Who doesn’t want to work in a relaxed atmosphere and earn a decent amount at the same time? Some careers are easier to fulfill this dream than others.
There are jobs that are more stressful than others: In some jobs, you come home completely exhausted in the evening and just collapse into bed, stressed out by, for example, the never-ending criticism from your boss and thinking about the countless upcoming appointments. Other jobs, however, are much more relaxed and pleasant.
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a U.S. Department of Labor database, provides data for various occupational fields based on the degree to which employees encounter stress in their daily work lives. Based on this, CNBC evaluated data from more than 800 professions and created a ranking of the jobs with the least stress. This listing categorizes jobs based on their “stress tolerance” – a scale on which a lower score signals a more relaxed work environment.
This ranking presents some of the professions with the lowest levels of stress while still offering relatively high salaries. The status is November 10th, 2023.
Editorial team finanzen.net
11th place: The ranking
Salary plays an important role when choosing the right career path, but just as important is well-being at work, which is strongly influenced by stress levels. In this ranking we present jobs with the lowest levels of stress. The so-called stress tolerance is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, with a lower value indicating a lower level of stress. The underlying data comes from the US Department of Labor database, the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). These evaluate different professional fields in terms of the stress that needs to be managed and the ability to take criticism. CNBC analyzed this data and created a ranking of the jobs that have the lowest levels of stress. The salary information listed reflects the annual average, as of November 10, 2023.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Gunnar Pippel / Shutterstock.com
10th place: Machine and plant operator
In tenth place, machine and plant operators are at the bottom of the ranking, with a stress level of 56. This professional group, for which a high school diploma is usually sufficient, is characterized by its expertise in operating and maintaining machines. The specialists also take care of the competent removal and proper disposal of waste materials as well as defective or unusable products. With an average annual salary of $38,040, this position provides an ideal opportunity for individuals seeking hands-on, hands-on work in a relaxed work environment.
Source: O*NET, CNBC Image: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock.com
9th place: Highway maintenance workers
Highway maintenance workers, ranked ninth in the rankings for low-stress jobs with solid salaries, have a stress level of 55. This position, which usually requires a high school diploma, includes tasks such as maintaining and repairing highways, applying pavement markings, and clearing debris from roads. With a median salary of $44,930, these positions offer a rewarding option for those who want to work outdoors and are looking for a stable but less stressful work environment.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Andreas Hermsdorf / pixelio.de
8th place: Fuel cell engineer
Fuel cell engineers, ranked eighth in the ranking, enjoy a stress level of 54. These specialists, who typically require a college degree in engineering or a related field, focus on developing and improving fuel cell technologies. The average annual salary is $96,310.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Audio and advertising / Shutterstock.com
7th place: Fitter for electromechanical devices
In seventh place in the ranking are the fitters for electromechanical devices, who enjoy a stress level of 53. A high school diploma is often sufficient for this role, although additional technical training or certifications may be beneficial. These specialists are responsible for the assembly, maintenance and repair of a wide variety of electromechanical devices. With an average annual salary of $38,580, this career offers a good opportunity for individuals who have a practical and technical interest and are looking for a low-stress career.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Aleksandar Malivuk / Shutterstock.com
6th place: Archivists
Archivists also have a particularly low stress level with a comparatively good salary and therefore reach sixth place in the ranking. If you feel comfortable between files and want to pursue a career as an archivist, you can expect an average salary of $58,640 a year, with a stress level of just 53.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Eva-Maria Roßmann / pixelio.de
5th place: CNC programmer
CNC programmers reach fifth place in the ranking with the same stress level as the sixth place at 53. These professionals responsible for programming computer-controlled machines in the manufacturing industry typically require technical training or a degree in a relevant field such as mechanical engineering or computer engineering. The average salary is $60,800 per year.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Kzenon / Shutterstock.com
4th place: industrial ecologists
Industrial ecologists also have a stress level of 53 and take fourth place in our ranking. The ecologists, who use their knowledge to design and implement modern and efficient industrial systems, earn an average of $76,530 annually and often require a master’s degree to practice the profession.
Source: O*NET, CNBC Image: APChanel / Shutterstock.com
3rd place: Operator of packaging and filling machines
In third place in the ranking are the operators of packaging and filling machines. With a stress level of 52, this position offers a relaxed work environment where duties include operating and supervising machines used for packaging and bottling products in various industries. Without the need for advanced educational degrees, these professionals can expect an average annual salary of $36,750.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: BearFotos / Shutterstock.com
2nd place: cartographer
In second place in the ranking are the cartographers, whose work also has a stress level of only 52. These experts, who are responsible for creating and updating accurate maps and interpreting aerial and satellite images, need a relevant bachelor’s degree in areas such as geography or cartography. With an average salary of $71,890 per year, these positions offer a lucrative career option for those who want to thrive in a calm and focused work environment.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com
1st place: environmental economist
Environmental economists are at the top of the ranking. With a similar stress level of 52 as second and third place, they offer a balanced work environment. However, to be successful in this field, a master’s or doctorate in economics, environmental science or a related field is usually required. Environmental economists engaged in the analysis of environmental policy and resource management can expect an average annual salary of $113,940.
Source: O*NET, CNBC, Image: goodluz / Shutterstock.com