10 Low-Stress, High-Paying Jobs in 2026

High pay doesn’t have to come with nonstop pressure. If you’re looking for a career that offers strong earnings without the daily chaos, our 2026 Low-Stress, High-Paying Jobs Report scores jobs based on common work-stress factors, then pairs those results with the latest wage and employment outlook data.

If you’re looking for a low-stress role, keep an eye out for jobs with few physical demands or roles that offer remote options. Working remotely can give you the flexibility to create a comfortable work environment and avoid the extra time spent commuting.

Here are 10 high-paying, low-stress jobs you can pursue in 2026 (many, but not all, offer remote options):

1. Astronomer

• Median annual pay: $132,170
• Median hourly pay: $63.54
• Top 10% of earners: $191,880
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 2%
• Typical education: Graduate school or doctorate degree

What they do

Astronomers research stars, planets, and galaxies by collecting observations (often via telescopes or space-based instruments) and analyzing to build models and publish findings. The work is a mix of computational analysis, long-term project planning, and writing — typically in universities, observatories, or government labs.

Why it’s low stress

A lot of astronomy is deep work: analyzing datasets, running simulations, and collaborating with a small team — without the constant churn of customer-facing demands or high-conflict situations. The pace is usually driven by research timelines and occasional deadlines, not minute-to-minute emergencies, and the role often offers autonomy over how you structure your day and projects.

2. Actuary

• Median annual pay: $125,770
• Median hourly pay: $60.47
• Top 10% of earners: $206,430
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 22%
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Actuaries turn uncertainty into numbers. Using statistics and financial models, they estimate how likely certain events are — like accidents, illness, or market shifts — and what those risks could cost. Most work in insurance or pensions, where their analysis helps set pricing and long-term financial plans.

Why it’s low stress

This role is rarely built around urgent, same-day emergencies. The work tends to move on planned timelines, with long stretches of focused analysis instead of constant interruptions. It’s also more analytical than emotional: you’re using data to advise on risk, not managing heated disputes or customer crises. The biggest pressure points usually come from major deadlines (and, early on, professional exams), but the day-to-day rhythm is typically steady.

3. Computer systems analyst

• Median annual pay: $103,790
• Median hourly pay: $49.90
• Top 10% of earners: $149,360
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 9%
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Computer systems analysts help organizations improve how their tech works. They look at what a company needs, spot gaps in current systems, and recommend software, tools, or process changes — often acting as the bridge between business teams and IT.

Why it’s low stress

It’s a planning-and-problem-solving job, not an “everything is on fire” job. Much of the work happens on project timelines, with time to test and document before changes go live. And since the work is more coworker-focused than customer-facing, it can mean less day-to-day conflict.

4. Cartographer and photogrammetrist

• Median annual pay: $78,380
• Median hourly pay: $37.68
• Top 10% of earners: $115,840
• Estimated job growth: 6%
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Cartographers and photogrammetrists create and update maps using tools like GIS software, satellite images, and aerial photography. They turn raw location data into clear, visuals used for planning, navigation, and research.

Why it’s low stress

The work is detailed, but it’s usually steady — more focused production than high-pressure firefighting. You’ll often spend most of the day working with data and mapping tools in a quiet office setting, with fewer tense interactions than you’d find in roles tied to sales targets or constant client demands.

5. Historian

• Median annual pay: $74,050
• Median hourly pay: $35.60
• Top 10% of earners: $116,640
• Estimated job growth: 2%
• Typical education: Master’s degree

What they do

Historians research and interpret the past by working with primary sources and turning what they find into writing or public-facing projects like reports, exhibits or books. You’ll find them working in universities, museums, government roles, or consulting projects.

Why it’s low stress

A lot of the job is self-directed research and writing, which tends to be calmer than roles with nonstop meetings or urgent requests. Deadlines exist, but they’re usually tied to longer projects, and the work itself is more about careful thinking than fast reactions.

6. Forensic science technician

• Median annual pay: $67,440
• Median hourly pay: $32.43
• Top 10% of earners: $101,390
• Estimated job growth: 13%
• Typical education: Bachelor’s degree

What they do

Forensic science technicians help investigate crimes by collecting, testing, and documenting evidence. Many spend most of their time in a lab running analyses, writing up results, and keeping detailed records; some also work at crime scenes or testify in court.

Why it’s low stress

Even though the subject matter can be intense, the day-to-day work is often structured around clear procedures and quality checks. It’s not typically customer-driven, and you’re usually focused on methodical lab work rather than juggling unpredictable demands all day. Pressure can spike when casework piles up, but the workflow is generally organized and process-based.

7. Rail car repairer

• Median annual pay: $65,680
• Median hourly pay: $31.58
• Top 10% of earners: $92,000
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%
• Typical education: High school diploma

What they do

Rail car repairers inspect, maintain, and fix railroad freight cars and passenger cars. They troubleshoot mechanical issues, replace worn parts, and run safety checks to keep cars in working order.

Why it’s low stress

It’s hands-on work with clear expectations: find the problem, fix it, and verify that it’s safe. Many roles run on shift schedules, which can make the day feel more predictable than jobs where priorities change hourly. It’s not a public-facing role, so the stress tends to come from doing the work safely — not from constant interpersonal friction.

8. Taper

• Median annual pay: $64,700
• Median hourly pay: $31.11
• Top 10% of earners: $100,840
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%
• Typical education: No formal educational credential

What they do

Tapers finish drywall by sealing joints, applying tape and compound, and sanding surfaces smooth so walls are ready for paint. It’s skilled, detail-oriented work that makes a big difference in how a space looks once it’s complete.

Why it’s low stress

You’re working through a defined set of steps and can see progress as you go. There’s less of the mental clutter that comes with constant emails, meetings, or client escalations — most of the day is focused on the craft. Schedules can get tight on construction sites, but the work itself is steady and routine.

9. Archivist

• Median annual pay: $61,570
• Median hourly pay: $29.60
• Top 10% annual pay: $97,680
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 4%
• Typical education: Master’s degree

What they do

Archivists preserve and organize important records, from historical documents to digital files. They catalog collections, manage storage, support digitization projects, and help researchers find the materials they need.

Why it’s low stress

In this role, “busy” often looks like focused, quiet work. The pace is typically calm and planned out, not built around urgent, high-stakes decisions. Deadlines are  usually manageable and project-based, like a digitization push or a new collection.

10. Pump operator

• Median annual pay: $60,020
• Median hourly pay: $28.86
• Top 10% annual pay: $85,990
• Estimated job growth (2024–2034): 3%
• Typical education: High school diploma

What they do

Pump operators run and monitor machines that move liquids through systems in places like factories, treatment facilities, or industrial sites. They check gauges, adjust controls, keep logs, and do routine inspections to make sure equipment is operating the way it should.

Why it’s low stress

A lot of the work comes down to monitoring and consistency by keeping an eye on systems and following established procedures. The pace is often steady, especially compared with roles that involve constant people problems or unpredictable requests. Safety matters, but the structure and routine can make the job feel more manageable day to day.

Tips for finding a low-stress high-paying job

Finding a low-stress job might feel overwhelming, but focusing on these three tips can help make your search a smoother, more manageable experience.

1. Look for roles with predictable work and clear boundaries

“Low stress” often comes down to structure. Jobs with stable schedules, repeatable workflows, and fewer last-minute emergencies tend to feel more manageable day to day. When you’re researching roles, look for signs of routine that are suitable for you.

2. Use small experiments to see what you actually enjoy

Before you commit to a new path, try low-risk ways to test the waters, such as enrolling in a short course or interviewing with someone in your target field. Pay attention to what energizes you versus what drains you — some people love deep-focus work, while others prefer hands-on tasks or more teamwork.

3. Choose a work setup that supports your life

Sometimes the biggest stress reducer isn’t the job title — it’s the environment. If commuting drains you, prioritize remote or hybrid roles. If you do better with routine, look for positions with set hours instead of rotating shifts or frequent overtime. And if location affects your quality of life, like cost of living, family, weather, access to nature, factor that in early so you’re not stuck with a “great” job that makes the rest of your life harder.

Methodology

We identified low-stress, high-paying occupations using data from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). First, we screened jobs using ONET’s Work Styles measure for Stress Tolerance, and then referenced ONET Work Context measures relating to time pressure, interpersonal conflict, and decision-making autonomy to provide a more complete overview of each job’s work environment.

Pay data came from the most recent BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), including median annual pay, median hourly pay, and 90th percentile pay when available. Job outlook was assessed using BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034). We included only occupations with positive projected growth and a median annual wage above $60,000.

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