Feb 4, 2025
The U.S. job market is a mixed bag. Some workers are thriving, while others are overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty.
Despite a cooling labor market last year, unemployment and layoffs remained low, and wage growth outpaced inflation. As of November 2024, Indeed's job posting index was 10% above pre-pandemic levels, although it had declined 10% year-over-year.
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With the abundance of job opportunities, Morningstar analysts suggest a mismatch between available jobs and the workers qualified to do them.
Additionally, many employees struggle with workplace stress. A Deloitte survey found that 91% of respondents felt their work quality was impacted by excessive stress or frustration, while 70% believed their employers were not doing enough to address burnout.
Amid these job woes, some careers offer both high salaries and low-stress levels. Resume Genius identified the top jobs that fit this description. The good news is there is a handful of careers that offer the best of both worlds.
1. Water resource specialist
Water resource specialists earned a median pay of $157,740 per year in 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) — and the position typically requires only a bachelor's degree.
There are approximately 100,100 water resource specialists across the United States, and demand for these professionals is expected to grow at an above-average rate.
Most work full-time in office or lab settings, planning and supervising research. Resume Genius classifies the role as low-stress due to its structured responsibilities, predictable work environment and minimal high-pressure situations.
The career website OwlGuru also reports that 75% of water resource specialists are satisfied with their jobs, and 62% believe their work makes a positive difference in people's lives.
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2. Astronomer
Astronomers earned a median salary of $149,530 per year, according to the BLS — a highly competitive rate.
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The role typically needs a doctoral or professional degree, and only about 23,500 people are employed as astronomers nationwide. However, demand for new astronomers is expected to grow faster than average.
Most astronomers work in offices, research labs or observatories. Resume Genius says the job is low-stress because astronomers often manage their schedule and avoid working in a hierarchical environment. Career Explorer ranks job satisfaction for astronomers at 4.00 out of 5, placing them in the top 11% of workers.
3. Actuary
Actuaries earned a median salary of $120,000 in 2023, and the BLS projects demand for these professionals to grow by 22% through 2033 — well above the average job growth rate.
The position typically requires a bachelor's degree. Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theories to analyze the economic cost of risk. While most work in office settings, some travel to meet clients. Resume Genius notes that actuaries experience minimal workplace stress due to the rarity of high-pressure deadlines.
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4. Environmental economist
Environmental economists earn a median salary of $115,730. While economists generally analyze monetary and fiscal policies, environmental economists focus specifically on the economic impact of environmental policies and projects.
The role usually requires a master's degree. With only 17,500 economists employed nationwide in 2023, according to the BLS, positions in this field may be competitive — especially since job growth is projected to be average through 2033.
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Resume Genius classifies this as a low-stress job because the work is generally focused on long-term planning.
5. Mathematician
Mathematicians earn a median salary of $104,860, according to the [BLS(https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm).
Around 34,800 people work in this profession nationwide, and job growth is projected to be much higher than average at 11% through 2033.
A master's degree is generally required. Mathematicians often work in office settings with many employed by the government, research centers and development companies. They frequently work with engineers and scientists.
Resume Genius ranks this as a low-stress job due to its calm and structured work environment. CareerExplorer rates mathematicians’ job satisfaction at 3.6 out of 5, placing them in the top 27% of careers.
Each of these careers requires specialized training, but for those with the right credentials, they offer salaries well above the U.S. median income of $61,984 (as reported by the BLS for the end of 2024).
More importantly, they provide an opportunity to avoid the burnout that leaves so many Americans wishing for a different position.
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Christy Bieber has 15 years of experience as a personal finance and legal writer. She has written for many publications including Forbes, Kilplinger, CNN, WSJ, Credit Karma, Insurify and more.
