A path to prosperity with less aggravation
We reached out to Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., a career information expert, to find out which jobs fit the bill. Shatkin compared average salaries and stress levels of the 747 occupations identified by the U.S. Department of Labor to identify jobs with that perfect combination of high pay and low stress.
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 Bureau of Labor Statics and Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
Mathematicians
Stress tolerance: 57.3
Average annual salary: $101,360
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 masters degree for those who want to work in government, and a doctorate may be required to work for private companies
Political Scientists
Stress tolerance: 60.1
Average annual salary: $102,000
What they do: Political scientists study the origin, development, and analyze the structure and operation of political systems and trends.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, followed by master's or Ph.D in political science, public administration, or a related field
Astronomers
Stress tolerance: 62
Average annual salary: $96,460
What they do: Observe, research, and interpret astronomical phenomena to increase basic knowledge or apply such information to practical problems.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, but most astronomers go on to get a master's and Ph.D.
Law teachers
Stress tolerance: 62.8
Average annual salary: $99,950
What they do: Teach courses in law.
Education requirements: Bachelor's and law degrees
Economists
Stress tolerance: 63.3
Average annual salary: $91,860
What they do: Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree
Actuaries
Stress tolerance: 63.8
Average annual salary: $93,680
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
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Stress tolerance: 64.3
Average annual salary: $120,950
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
Optometrists
Stress tolerance: 65.5
Average annual salary: $97,820
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
Orthodontists
Stress tolerance: 67
Average salary annually: $186,320
What they do: Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree, four-year dental school, and one to two years of residency training
Audiologists
Stress tolerance: 67.5
Average annual salary: $69,720
What they do: Audiologists diagnose and treat a patient's hearing and balance problems using advanced technology and procedures.
Education requirements: A doctoral degree and must be licensed in practicing state.
Art Directors
Stress tolerance: 69
Average annual salary: $80,880
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
Urban and Regional Planners
Stress tolerance: 69
Average annual salary: $65,230
What they do: Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land.
Education requirements: Bachelor's and master's degrees
Technical Writers
Stress tolerance: 69.3
Average annual salary: $65,500
What they do: Technical writers produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree
Engineers
Stress tolerance: 69.5
Average salary annually: $92,030
What they do: Engineers use science and mathematics to come up with economical solutions to technical problems.
Education requirements: Bachelor's degree
Dental Hygienists
Stress tolerance: 71.3
Average annual salary: $70,210
What they do: Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care.
Education requirements: An associate's degree in dental hygiene and a license in the state they practice in
