Stress Free Jobs

In a 2000 Gallup poll, nearly 80 percent of American workers reported feeling job stress.

According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress is the most common life stress American adults face. A 2000 Gallup poll showed that around 80 percent of workers feel stress on the job. Higher paying jobs with great responsibility tend to increase stress as well. Low stress jobs exist, but they often come with lower pay.

Massage Therapists

According to the Main Street article "12 Jobs With Low Stress, Decent Pay," massage therapists not only help others manage their stress, but they also operate in a very low stress work environment. Soothing sounds and comfortable lighting create a calming atmosphere. And massage therapists set their own hours. It is possible to make up to $50,000 annually working a 40-hour week as a massage therapist.

Technical Writers

The New York Daily News suggests that technical writing jobs are among the best-paying, low-stress jobs. Technical writers operate in many industries and work environments, and explain complex or technical products in writing. Flexible hours, a quiet work environment and the ability to work from home are among the benefits of this low-stress career. Technical writers can earn anywhere from $47,000 to $98,000 annually, depending largely on time worked and types of jobs.

Civil Engineers

A job in civil engineering may appear stressful as these workers build public roads and buildings. However, The New York Daily news suggests that working on a team with several years to develop and implement plans removes much of the burden of time pressure. Civil Engineers generally earn an annual salary of $50,000 to $115,000.

College Professor

Careers as a college professor can vary from school to school, but Main Street includes this occupation on the list of low-stress, decent-pay jobs. Job security through tenure earned from several years of teaching and published research contributes to the low stress levels. Tenured professors often teach fewer classes each semester, use graduate assistants for grading and establish their own curriculum in many cases. Tenured professors function with much autonomy. Money Magazine notes that college professor salaries vary, but 75 percent make over $61,780.

References

• The American Institute of Stress: Job Stress
• Main Street: 12 Jobs With Low Stress, Decent Pay
• New York Daily News: Top 5 Best-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs