--- description: From mathematicians to political scientists to optometrists title: 24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- * [Business](/section/business/) ## Business Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Careers & Workplace](/tag/careers-workplace/) ## Careers & Workplace Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress by [Jacquelyn Smith / Business Insider](/author/business-insider/) ## Jacquelyn Smith / Business Insider Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 21, 2015 5:42 PM CUT by [Jacquelyn Smith / Business Insider](/author/business-insider/) ## Jacquelyn Smith / Business Insider Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 21, 2015 5:42 PM CUT Think there’s no such thing as a high-paying, low-stress job? Think again. [Career information expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.](http://www.careerlaboratory.blogspot.com/ "undefined"), compared average salaries and stress levels of the 767 occupations identified by the U.S. Department of Labor to identify jobs with that perfect combination of high pay and low stress, and it turns out there are plenty. The “stress tolerance” for each job is a rating on a scale from zero to 100, where a lower rating signals less stress. It measures how frequently workers must accept criticism and deal effectively with high stress on the job. The data was gathered from the U.S. [Bureau of Labor Statistics](http://www.bls.gov/ "undefined") and U.S. [Occupational Information Network](https://www.onetonline.org/ "undefined"). Here are 24 jobs that pay more than $70,000 a year, on average, and earned a stress tolerance rating of 70 or lower, in order from lowest to highest stress score. \[compare\_card\] ### Materials Scientists **Stress tolerance:** 53.0 **Average annual salary (2014):** $94,350 **What they do:** Research and study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and the ways in which substances react with each other, use knowledge to develop new and improved products. **Education requirements:** At least a bachelor’s degree; master’s degree or Ph.D. is needed for many research jobs. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ _More from Business Insider:_ * [10 ways successful people cope with stress](http://www.businessinsider.com/how-successful-people-cope-with-stress-2015-8 "undefined") * [9 jobs destroyed by technology](http://www.businessinsider.com/why-some-knots-work-better-than-others-2015-10 "undefined") * [15 jobs that are quickly disappearing](http://www.businessinsider.com/15-jobs-that-are-quickly-disappearing-2015-10 "undefined") * [The most in-demand jobs around the world](http://www.businessinsider.com/most-in-demand-jobs-around-the-world-2015-10 "undefined") * [The 30 highest-paying jobs in America](http://www.businessinsider.com/top-paying-jobs-in-america-2015-9 "undefined") ### Mathematicians **Stress tolerance:** 57.2 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $104,350 **What they do:** Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields; solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s or master’s degree for those who want to work in government, and a doctorate may be required to work for private companies. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Geographers **Stress tolerance:** 58.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $75,610 **What they do:** Study the nature and use of areas of Earth’s surface, conduct research on physical aspects of a region, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area. **Education requirements:** Master’s degree for most positions, some entry-level jobs in the federal government only require a bachelor’s degree. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Economists **Stress tolerance:** 58.7 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $105,290 **What they do:** Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Statisticians **Stress tolerance:** 59.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $84,010 **What they do:** Use statistical methods to collect and analyze data and help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields. **Education requirements:** Typically need a graduate degree. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Agricultural Engineers **Stress tolerance:** 60.8 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $75,440 **What they do:** These professionals apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, preferably in agricultural engineering or biological engineering. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Political Scientists **Stress tolerance:** 60.8 **Average annual salary** **(2014):**$104,000 **What they do:** Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, followed by master’s or Ph.D. in political science, public administration, or a related field. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Materials Engineers **Stress tolerance:** 61.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $91,150 **What they do:** Evaluate and develop materials, machinery, and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering, or a related field. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Biomedical Engineers **Stress tolerance:** 61.3 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $91,760 **What they do:** They analyze and design solutions to problems in biology and medicine, with the goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care. **Education requirements:** Typically need a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from an accredited program. Alternatively, they can get a bachelor’s in a different field of engineering and then either get a graduate degree in biomedical engineering or get on-the-job training in biomedical engineering. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Physicists **Stress tolerance:** 61.3 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $117,300 **What they do:** Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. **Education requirements:** Ph.D. for most research jobs. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Economics Teachers (Postsecondary) **Stress tolerance:** 61.8 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $102,120 **What they do:** Teach courses in economics. Includes teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. **Education requirements:** Typically need a Ph.D. to teach at the college level, but a master’s degree may be enough. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Astronomers **Stress tolerance:** 62.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $107,140 **What they do:** Observe, research, and analyze astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems. **Education requirements:** Ph.D. for most research jobs. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Geoscientists (except hydrologists and geographers) **Stress tolerance:** 62.5 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $105,390 **What they do:** Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. **Education requirements:** At least a bachelor’s degree, and in several states geoscientists may need a license. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Law Teachers (Postsecondary) **Stress tolerance:** 62.7 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $126,270 **What they do:** Teach courses in law. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s and law degrees. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Operations Research Analysts **Stress tolerance:** 63.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $82,940 **What they do:** Use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations investigate complex issues, identify and solve problems, and make better decisions. **Education requirements:** Many entry-level positions are available for those with a bachelor’s degree, but some employers prefer to hire applicants with a master’s degree or Ph.D. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Actuaries **Stress tolerance:** 63.7 **Average annual salary** **(2014):**$110,090 **What they do:** Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree and a series of exams to become certified. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Computer and Information Systems Managers **Stress tolerance:** 64.2 **Average annual salary** **(2014)** **:** $136,280 **What they do:** These workers help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Applications Software Developers **Stress tolerance:** 65.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $99,530 **What they do:** Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree and strong computer programming skills. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Hydrologists **Stress tolerance:** 65.5 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $81,930 **What they do:** Study how water moves across and through Earth’s crust. They can use their expertise to solve problems in the areas of water quality or availability. **Education requirements:** Master’s degree. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Orthodontists **Stress tolerance:** 67.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $201,030 **What they do**: Examine, diagnose, and treat dental misalignments and oral cavity anomalies, design appliances to realign teeth and jaws. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, four-year dental school, and two to three years of residency training. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Computer Hardware Engineers **Stress tolerance:** 67.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $110,650 **What they do:** Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Art Directors **Stress tolerance:** 69.0 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $97,850 **What they do:** Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree or previous work experience. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Marine Engineers and Naval Architects **Stress tolerance:** 69.6 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $99,160 **What they do:** Design, build, and maintain ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, sailboats, and tankers. Marine engineers work on the mechanical systems, such as propulsion and steering. Naval architects work on the basic design, including the form and stability of hulls. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, but practical experience is also highly valued. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ ### Optometrists **Stress tolerance:** 70.3 **Average annual salary** **(2014):** $113,010 **What they do:** Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. **Education requirements:** Bachelor’s, four-year doctor of optometry program, and a state license. _Stress tolerance is measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network, with lower scores indicating less stress on the job._ _This_ [_article_](http://www.businessinsider.com/high-paying-jobs-for-people-who-hate-stress-2015-9 "undefined") _originally appeared on_ [_Business Insider_](http://www.businessinsider.com "undefined") 24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/"},"headline":"24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress","datePublished":"2015-10-21T17:42:04.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-22T11:58:17.666Z","description":"From mathematicians to optometrists","url":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/","keywords":["Careers & Workplace","job","Stress","salary","career","apester"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Jacquelyn Smith / Business Insider"}],"articleSection":"Business","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/business/","name":"Business"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/careers-workplace/","name":"Careers & Workplace"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/","name":"24 High-Paying Jobs That Are Low in Stress"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"How Complaining at Work Hurts Your Career","description":"The Science of Motivation: Rick Tamlyn on Complaining at Work","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/BiVS6RWX/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-08-10T17:52:49.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/BiVS6RWX.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/","duration":"PT2M4S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4081673/high-paying-low-stress-jobs/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```