Top 10 Well Paid Jobs With Low Stress

Doing a job that you’ve always dreamed of doing or a job that gives you great joy can still be stressful. And, it’s well documented, stress isn’t great for your physical or mental health. 

If you’re tired of feeling anxious or having problems sleeping because you can’t stop thinking of work the next day, and you’re looking for a career change, then here are 10 well paid jobs that are relatively low stress:

Related: 5 Steps To Manage Stress At Work

1. Statistician

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £39,473 

Statisticians use mathematical techniques to interpret data to draw parallels or to come to conclusions. Statisticians can work across various sectors, including public, private and academic. Freelance statisticians - those who are self-employed and work on a project basis, are in high demand. 

Using logical thinking, combined with mathematical techniques to draw facts from raw data, statisticians can work solo or in a collaborative team. Having this option means, being a statistician is a relatively low-stress job. 

An interest in mathematics and the ability to understand complex mathematical functions is important. When hiring, employers look for candidates who have a degree in maths or a related subject. 

2. Dental Hygienist 

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £32,831 

Dental hygienists focus on preventative dental health; this includes showing adults and children how to properly care for their teeth and gums. Dental hygienists can work in private or NHS dental surgeries and also in hospitals. 

Unlike dentists, who are often tasked with fixing problems, hygienists work with patients to prevent issues from occurring or worsening. This means they work under less stressful conditions. 

To become a dental hygienist, you’ll need a university degree in either oral health or dental hygiene. 

3. Librarian 

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £31,788 

Librarians are responsible for collating, organising and distributing learning resources such as books, journals, videos, presentations etc. Librarians can work in various settings like public or private libraries, universities, colleges or schools. 

Libraries are typically quiet, calm environments, so you won’t face the stressed feelings you can experience while working in a noisy, fast-paced space. 

There are a couple of routes to becoming a librarian; achieving a university degree (usually in English) or carrying out work-based training. 

4. Web Developer

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £32,029 

Web developers design and create websites. They’ll also work on the technical aspect of websites, such as page functionality, menu set-up, site speed and even SEO (search engine optimisation). Web developers can work in-house for a company or work on a freelance/contract basis - working with multiple clients. 

While web developers are often working to a deadline, it’s also a creative job that can involve solving technical problems. Many web developers find this to be highly-rewarding and relaxing. 

You don’t need a degree or related qualification to become a web developer. Many web developers are self-taught. You will need to understand code and have experience of varying software applications to become a successful web developer. 

5. Private Tutor 

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £43,680 (based on an average of £21p/h) 

Private tutors provide learning support (in-person or virtually) to children or adults. This can be on a one-to-one basis or in group settings. Private tutors may specialise in a specific subject or teach several topics. 

Most private tutors decide to set up their own business so they can choose how many subjects they teach and so they can set their own working hours. This means they gain the satisfaction of helping to progress their student’s ability without the stress of teaching a whole class.

You don’t need a teaching qualification (it’s not necessary to have a qualification at all) to be a private tutor. It will be advantageous, though, to have experience in the subject(s) you’re teaching. 

Related: 7 Companies Making Your Job As Stress Free As Possible

6. Senior Copywriter

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £44,464

Senior copywriters are responsible for writing original, creative content. This could be content for web pages, social media, brochures, print advertising, etc. Senior copywriters will have several years of writing experience. They may also be responsible for briefing junior writers. 

Senior copywriters often rely on creative thinking or storytelling to create content, which many find to be stress-reducing. 

You don’t need a degree or a qualification to become a senior copywriter, but love of writing is important. 

7. Therapist

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £30,878

Therapists are trained mental health professionals who diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. Therapists can be independent and work on a referral or private basis, or they can be employed by the NHS. 

Even though the work can be demanding, to help individuals cope with stressful or challenging situations, therapists need to develop techniques to remain calm and stress-free themselves. 

Before working as a therapist, you’ll need to complete a degree or postgraduate course in psychotherapy, counselling or a related subject. 

8. Software Developer

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £38, 945

Software developers are tasked with analysing user’s needs and then designing and testing software applications to meet these needs. They may also be involved in suggesting software upgrades to ensure that applications are performing efficiently. 

Software developers tend to be involved in practical applications and may not have to deal with the day-to-day stress of managing a project and being accountable to senior managers. 

You don’t need a degree to become a software developer, but you will need to understand code and have experience with programmes like Javascript, C++, HTML for example. 

9. Massage Therapist 

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £27,600

Massage therapists consult with individuals to diagnose issues, then manipulate muscles and tissues to help reduce stress and tension in the affected areas. They give advice and demonstrate exercises that can be done to help manage pain. 

Being a massage therapist is a physical job, but working in a calm, quiet environment and helping people cope with painful disorders is rewarding and offers a relatively low-stress career. 

There’s no requirement to have a degree or qualification to be a massage therapist. Completing a certificate or diploma could help establish yourself as a massage therapist and even help build up your client base. 

10. Animator 

Glassdoor Average Salary:  £29,561

Animators use drawing techniques and applications to create a series of images or drawings that are sequenced together to create moving images (animations). These animations can be made into films, used for advertisements or made into computer games, for instance. 

It’s been proven that drawing is good at reducing stress. In fact, drawing is often used as a form of therapy. 

When hiring an animator, employers look for people who either have an art degree or who have demonstrable on-the-job training and experience. 

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