20 Low-Stress High-Paying Jobs: Earn at Least $100,000 a Year

Are you tired of long commutes and a work environment that creates stress and anxiety? Do you have a high school diploma and want a high-paying job that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree or something higher? Is a good work-life balance a top objective for you?

Trading stressful jobs for low-stress jobs is easier than you might think, and many of them will earn you the national median annual salary or higher. Such low-stress jobs also frequently come with flexible schedules so that you can achieve the earnings you need while enjoying the lifestyle you prefer.

The Best Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree

While there may be no such thing as a truly stress-free job, there are many low-stress jobs that pay well without the need for a college degree. Some do require an official certification, but that still requires a lot less time and money than a college degree does. Following are several examples of rewarding careers that usually don’t require high stress tolerance.

Massage Therapist

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Massage therapy is in high demand for stress relief, relaxation, and treatment of chronic aches and pains in muscles and tissues. This flexible profession gives options to work from studios or visit clients at their homes.

Carpenter, Electrician, or Plumber

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Contractors such as carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are always in high demand. The skilled work these fields demand also make them high-pay jobs. The average annual salary for independent contractors in carpentry and these other fields, after completing their apprenticeship, is over 100K in some areas.

Flight Attendant

flight attendant.
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Flight attendants for major airlines earn good pay and get to see a lot of different places. These jobs also often come with valuable travel perks.

Freelancer

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If you’re a strong writer or have another skill that’s in high demand, you can work as a freelancer. Getting started can be challenging, but once you’re established, these low-stress jobs let you set your own hours and fees.

Proofreader

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In our fast-paced economy, people often don’t have time to review their own written work. Working as a proofreader can pay well while allowing clients to move on to other tasks.

Blogging

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If you love to write, you can also write for yourself and build an audience as a blogger on any number of topics. There’s an opportunity to build a solid revenue stream from advertisements and paid subscriptions.

Virtual Assistant

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As a virtual assistant, you can work remotely for companies as a freelancer or on a contract basis. You’ll mostly help with office management but might engage in writing, editing, marketing, and designing as well.

Web Developer

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If you’re skilled with computers, you don’t need a degree in computer science to get a job that pays well. Web development or a related field like computer engineering, creating new software, or being a computer support specialist may be a rewarding career for you.

Makeup Artist

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This type of fine artist is essential for helping actors, newscasters, and other performance artists do what they do on the screen or stage. A makeup artist can also stay busy working at community events such as school fun fairs, parades, festivals, etc.

Sound Engineering Technician

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Concerts, broadcasts, and other audio events need the skills of sound engineering technicians. Working behind the scenes, you can be an essential part of making these events a success.

Photographer

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Despite the prevalence of cell phone cameras with ever-improving quality, professional photographers are still in high demand. For weddings and other special events, people want skilled photographers who can create lifelong memories for them.

Choreographer

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Do you have a passion for dance and music? Sequences don’t just create themselves; they require skilled choroagraphers to plan, assemble, and rehearse them.

Postal Service and Delivery Worker

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Snail mail has taken a big hit in recent decades, but it hasn’t gone away. With the explosion in online shopping, people who can deliver packages are in increasingly high demand.

Dog Walking, Grooming, and Pet Care

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If you love animals, have a flexible schedule, and want one of the least stressful jobs out there, taking care of pets might be for you. Grooming, walking, and daily care are in high demand among people with busy schedules or who are away for hours or days at a time.

Personal Trainer or Fitness Coach

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A lot of people want to lose some weight or tone their muscles, but they don’t really know how. As a personal trainer or fitness coach, you can help people achieve those goals while working in a fun environment.

Home Health and Care Aide

 
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Many people who are recovering from injuries or surgeries or who have impaired mobility need assistance at home. In this field, there’s the reward of helping people achieve a better quality of life.

Landscaping and Groundskeeping

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If you enjoy gardening and generally being outdoors, landscaping and groundskeeping are low-stress jobs that keep you away from the hustle and bustle of the office. With the right amount of skill and job training, you can start your own service and make a nice income.

Rideshare and Food Delivery Drivers

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These jobs have flexible hours. If you have a reliable car that gets good gas mileage, the math can really work for you here, especially because these jobs often earn you cash tips.

Sales Representative

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Are you a people person? As a sales rep, you interact directly with customers throughout all stages of the sales process. Your job is to ensure they have a positive experienc every step of the way.

Dental Hygienist

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Dental hygiene is critical but something that’s easy to neglect. Dental hygienists help people have healthy, clean teeth and gums so that they can hopefully avoid serious conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

Conclusion

There are plenty of low-stress jobs that pay well without requiring a college degree. Some do require training in a technical school, but many others do not. Either way, there are many options for a rewarding career without the time and expense of college and the stress of the traditional workplace.

 

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