Are you looking for the best low-stress jobs? If you currently dread going to work and are looking for something new, here’s where to start.
If your current job is too stressful, you might be thinking about switching to something less intense. Lots of jobs pay well without making you feel anxious or burned out all the time.
Whether you’re making online content, helping people get fit as a personal trainer, or organizing medical records, there are many options for a job that helps you stay calm and relaxed.
Best Low-Stress Jobs
There are many low-stress jobs listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
– Best low-stress job for freelancing – Proofreading
– Best low-stress job for being your own boss – Blogging
– Best low-stress job for passive income – Sell printables
– Best low-stress job for virtual work – Bookkeeping
Below are the best low-stress jobs.
Note: While these jobs are low stress for some, they may not be for all. There may be a certain aspect of it that makes it low stress for you, such as being able to work alone, from home, having a flexible schedule, or doing something that you enjoy. But, nearly all jobs have some sort of stress that is a part of the job, so that is something to keep in mind. And, that doesn’t mean that these jobs are easy. Many of the jobs below are still quite difficult, requiring schooling (even getting your doctorate degree!) and hard work.
1. Blogger
If you enjoy writing and sharing ideas, becoming a blogger might be the perfect low-stress job for you. As a blogger, you have the freedom to create content on topics that interest you. Whether it’s personal finance, cooking, travel, tech, or any hobby, your blog is a space to express yourself.
I started my blog, Making Sense of Cents, in 2011 without much planning. I just wanted to talk about my experiences with money. Surprisingly, since then, I’ve made over $5,000,000 from it. And now, blogging is my main job! I really enjoy being able to blog full-time, and it’s much less stressful than the previous day job I had. But, it is still running my own business, so there are other stresses that come along with that, of course.
But, there are many positives as well! I can work alone, make my own schedule, be my own boss, choose the work that I do, and work from home. I have an amazing work-life balance, and I wouldn’t trade this job for anything else.
So, what’s a blog? Well, it’s like what you’re reading now – it’s writing on a website. You can write a blog about something you really like, something you know a lot about, or even something you want to learn more about. People like to read blogs because they get to follow along with someone’s real experiences and journeys!
2. Sell Printables
Selling digital printables online is a great way to work from home with less stress and make money. Creating printables can be a less stressful job because you only need to make one digital file for each product, and then you can sell it many times. It’s also not expensive to start because all you need is a laptop or computer and an internet connection. Plus, you can do all of this from home and on your own time.
Printables are things you can get on the internet and print at home. They could be games for a bridal shower, lists for groceries, planners for managing money, invites for events, quotes you can hang on your wall, or designs you can use for crafting.
3. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers handle money matters for businesses, and they write down sales, keep track of expenses, and create financial reports. This job allows you to work independently, earning a typical salary of $40,000 or more each year. You’ll mainly work with numbers instead of interacting with people. Many bookkeepers like their jobs because they work regular hours and don’t have as much pressure as some other jobs. You don’t need a college degree to start as a bookkeeper either.
4. Proofreader
If you already enjoy reading articles or books and spotting errors, then you may find this job interesting. A proofreader’s main task is to read content and look for mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. They’re the last line of defense, ensuring that everything reads perfectly before it goes out into the world. Many proofreaders enjoy the flexibility this job has, as they can often set their own hours and work from where they feel most comfortable. Many writers, website owners, and students hire proofreaders to improve their work.
5. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to recordings and type out what they hear. Becoming a transcriptionist is a low-stress job if you’re looking for flexibility in terms of work schedules and the comfort of working from your own space. Online transcriptionists typically earn between $15 to $30 per hour on average, with new transcribers usually starting at the lower end of that range.
6. Software Developer
A software developer is a person who designs, creates, tests, and keeps up software applications, systems, and programs. They’re good at programming languages and frameworks, using their skills to make solutions that meet specific needs or solve problems. Software developers work in different fields like technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment. They work with other team members like designers, engineers, and project managers to finish software projects well and meet the needs of users.
7. Massage Therapist
If you’re looking for a stress-free job that lets you help others, think about being a massage therapist. Massage therapists use their hands to ease pain, help people relax, and help people feel less stressed. Massage therapy might be a little less stressful for you because the atmosphere at work is usually calm (after all, that’s why people are going there – to relax!), and you don’t bring work home with you (so, no late-night phone calls from clients!).
8. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers help people with their fitness and being more healthy, which can mean creating workout plans, motivating them to work out, or showing the right way to lift weights. Personal trainers work in a gym, hospital, or even go solo as a freelancer. This job has some flexibility, which is something that many personal trainers like. You get to choose who you train, where you work, and when you have sessions. Plus, you’re not stuck at a desk all day, which keeps things fresh and fun.
9. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists clean teeth, check for things like cavities or gum disease, and teach patients the best ways to brush and floss. You can start this career with an associate’s degree, which usually takes about two years to finish. Plus, you may be able to make over $75,000 a year as a dental hygienist.
10. Medical Records Technician
If you’re in the job search for low-stress jobs in healthcare, then becoming a medical records technician may be for you. Medical records technicians handle health information data, and they make sure that all the records (both electronic health records and paper files), such as patient history, test results, and treatments, are accurate, accessible, and secure. It’s low stress because, unlike some roles in medicine, you won’t be on the front lines dealing with emergencies. Your work environment is typically calm, allowing you to focus on your tasks without the pressure of patient care.
11. Optometrist
An optometrist is an eye doctor who helps people see better. They check your eyes, find out if you need glasses, and help keep your eyes healthy. You may like being an eye doctor because you usually work regular hours, people don’t typically have optometrist emergencies, the pay is great, and it’s usually a relatively calm job. Plus, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for optometrists is over $125,000 a year, and there is expected to be a 9% job growth outlook over the next decade.
12. Physicist
Physicists study the laws and principles that govern the universe, like gravity and motion, and how they apply to everyday life. Most physicists work in research and development. Some work in offices, while others spend time in laboratories. There are also those who teach at universities. The job comes with a reasonable stress level, as physicists frequently engage in deep thinking rather than dealing with tight deadlines or high-stress situations, and they typically conduct research. This can make for a fulfilling and low-pressure work environment if you enjoy physics.
13. Statistician
Being a statistician might be a perfect choice for your career if you love numbers and data. Statisticians analyze data and identify patterns, such as by taking a bunch of numbers and turning them into useful information that companies can use to make decisions. Statisticians also might collect data from surveys and experiments. Statisticians usually have pretty regular hours and it’s normally a quiet place to work, so you can focus just on your tasks without a bunch of noise. Plus, it’s not a job that is typically rushed, so you can take your time.
14. Mathematician
If you love numbers and problems that make you think, a related field to the above may be becoming a mathematician. Mathematicians use mathematics to unravel patterns and address significant questions. Mathematicians are needed in many different fields like academia, government, finance, and technology. In academia, they work as professors and researchers, studying both theoretical and practical math ideas. Government agencies like NASA and the NSA hire mathematicians for jobs like exploring space and analyzing statistics. Financial companies hire mathematicians to make algorithms for things like evaluating risk, pricing items, and creating trading strategies. Also, big tech companies like Google and Microsoft use mathematicians to develop algorithms and analyze data.
15. Librarian
Becoming a librarian is a great job for someone who likes quiet places and books. Being a librarian is not just about checking out books. It’s a role that’s all about helping people find information and enjoy reading. Your main job as a librarian would be to help people find the books or online resources they need. You also get to put together fun programs, like story time for kids or book clubs. Keeping the library in tip-top shape is part of your work too, like putting books back on the shelves, managing schedules for employees and volunteers, and making sure everything is where it belongs. Libraries are usually calm and quiet, which can make it stress-free for you. This makes your workplace quite relaxing, which is great if loud and busy spots make you feel stressed. Plus, you get to have a regular schedule. Most librarian jobs need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum and sometimes, you will most likely need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from an accredited program. Librarians work in many places, such as public libraries, schools, law firms, universities, and more.
16. Orthodontist
One of the best high-paying jobs for people who don’t like stress is becoming an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on fixing teeth and jaw alignment problems. They help patients get straighter smiles and better oral health using treatments like braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Orthodontists get extra training after dental school to become experts in diagnosing and treating issues like misaligned bites and other dental problems. By carefully checking each patient, orthodontists make personalized plans to straighten teeth properly, leading to better-looking smiles and improved function of the teeth and jaws. Being an orthodontist can be pretty low stress since they usually have a set schedule, seeing patients for regular appointments instead of dealing with sudden dental emergencies.
17. Groundskeeper/Gardener
Becoming a groundskeeper or a gardener could be a great fit for you if you like being outside and want a stress-free job. You get to work with plants and make outdoor spaces look beautiful. This job is perfect if you’re looking for something that lets you enjoy fresh air and doesn’t have you sitting at a desk all day. Here are some things that a groundskeeper or gardener may do:
– Take care of plants and grass by watering, weeding, and trimming.
– Make sure gardens look neat and are healthy.
– Sometimes work with tools and machines, like lawn mowers and trimmers.
– Shovel snow or take care of indoor plants.
This is one of the best low-stress jobs because it is usually quiet, which makes it great for people who get overwhelmed by noisy places.
18. Audiologist
Audiologists help people with their hearing, and this includes testing hearing, picking out hearing aids, and teaching people how to use them. This is typically a low-stress career choice because you get to work in an office and do similar tasks each day. You are not usually rushing around; instead, you have a lot of calm one-on-one time with patients. Audiologists work in different places like hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, and research institutions.
19. Pet Sitter
Becoming a pet sitter is a great job if you like animals and enjoy caring for them. This is a job that doesn’t typically have a lot of stress because it is not fast-paced. Plus, if you like pets, then you probably enjoy being around them, which can make the job fun. A pet sitter’s main job is to look after pets while their owners are away. This might mean feeding them, giving them water, and playing with them. It’s important to make sure the pet feels happy and safe when their owner isn’t home. You might have pets come to your home, or you can go to their owners’ place (this is something that is agreed upon beforehand). Dog walkers typically earn around $20 for every hour they spend walking a dog. Taking care of someone’s pet overnight can earn a person around $25 to $100 or even more each day.
20. Stock Photo Photographer
Stock photo photographers take photos of things like people, businesses, animals, and more, and sell them for other people to use. Stock image sites are some of the most popular platforms for photographers to sell their pictures. These websites allow customers to purchase images for purposes such as websites, TV shows, books, and social media accounts. You can take a look at some of the stock photos I’ve purchased within this blog post as examples. Stock photo photographers typically work by themselves, and this job can be done without much interaction with others. Most of the tasks involve using a camera and then uploading photos to a website. As a stock picture photographer, you get to set your own schedule. This means you can choose when and where you work. One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and continue to earn money from those photos for months or even years into the future. Since everything is online and mostly automated, there’s no need to talk with anyone directly.
21. Freelance Writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, including blog posts, advertising materials, and more. It’s common for freelance writers to work independently, receiving topics from clients and submitting their completed work. Occasionally, they may receive feedback, such as suggestions for improvement, but this is usually the extent of human interaction they’ll have. This is one of the best low-stress jobs from home where you work alone. I have been a freelance writer for many years and I enjoy this job a lot. I get to work from home, make my own hours, work alone, and choose the topics that I write about.
22. Graphic Designer
A graphic designer is someone who creates designs for individuals and businesses. They create things such as images, printables, planners, T-shirt designs, calendars, business cards, social media graphics, stickers, logos, and more. Graphic designers tend to have the freedom to set their own schedules, especially if they work as a freelancer. This job allows you to work at your own pace, and most of the time, you don’t have to deal with rush hour traffic or crowds since a lot of graphic designers can work from home.
23. Hairstylist
We’ve all been to a hairstylist, so I don’t think I need to describe this job too much. Hairstylists cut, style, and take care of hair. Hair styling is lower stress because you work with clients in a relaxed setting. Also, you don’t have to sit at a desk all day – you move around and talk with people. Plus, you can set up your day the way you like it. If you want, you can take breaks between clients. This means you won’t feel rushed and can enjoy your work more.
24. Social Media Manager
Social media managers engage with people online and share news, pictures, and videos on behalf of a company. You may find this to be a low-stress job because you mostly type on a computer or phone as a social media manager. So, if talking in front of people makes you nervous, this could be the perfect job. Plus, you can often work from home.
25. Virtual Assistant
One of my first side gigs was working as a virtual assistant, and it was both enjoyable and flexible for earning income. While you have a boss as a VA, many of the tasks you handle will require you to take the lead and complete them independently, usually from your own home. A virtual assistant is someone who assists people with office tasks remotely, whether from home or while traveling. This could involve tasks such as responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and managing social media accounts.
26. Litter Cleanup Worker
This is one of the least stressful jobs. If you have a business, it’s important to keep it clean and neat. No one likes seeing trash scattered about when they’re shopping, correct? That’s why some business owners pay someone to tidy up before their business opens. A clean space makes the place look inviting and pleasant for customers. This low-stress job without a degree can be started all by yourself, and you can earn around $30 to $50 for every hour you work. It’s quite straightforward too. All you’ll need is a broom, a dustpan, and some tools to help you pick up litter more easily. People like this job because they can work alone and it’s easy to clean an area up.
27. Economist
Economists examine how goods and services are made, shared, and used within an economy. They use different tools, like math and stats, to grasp and predict economic patterns and actions. Economists might work for the government, giving advice to policymakers on things like money policies and taxes. They also help businesses by explaining market trends, so they can make good decisions about prices, production, and investments. A somewhat related field to this would be becoming an economics professor.
28. Astronomer
Astronomers study objects and events in space beyond Earth’s atmosphere, like stars, planets, galaxies, and cosmic happenings such as black holes and supernovas. They use a mix of observations, data analysis, and theoretical models to learn about the origins, changes, and behaviors of these objects. Astronomers usually use advanced telescopes, both on the ground and in space, to observe and gather data from far-off parts of the universe. They also work