New study reveals top high-paying, low-stress jobs for 2025, offering a path to financial success without sacrificing mental well-being.
At a Glance
- Resume Genius report identifies 15 high-paying, low-stress jobs for 2025
- Jobs selected based on stress tolerance score, salary, and growth potential
- Top roles include water resource specialist, astronomer, and actuary
- Study emphasizes importance of work-life balance and mental health
High-Paying, Low-Stress Careers: A New Trend for 2025
As we approach 2025, a new trend is emerging in the job market: high-paying careers that offer lower stress levels. A recent study by Resume Genius has identified 15 such positions, providing a roadmap for professionals seeking financial stability without compromising their mental health. This shift comes as a response to rising burnout rates and an increased focus on work-life balance, particularly among younger workers.
The study, which utilized data from O*NET’s Stress Tolerance database and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, selected jobs based on three key criteria: a stress tolerance score below 60, a minimum salary of $48,060, and faster-than-average growth projections. This comprehensive approach ensures that the identified positions not only offer financial rewards but also provide a more sustainable work environment.
A. Prestigious career with high pay, but lots of stress and bad work/life balance.
B. Low-paying job in a field u feel is meaningful + good work life balance.
— Lin 🏳️🌈🇫🇮 (@Lfromthenorth) October 27, 2024
Top Low-Stress, High-Paying Careers
Among the top-rated careers, water resource specialists lead the pack with a median annual wage of $157,740 and an 8% projected growth rate. Astronomers follow closely, earning a median salary of $149,530 with a 7% growth outlook. Actuaries, known for their analytical skills in risk assessment, boast a median salary of $120,000 and an impressive 23% growth rate. These positions exemplify the potential for combining lucrative compensation with a more manageable stress level.
“Heading into 2025, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential for job seekers to feel more at ease,” says Eva Chan from Resume Genius.
Other noteworthy careers on the list include environmental economists, mathematicians, and computer systems analysts. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also provide opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal growth without the extreme pressure often associated with high-paying positions.
The Changing Landscape of Work
The emergence of these low-stress, high-paying jobs reflects a broader shift in workplace values. With four in ten Americans experiencing burnout at work, there’s a growing demand for roles that offer both financial security and mental well-being. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who are increasingly skeptical about the traditional paths to success.
“With remote work and hybrid setups becoming the norm, work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred,” Chan notes, highlighting the need for jobs that allow employees to maintain a healthy separation between their professional and personal lives.
Interestingly, while many of these top-rated jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, there’s also a growing interest among Gen Z in blue-collar jobs. This diversification of career paths suggests a broader reevaluation of what constitutes a desirable job in today’s economy.
33 Women With Well-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs Are Revealing What They Do For A Living https://t.co/QMhpFAdz6h
— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) June 17, 2024
Navigating the Job Market for Low-Stress Opportunities
For those seeking to transition into these low-stress, high-paying roles, experts recommend focusing on positions with clear job descriptions, manageable workloads, and favorable company policies on remote work and flexibility. Job seekers are advised to research not only the salary and growth potential of a role but also the company culture and work-life balance policies.
“Our report on low-stress, high-paying jobs shows you don’t have to sacrifice a competitive salary to achieve a healthier work-life balance. With the right role, it’s possible to thrive both financially and mentally,” Chan emphasizes.
As we move towards 2025, the job market is evolving to meet the changing needs and values of the workforce. The rise of high-paying, low-stress jobs offers a promising path for those seeking to advance their careers without compromising their well-being. By prioritizing roles that offer both financial rewards and a manageable stress level, professionals can position themselves for success in an increasingly wellness-focused work environment.
Sources:
- 15 Highest-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs For 2025
- These are the 10 highest-paying jobs with the lowest stress levels
