With our increased connectivity, and the underlining expectation that we’ll always be free to answer emails and pull overtime, the workplace is fast becoming the largest source of stress for Australian employees. Long commutes, low wage growth and lack of boundaries between work and social hours mean that our physical and mental health is being negatively impacted. Work place stress also affects employers – research indicates that stress related issues are costing Australian businesses $10 billion per annum in lost productivity and sick days.
Some tell-tale signs of work related stress can include:
- symptoms of panic attacks, such as rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- feeling tense and on edge at work
- being late all the time
- not wanting to participate in meetings or staff events
- not being able to concentrate and feeling distracted
- getting upset or angry easily
- not being able to complete work and feeling overwhelmed
- distancing themselves from other people at work and at home.
If you feel like your current career is responsible for burning you out, you may have already started looking into low stress jobs. Well, consider this your cheat sheet! We’ve complied various low stress jobs according to whether you want an occupation that’s high paying, that doesn’t require a university degree, that is suited to people with anxiety or those that are introverted, that’s in the medical, IT or healthcare field. Good luck, and let the job hunt begin!
*Unless otherwise stated, average salaries have been estimated using Pay Scale*
Low Stress Jobs
Any stress you can reduce in your life is a major bonus, so why not start with minimising your workplace stress? According to a 2018 survey conducted by jobs website CareersCast.com, these good paying low stress jobs.
* Wages and growth outlook statistics are derived from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, and growth projections are as per estimates to 2026.
10. Medical Lab Technician
Video: It’s an American production, but you get the idea. This is the day in the life of an average medical lab tech, one of the best low stress jobs out there.
Average salary: $50,930
Projected growth: 10.00%
9. Operations research analyst
If thinking critically, solving tricky problems and using quantitative reasoning skills are all part of your skill set, then there may be an operations research analyst inside of you waiting to be set free! The career has its roots in World War II, where military planners played a crucial role, but soon businesses and organisations soon began adopting the key techniques of the career. Now that World War II is long over, you can see why its made the list of low stress careers!
Average salary: $79,200
Projected growth: $27.00%
8. Pharmacy Technician
This is 100% a joke, pharmacists do a lot more than this – but they do deserve extra credit for being able to decipher all that medical scrawl!
Average salary: $31,750
Projected growth: 12.00%
7. Jeweller
One of the only downsides to being a jeweller that we can imagine is that other people get to take all this bling home and not you.
Average salary: $37, 960.
Projected growth: -7.00%
6. Compliance Officer
As a compliance officer or compliance manager, it’s your job to make sure that companies are conducting business in full compliance with all the national and international laws and regulations relevant to their particular industry. It’s one of the least stressful jobs, but your presence in the office would probably have a few business owners sweating!
Average salary: $67,870
Projected growth: 5.00%
5. Medical records technician
Administrative tasks, healthcare setting. If you wondering what jobs are classified as the best low stress careers, a role as medical records technician is one of them.
Average salary: $39,180
Projected growth: 13.00%
4. University Professor
Video: Whatever your specialist subject, take it from Ross – don’t try teaching in a foreign accent.
Average salary: $75,430
Projected growth: 15.00%
3. Audiologist
Average salary: $75,980.
Projected growth: 21.00%
2. Hairstylist
Average salary: $24,900.
Projected growth: 10.00%
1. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average Salary: $65,620.
Projected growth: 17.00%
Low Stress Jobs Australia
It’s one thing to use the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to gauge which roles are easy low stress jobs, but what about careers here in Australia? The following eight occupations are the least stressful jobs Australia has to offer.
8. Gardener
Gardeners and landscapers can work for companies, on golf courses or public gardens, or as private entrepreneurs. It’s a career that gives you the freedom to spend your day alone and outdoors (so don’t forget hat and sunscreen!) These low stress jobs are a great way to escape the restrictions of an office environment.
Average salary: $49,306.
7. Meteorologist
Average salary: $79,992.
6. Astronomers
Average salary: $151,381 (as of 2014)
5. Geographer
Average salary: $106,831 (as of 2014)
4. Hydrologist
Average salary: $115,761 (as off 2014)
3. Law Teachers
Average salary: $178,410 (as of 2014)
2. Political Scientist
Leave the politics to the politicians, and embark on a career in political science instead!
Average wage: $197,809 (as of 2014)
1. Optometrists
Average wage: $159,675 (as of 2014)
Low Stress But High Paying Jobs
Low stress, high paying jobs – essentially, these jobs are the dream. Coming home, relaxed and happy, to a full bank account is where we all want to be. Check out these 10 low stress jobs and see what floats your boat.
10. Actuary
If math and statistics are your thing, you should consider work as an actuary. The hours are standard, 9-5, and the wage is competitive. Actuaries often work for insurance companies, analysing risk and helping their employers reduce costs. This job is expected to grow 18 percent by 2024.
Average salary: $99,042.
9. Computer and Information Systems Manager
Ok, so the BBC show IT Crowd makes work in this field look stressful – but it’s not like that at all. You can potentially take home a six-figure salary and if you’re a bona fide computer ‘geek’ you’ll have it made in the shade!
Average salary: $99,435
8. Nutritionist/Dietician
Nutritionist and dieticians work in many different settings, so not only will you have one of the best paying low stress jobs but you’ll have the added benefit of a change if scenery every now and then. You’ll be helping people achieve their health goals by advising and managing their diet. This occupation is expected to grow 16 percent by 2024.
Average salary: $51,682.
7. Mathematician
We won’t lie – you’ll have to be a lover of complex mathematics to work in this role, it’s kind of a major pre-requisite. There is increasing demand for mathematicians to help understand quantified information and datasets, like the kind that are generated by social media, which can be used for everything from infrastructure planning to election predictions or where to focus resources in commercial operations. The latest figures show that mathematicians were amongst the top ten highest paid jobs in New South Wales, alongside actuaries and statisticians, earning an average of $161,215.
6. Speech Language Pathologist
Speech language pathologists, or speech therapists, diagnose and treat speech and swallowing disorders. Speech therapists typically need a Master’s Degree to practice competitively, and people generally specialise in children, swallowing disorders, patients with autism etc.
Average salary: $61,504
5. Technical Writer
Looking for a high salary, low stress job? You should consider working as a technical writer. A technical writer’s job is to act as a a professional information communicator transferring information between two or more parties, through the most efficient medium that best facilitates the transfer and comprehension of the information. Technical writers research and produce information through a variety of delivery mediums, including online help, manuals, white papers, design specifications, project plans, software test plans, etc. With the rise of e-learning, technical writers are increasingly becoming involved with creating online training material.
Average salary: $77, 718
4. Curator
Pictured: Janet Laurence’s exhibition ‘After Nature’, showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (1 March – 10 June 2019) This exhibition is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Janet Laurence and MCA Chief Curator Rachel Kent.
As a minimum requirement, you’ll need a Bachelor’s in Art, Museum Studies or History. Curators catalogue, manage, and organise exhibits within an art gallery or a museum. Curators also maintain and restore artefacts and collectibles to their former glory, plus fundraise and host events. You may also be called upon to interview and hire new staff members for your gallery. If you have a knack for it, curatorship can definitely one of the best high salary low stress jobs.
Average salary: $82,036
3. Food Technologist
If you’re a foodie with a science background, maybe a switch to food technology is warranted! The phrase ‘food tech’ may just remind you of being in Year 7 and having to lug your cooking equipment to school and back on a Wednesday, but this is nothing like your high school experience. Food technologists are responsible for the safe and efficient development, modification and manufacture of food products.
0Average salary: $61,732.
2. Massage Therapist
Being a massage therapist is one of the best low stress high paying jobs, because you can work at a spa or beauty centre, or be your own boss, doing house calls or work from home. You’ll need to be comfortable with the human body, and the minimum you need to complete is Certificate IV in Massage Therapy before you can start to specialise, but the overtime is non-existent (bonus for those who want to achieve a better work-life balance)
Average salary: $97,500.
1. Biostatistician
You’ll need a degree in biostatistics, but if it’s your calling then it’ll all be worth it. Biostatisticians work in a wide variety of fields, like epidemiology, genetics, ecology, systems biology, and others and typically work full-time in a hospital, research lab, or office environment; although there is potential for travel if you are required to go mett with clients. Biostatisticians conduct statistical analyses for a wide range of biology-related topics. They work with a scientific team on studies’ statistical design, helping determine the team’s needs and appropriate methods. They also help with grant applications, conduct data analyses, and help interpret results in consultation with the research team.
Average salary: $80,214
Low Stress Jobs Without A Degree
Despite what you may think, securing a rewarding job without a four-year university degree is definitely achievable. There is certainly more emphasis on the importance of going straight to university after high school these days, but this isn’t always a positive thing. Plenty of people aren’t suited to the academic learning environment, and would be much better off starting a trade or apprenticeship. The following 10 occupations may require industry experience or some qualifications, but you won’t need a Bachelor’s degree.
1*Salary information sourced from Business Insider
1. Construction Manager
While many construction managers are currently working with degrees and qualifications, many people still get to this position by virtue of industry experience. Construction managers work closely with architects and engineers, working out the costs of materials and labour, hiring subcontractors and ensuring a building project is safety compliant.
Average salary: $155,463
2. Ethical Hacker
This is a bit of a tenuous link – working as an ethical hacker is not a dangerous as the life fictional character Lisbeth Salander leads. Plus, we can’t remember too many ethical things happening in The Millennium Series. But the point is that working as a hacker is a legitimate career path. Ethical hackers, or white hat hackers as they are sometimes called, are security professionals.They use lawful hacking to determine the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation’s computer system.
Average salary: $132,456
3. Pilot
If you want to go the university degree route, you’ll be studying Aviation. But there are other steps to becoming a pilot that don’t involve getting a formal degree. With 4-6 months of theory and flight lessons, you can receive your private pilot’s license. The next step, becoming a commercial pilot, requires you to rack up 150-200 hours of flying experience and pass the Commercial Pilot License test.
Average salary: $105, 222
4. Real Estate Agent
The pre-requisites for becoming a real estate agent will differ slightly depending what state you live in, but generally to gain your real estate license you’ll need to have completed 12 months of full-time experience as an agent’s representative, completed your real estate course with a registered training organisation (like Certificate IV in Property Services)
Average salary: $97,862
5. Software Engineer
Software engineering makes it onto our list of low stress jobs without a degree. You usually are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering, but with enough hands-on experience and freelancing it is possible to break into the industry.
Average salary: $91,214
36. HR Manager
Not is a role in human resources one of the most high paying, low stress jobs in Australia, you don’t necessarily need a university degree to do it, and it’s a great high paying career for women! You can get a Diploma of Human Resources Management online or through TAFE.
Average salary: $90,902
7. Maintenance Manager
Maintenance managers oversee the maintenance of buildings and mechanical systems to ensure that everything continues to run smoothly. The educational requirements vary and may include an undergraduate degree, but this will depend on your employer. Sometimes, having graduated high school and having previous maintenance experience is enough to get you in the door.
Average salary: $88,911
8. Environmental Health and Safety Officer
Environmental health officers make sure homes and work places are safe, hygienic and healthy. You might specialise in just one of these or you might deal with all environmental health issues in your local area or company. Your work could involve anything from inspecting businesses to make sure they are complying with food safety standards to giving evidence in court.
Average salary: $88,838
49. Sales Manager
The Office’s Michael Scott was wrong about so many things – but this time he’s hit the nail on the head. You don’t need to go to university to get into sales. If you’ve got the gift of the gab and can gain enough experience, the skies the limit for your as a sales person.
Average salary: $88,828
10. Fitness Manager
Don’t get it twisted, this isn’t the same thing as being a personal trainer or fitness instructor. Fitness management is all about managing a successful fitness facility. You have to meet revenue targets, run marketing and promotional activities, and recruit and train staff for customer service and personal trainer roles. A degree is something like sports science or leisure management will certainly help, but it isn’t necessary. The requirements for the position will vary according to the organisation.
Average salary: $86,327
Low Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety
Unfortunately, living with anxiety can limit your life in all sorts of ways. A misunderstood and stigmatised condition, anxiety can make it difficult for people to interact socially and speak out in the workplace. Finding low stress jobs for people with anxiety can be frustrating, but don’t lose hope – such jobs exist! Here are 7 low stress jobs that are likely to suit those who suffer from anxiety.
1. Janitor
Many people find the act of cleaning super cathartic – UK cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch wouldn’t have 2.4 million Instagram followers if this wasn’t the case! Janitorial work is active but low stress, and does not require you to possess any formal qualifications. Janitorial staff mostly work in quiet, empty buildings after hours, which is good if you’re someone who can become overwhelmed by loud noise or too many people.
Average salary: $42,098.
2. Freelance Writer
It can be difficult to get started in the industry, but once you bag your first few clients then it’s all systems go! Being a freelance writer is a good job if you’re someone that struggles with your anxiety. Freelance writers are usually self employed and work from home or hot-desk, so even if you have deadlines to meet, you can do so in a familiar, quiet environment.
Average salary: $50,000
3. Pet Sitter
When someone can’t take their pet away with them, that’s where you come in! The whole point of pet sitting is that the owners won’t be home, so you won’t have to be in many social situations. Aside from being an animal lover, pet sitting will require you to be a good listener and be able to handle a small amount of one-on-one interaction with people, which is good if you’re trying to get out of your comfort zone. Plus, animals don’t care if you have anxiety, if anything they help you to relax.
Average salary: Will depend on whether you work with an agency or decide to go freelance
64. Pet Groomer
Basically any job that involves low to moderate interaction with people and high interaction with cute animals will be a low stress job for people with anxiety. You will need to undertake a course or some kind of apprenticeship to learn the tricks of the trade, but you don’t need a degree to become a pet groomer.
Average salary: $40,230.
5. Accountancy
Accounting has a reputation for being boring, but this is just an industry stereotype. If you enjoy maths, and being organised is one of your key strengths, accountancy could be the right career for you. There is low-moderate social interaction, and many of your clients will be based elsewhere so lots of communication will occur via email. Being an accountant is a good way to challenge your anxiety gradually.
Average salary: $69,429.
6. Baker
Baking is a soothing activity, and then there’s the added therapeutic process of pounding the dough! Bakers have to get up pretty early, so if you can deal with rising and shining while it’s still dark this may be the low stress job for you.
7Average salary: $57,500
7. Florist
Got a green thumb? Then why not consider a career in floristry? Caring for plants, producing beautiful bouquets and wreaths with your inherent creative flair, floristry is the perfect career for those who are working and living with anxiety disorders.
Average salary: $24.95 per hour.
Low Stress Jobs for Introverts
We are used to thinking of introverts as painfully shy, socially anxious people, but the true definition is quite different. Introverts expend energy in during social situations, while extroverts gain energy through interacting with others. This is why, after being in many social situations, introverts can end up with an ‘introvert hangover’ and in desperate need of alone time in order to recharge.
Traits of introverts that benefit the workplace:
- Diligence and extreme focus
- Extreme productivity and attention to details
- Good listening skills
- Careful, effective planning skills
- Naturally creative
Here are 7 low stress jobs that introverts tend to excel at.
1. Engineers
Engineering is a broad job category, so if you’re drawn to it as a profession you have a lot of specialties to chose from. Engineering jobs suit those who with deep concentration skills and you don’t need to put in a lot of hours at work functions to necessarily get ahead.
Average salary: $72,471
2. Web Developer
Web developers shape how websites function and look – and in today’s business world, you’re nothing without a working website! Web developers can focus on the front or back-end of a website, attention to detail is crucial and it can be as socially interactive as you make it.
Average salary: $60,718
3. Graphic designer
If you’re wondering what low stress jobs for introverts look like, a career in graphic designer is a perfect example. Graphic designers specialise in visual storytelling, working independently with software or free hand to creating visual concepts and to share ideas with consumers. It’s all about being creative and getting “in the zone”
Average salary: $51, 532
94. Archivist
Are you a history buff? Then you should consider a low stress career as an archivist. Archivists generally work at museums and libraries, archiving old documents, photographs, audio files and relics, and there is a lot of solitude associated with the role.
Average salary: $75,662
5. Social Media Manager
6. Interior Designer
Have a natural talent from knowing what should go where? Interior designers do have to work one-on-one with clients whilst developing a new space, but much of the work itself is done independently. If you’re an introvert with a fresh sense of style, an interior design role could be for you!
Average salary: Anywhere between $40,982 – $99,777, depending on experience and bonuses.
07. Paralegal
IRL she’s the Duchess of Sussex and about to have a baby with her husband Prince Harry – but for a long time Meghan Markle played the role of Rachel Zane, who started off as a paralegal on legal drama Suits. Introverts make great paralegals, because it’s a detail-oriented profession that doesn’t require you to be in the spotlight.
Average salary: $54,417
Low Stress Medical Careers
Low stress medical careers are hard to find, just because the nature of medical work is inherently stressful. It’s a high risk, high reward kind of a career field. Improving a patient’s quality of life and watching them recover is like nothing else but, on the other hand, knowing that someone’s life is in your hands is not a ‘chill’ kind of thought to say the least. Nevertheless, here are 4 low stress medical careers.
1. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists work in hospitals, therapy clinics, schools, nursing homes – there’s a long list of places where their skills are needed. You’ll need a formal degree, but if you’re determined to earn the relevant qualifications, it’s worth it.
Average salary: $61,690
2. Chiropractor
In a CareerCast.com survey, chiropractors ranked as the tenth overall least stressful job and the sixth least stressful medical job. Not just ‘back doctors’, chiropractors must complete a doctorate-level degree in chiropractic studies after completing a undergraduate degree in health science.
Average salary: $70,050
13. Clinical Coder/ Medical Records Technician
As a medical records technician, or clinical coder, you are charge of maintaining records of patient care and filing documentation that details patients conditions, treatments and subsequent outcome. All of the typing, none of the blood or weird smells!
Average salary: $23.52 per hour
4. Podiatrist
As long as you don’t have any strong, negative feelings about looking at and touching other people’s feet, podiatry could be for you! Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery on the feet.
Average salary: $79,800
Low Stress I.T Jobs
For us mere mortals, computers and technological can cause all sorts of unnecessary angst. For computer experts, it’s a walk in the park! Here are some of the least stressful IT jobs available.
1. Database Architect
Database architects oversee everything from database development to system maintenance.
Average salary: $120,000
22. Computer Hardware Engineer
It’s all about with building and testing technical equipment when you’re a computer hardware engineer, ranging from small devices like wireless routers to larger objects like circuit boards.
Average salary: $55,640
3. IT Industry Analyst
IT industry analysts. These are the people who talk to industry leaders and then predict the future of information technology in a series of reports.
Average salary: $70,324
4. Computer Sales
Being a salesperson at a computer store is not a high-stress role in the slightest. Worst case scenario, you have to put up with the tech illiterate asking you loads of simple questions.
Average: $20.92 per hour
5. Computer lab support
Educational institutions and libraries still have computer labs, and these places are a great low-stress way to work in IT
Average: $20.83 per hour
3Low Stress Healthcare Jobs
Like low stress medical careers, low stress healthcare jobs are also pretty rare. You’re dealing with someone’s health, or the health of someone’s loved one, and with that responsibility comes a healthy amount of stress. You have to care about the results you get, because someone’s wellbeing is on the line. However, these 4 careers are relatively low-stress and based in the healthcare field.
1. Orthodontist
Your job is literally making it possible for people to smile. How good is that!
Average salary: $100,503
2. Dentist
Another tooth-related profession. If you can put up with everyone telling you how much they hate going to the dentist, this could be the gig for you!
Average salary: $97,649
3. Recreational Therapist
Average salary: $21.28 per hour
4. Dermatologist
Is it too late to be just like Dr. Sandra Lee aka Dr Pimple Popper?
4Average salary: $112,500
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