Keep calm and carry on
Stress is on the rise in American life, and work regularly ranks highly among people’s biggest sources of anxiety and tension.
Although every job may have stressors, such as a bad boss, a culture of workplace bullying or a pattern of passive-aggressive communication, the responsibilities and environments of some professions are reliably less stressful than others.
The following jobs typically induce low stress, according to interviews and research conducted by the staff at U.S. News & World Report. Because financial concerns create their own kind of stress, this list only includes positions whose pay exceeds the country’s median annual salary of $37,040.
Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Anthropologist
Median salary: $62,280
Education required: master’s degree or doctorate
Projected job growth by 2026: 4 percent
Anthropologists study human and primate behavior, culture, language and biology. They may work as researchers, professors, museum curators or consultants for businesses and other organizations. Their responsibilities often include collecting and analyzing data, writing reports and advising groups of people and government entities.
Learn more about anthropologists.
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
Median salary: $45,490
Education required: associate degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 12 percent
Environmental science and protection technicians assess the health of ecosystems. They inspect businesses and public places for sources of pollution, collect air and water samples to test in laboratories and ensure organizations comply with government regulations. They may be employed by consulting firms, government agencies or labs.
Learn more about environmental science and protection technicians.
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Audit Clerk
Median salary: $39,240
Education required: post-secondary coursework in accounting
Projected job decline by 2026: 1 percent
Using spreadsheets and software, these clerks keep track of financial transactions and records for companies. They produce balance sheets and income statements and check reports for accuracy. Their work requires basic math skills and knowledge of specialized computer programs.
Learn more about bookkeeping, accounting and audit clerks.
Insulation Contractor
Median salary: $39,930
Education required: high school degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 5 percent
Homes, offices and other buildings stay comfortable thanks in part to insulation contractors. They install materials that prevent heat and cold from seeping in or out, keep noises from passing through walls and ensure pipes and boilers function at their correct temperatures.
Learn more about insulation contractors.
Cartographer
Median salary: $63,990
Education required: bachelor’s degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 19 percent
Mapmakers who collect geographic information and reproduce it visually in useful ways, cartographers use surveys, photographs, satellite images and light-imaging detection and ranging technology. They work for governments and private companies, sometimes developing digital applications such as interactive maps and navigation systems.
Learn more about cartographers.
Painter
Median salary: $37,960
Education required: none
Projected job growth by 2026: 6 percent
Working indoors and outside, painters beautify and protect surfaces with fresh coats of primer, sealer and pigments. They may work atop scaffolding or ladders or in confined areas that require them to wear masks to avoid inhaling fumes.
Learn more about painters.
Archaeologist
Median salary: $62,280
Education required: master’s degree or doctorate
Projected job growth by 2026: 4 percent
Indiana Jones’ fictional life was, admittedly, quite stressful. But real archaeologists spend their days with calmer pursuits designed to reveal insight about human societies of the past. They excavate former settlements, looking for skeletal remains, tools and art that they later analyze. Archaeologists also work to protect historical sites.
Learn more about archaeologists.
Hearing Aid Specialist
Median salary: $54,860
Education required: high school degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 20 percent
These health care workers test patients’ hearing to determine how much hearing loss they’ve incurred. They adjust devices for proper fit and help maintain their cleanliness and functionality.
Learn more about hearing aid specialists.
Massage Therapist
Median salary: $39,990
Education required: post-secondary certification
Projected job growth by 2026: 26 percent
This profession has the distinction of helping other people relieve stress. Massage therapists use touch to ease clients’ physical pain and mental tension. They manipulate muscles and soft tissues and advise on stretching techniques.
Learn more about massage therapists.
Statistician
Median salary: $84,060
Education required: master’s degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 34 percent
These math-minded professionals analyze data of all kinds across many fields, including health care, engineering, finance and government. They design surveys and polls to collect information, analyze data with software and use models to predict outcomes and identify trends.
Learn more about statisticians.
Medical Records Technician
Median salary: $39,180
Education required: post-secondary certification
Projected job growth by 2026: 13 percent
Medical records technicians keep doctors’ offices organized by tracking patients’ health data. They’re responsible for coding procedures so that they comply with insurance classifications and for processing reimbursement paperwork. They keep paper and digital records confidential.
Learn more about medical records technicians.
Orthodontist
Median salary: More than $208,000
Education required: doctor of dental surgery degree and master’s degree in orthodontics
Projected job growth by 2026: 19 percent
Straightening teeth is the primary objective for orthodontists. They uses braces, retainers and other tools to align patients’ teeth for cosmetic purposes but also to ensure their mouths function properly.
Learn more about orthodontists.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Median salary: $39,490
Education required: high school degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 105 percent
These renewable energy workers help harness the sun’s rays. They install and maintain solar panels on the roofs of homes and businesses and connect them to electrical systems. Solar photovoltaic installers are in high demand and the profession is growing quickly.
Learn more about solar photovoltaic installers.
Survey Researcher
Median salary: $54,270
Education required: master’s degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 2 percent
Survey researchers collect facts and opinions by designing surveys and analyzing data. They may gather people’s public health information, political opinions or consumer preferences. Their duties may include supervising data collectors.
Learn more about survey researchers.
Web Developer
Median salary: $67,990
Education required: associate degree
Projected job growth by 2026: 15 percent
Web developers use coding languages to design, create and maintain websites. They make sure finished products are attractive and practical, performing the functions users and owners need to conduct business. They may also monitor traffic and make tweaks to improve their websites.
Learn more about web developers.
Wind Turbine Technician
Median salary: $53,880
Education required: post-secondary certifications
Projected job growth by 2026: 96 percent
Wind turbine technicians help harness clean power produced by air movements. Working outside, they install and fix the tall towers that capture wind energy, doing so by scaling ladders or rappelling on ropes.
Learn more about wind turbine technicians.
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