needed, install and maintain electronic home security systems, and more. They often work in local shops or open up their own!

Education requirement: Generally requires a high school diploma/equivalent and may require vocational training.

Average salary: $48,380

Read more: 10 Skilled Trades Jobs In Demand for 2024

The requirements to enter into any of these jobs varies, but many require a high school diploma or equivalent at minimum. If you’re going into business for yourself, you may not need more than that depending on the field, but many may also require certification. If you are applying for jobs in these fields, consider enrolling in a training or degree program to give you the education you need and help set your resume apart. Obtaining more training or education can also impact your salary, making it worth the time and effort for many.

Schools like Penn Foster have programs related to all of these fields! Steve Strapple, Skilled Trades Academic Lead at Penn Foster Group, says, "We have a lot of courses that I didn't realize we had when I first came on. Of course, we have electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, but we also have locksmithing and gunsmithing—courses I didn't even dream of."

The possibilities aren’t endless, but they’re pretty darn close!

Read more: Does Education Make a Difference in Salary? (How Learning More May Help You Earn More)

Every job has some level of stress, but you may find some less stressful than others. The good news is there are plenty of potentially low-stress options that can pay a living wage. Check out some online programs to see all the different options and choose one that fits your needs!