For some people, the number on their paycheck is enough motivation to perform their job duties sufficiently. For others, it’s about doing good quality work. For more than a third of workers, stress or burnout significantly affects their ability to perform their job duties. Let’s look at some more low-stress jobs that will still pay you the big bucks.
1. Library Director
Median Salary: $78,000-108,000
Requirements: Master’s degree in Library Science
Library Directors are in charge of the budget. They also oversee employees and how the library works with the community. How can a place where talking is minimal ever be stressful?
2. Petroleum Engineer
Median Salary: $130-160,000
Requirements: Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering
The hardest part about becoming a petroleum engineer is getting the degree and finding a job. But many say after they graduate, most of their employers use computer programs for calculations accompanied by on-the-job training, which makes the job low-stress. Many work in corporate offices as opposed to the field.
3. Materials Scientist
Median Salary: $100,090
Requirements: Graduate degree or Ph.D. and extensive experience in the field
A materials scientist researches and studies the structures and chemical properties of natural and synthetic composite materials. They determine ways to combine or strengthen the materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in different products and applications. Some scientists that fall under this field would be metallurgical, polymer scientists, glass scientists, and ceramic scientists.
4. Physicist
Median Salary: $152,430
Requirements: Graduate Degree, Ph.D., or a law degree and extensive experience in the field
Physicists research physical phenomena, develop theories using observation and experiments, and then create methods to apply physical laws and theories.
5. Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Median Salary: $124,650
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and some work experience
Specialists in this field plan and oversee the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated land. Their main job is pinpointing the contamination’s source and assembling an on-site cleanup crew aligning with environmental law and standards.
6. Water Resource Specialist
Median Salary: $137,900
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and experience in the field
Water resource specialists are responsible for designing and implementing water supply, regulation, and quality programs.
7. Environmental Economist
Median Salary: $105,630
Requirements: Relevant master’s degree, Ph.D. or law degree, and experience in the field
Environmental economists research topics such as alternative fuel use. They also compose academic articles about economic forecasts and determine the costs and benefits of different policies and regulations that affect the environment.
8. Mathematician
Median Salary: $108,100
Requirements: Relevant Master’s degree, Ph.D., or M.D., and experience in the field
Mathematicians use mathematical theories to solve problems in the business, science, and engineering fields. They research algebra, probability, geometry, etc., and draw up reports on their findings.
9. Chemical Engineer
Median Salary: $105,550
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and experience in the field
Chemical engineers work to design chemical plant equipment and devise processes used to manufacture products like gasoline, plastic, and cement. They also outline procedures to keep people safe when working near chemicals.
10. Remote Sensing Scientist or Technologist
Median Salary: $104,100
Requirements: Master’s degree, Ph.D., or M.D. and experience in the field
Remote sensing scientists, or technologists, analyze data gathered by aircraft or satellites to help solve problems in industries such as urban planning, homeland security, and natural resource management.
11. Economics Professor
Median Salary: $104,940
Requirements: Graduate degree and experience in the field
Economics professors teach graduate or undergraduate students topics such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, and GDP. Their job is to develop course material, give lectures in a classroom setting, and grade assignments.
12. Business Intelligence Analyst
Median Salary: $100,910
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and some experience in the field
Business intelligence analysts take notes on business, financial, and economic data and draw reports for executives and stakeholders. They also recommend any relevant action that should be taken on behalf of the business.