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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Work doesn’t have to be a daily source of stress. While some careers come with high-pressure deadlines and demanding workloads, others allow you to earn a solid income without feeling constantly overwhelmed.
If you’re looking for a job that lets you enjoy a fulfilling career and embrace work-life balance, there are plenty of options out there that you can choose. This article outlines some low-stress jobs that offer the perfect combination of balanced work and good pay.
List of High-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs Worth Considering
Forbes has listed some of the highest-paying, low-stress jobs in 2025 based on the Resume Genius report. The latter reveals that those who work as water resource specialists enjoy a relatively low-stress workload and a healthy salary.
With additional information from Indeed, Coursera, and other sources, the rest of the roles, encompassing from science to tech careers, will be as follows:
1. Water Resource Specialist
A water resource specialist is regarded as one of the low-stress jobs that pay well. As mentioned by NC State University, this role has to collect and analyze water samples to provide information regarding their environmental or health risks.
Median Annual Wage: US$157,740
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 8%
2. Astronomer
If you’ve ever dreamed of gazing at the stars for a living, becoming an astronomer might be your perfect fit. These professionals—usually work for government departments and universities—study celestial bodies and space phenomena, and develop new scientific equipment.
Median Annual Wage: US$149,530
Requirement(s): doctoral or professional degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 7%
3. Actuary
This position is currently in high demand, with a projected growth of 23 percent from 2023 to 2033. Actuaries’ primary responsibilities include applying mathematical skills to measure and predict financial risks on businesses, according to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
Median Annual Wage: US$120,000
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 23%
4. Environmental Economist
This role is like a regular economist, whose duties include analyzing economic issues, but with a taste of environmental aspects.
To be precise, as an environmental economist, you’ll mostly work with governments to assess the impact of environmental policies and propose sustainable solutions to address the challenges they present, Investopedia explains.
Median Annual Wage: US$115,730
Requirement(s): master’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 5%
5. Mathematician
If you’re after a career path that allows you to thrive while maintaining a balanced lifestyle, look no further than being a mathematician. These experts apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve real-world problems in various fields, such as business, engineering, and science.
Median Annual Wage: US$104,860
Requirement(s): master’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 11%
6. Computer System Analyst
Another low-stress job with a competitive salary is computer system analyst. This role, also known as a systems architect, focuses on analyzing and evaluating an organization’s computer systems and procedures to subsequently implement new systems that improve its overall performance, as quoted by the University of Arizona Global Campus.
Median Annual Wage: US$103,800
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 11%
7. Fuel Cell Engineer
According to SHRM, fuel cell engineers specialize in designing, developing, and modifying fuel cells to generate electricity. The job calls for a deep understanding of physics, chemistry, computers, and mathematics, also the application of engineering science and technology.
Median Annual Wage: US$99,510
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 11%
8. Remote Sensing Scientist and Technologist
Citing Purdue University, remote sensing scientists are responsible for analyzing data to address problems, whether they’re on a regional, national, or global scale, in various areas, including urban planning, natural resource management, and climate and weather prediction.
Median Annual Wage: US$92,580
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 5%
9. Geographer
Geographers’ tasks cover a wide area of responsibilities. As per PennState College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, geographers are responsible for
- examining the impacts of rising sea levels and tropical storms;
- studying the aftermath of wildfires;
- managing wetlands; or
- analyzing new markets and locations for businesses.
So, if you’re passionate about the issues of humans, the environment, and sustainability, this role might be a great fit.
Median Annual Wage: US$90,880
Requirement(s): bachelor’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 3%
10. Transportation Planner
As the name suggests, a transportation planner refers to a type of urban planner focusing on developing safe, efficient transportation systems that, at the same time, demonstrate durability and longevity. These professionals also work closely with the government to solve traffic problems, citing Western Governors University.
Median Annual Wage: US$81,800
Requirement(s): master’s degree
Estimated Job Growth (2023–2033): 4%
In light of growing awareness of work-life balance, consider pursuing a career in one of these low-stress jobs. And if you’re looking for more lucrative occupations, our article on the highest-paying jobs will guide you to some of the top-earning careers in the world.
Editor's Choice: 10 Best Jobs Without a Degree or Experience that Pays Well
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