Finding a job that doesn’t leave you feeling frazzled at the end of the day is crucial for a balanced life. Believe it or not, there are plenty of low-stress jobs out there that still pay well. From landscaping to optometry, photography to pet-sitting, there are plenty of opportunities to find fulfilling, low-stress work. Let’s explore some of these rewarding jobs and see how you can get started.
Summary
- Everyone has a different threshold for what makes a job stressful.
- Low-stress jobs aren't necessarily slow-paced but often offer job security, minimal travel, and a relaxed work environment.
- Many sectors, especially medical, health, and wellness, are expected to grow over the next decade.
- Freelancing can be high-stress despite its flexible nature.
- Many low-stress jobs come with good to excellent annual salaries.
Low-Stress Jobs for a Good Work/Life Balance
1. Horticulturist / Landscaper
Average salary: $65,000 to $75,000
Horticulturalists and landscapers work their magic on gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces. Their day-to-day tasks include planting flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as trimming and pruning them to keep everything looking beautiful and healthy. They also handle tasks like fertilising the soil and controlling pests. Sometimes, they even design entire landscapes from scratch, creating lovely spaces for everyone to enjoy.
How to become a landscaper:
- Experience: Start by getting your hands dirty in your own garden or volunteering at community gardens or parks. This hands-on experience is invaluable.
- Courses: There are plenty of online courses available in horticulture or landscape design. These courses will teach you the basics and more advanced skills needed for the job. Attending workshops can also be a great way to learn specific techniques.
2. Massage Therapist
Average salary: $65,000 to $85,000 per year.
Massage therapists help people relax and feel better through therapeutic massages. They use their hands to manipulate muscles and soft tissues, which can relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve overall wellness. They typically work in peaceful environments like spas and wellness centres, but many also run their own businesses and set their own schedules.
How to become a massage therapist:
- Experience: Practice with friends and family to get comfortable with the techniques.
- Courses: Enrol in a massage therapy course, which you can find online. These courses cover anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques.
3. Librarian
Average salary: $80,000 – $100,000
Librarians help people find books and information, organise and manage library resources and sometimes host educational events. They work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, schools, and universities. It's a job that requires a love of books and information, as well as good organisational skills.
How to become a librarian:
- Experience: Volunteering at your local library is a great way to gain experience and get a feel for the job.
- Courses: While many librarians have higher education, you can also find online courses in library and information services that can help you get started. These courses often cover cataloguing, database management, and information retrieval.
4. Beauty Therapist
Average salary: $60,000 to $70,000
Beauty therapists offer services such as facials, waxing, manicures, and makeup application. They either work in a salon, or may have their own business and travel to clients' homes / run their own small business from a dedicated space. This job allows for a lot of flexibility and creativity!
How to become a beauty therapist:
- Experience: Practice on friends and family to build your skills and confidence.
- Courses: Look for online beauty therapy courses that cover skin care, makeup, and other treatments. Learning from a recognised institution can boost your credibility and client base.
5. Photographer
Average salary: $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Photographers capture moments and create visual art. They might specialise in areas like weddings, travel, fashion, nature, or commercial photography. Photographers often work freelance, giving them control over their schedules and the projects they take on.
How to become a photographer:
- Experience: Start by taking photos as a hobby. Build a portfolio to showcase your work.
- Courses: Online photography courses can teach you about camera settings, lighting, and editing. Practical experience and a strong portfolio are crucial in this field.
6. Pet Groomer/Pet Sitter
Average salary: $65,000 to $80,000 per year.
Pet groomers keep pets looking their best by bathing, trimming, and styling their fur. Pet sitters take care of pets while their owners are away, providing feeding, exercise, and companionship. Both roles involve lots of hands-on time with animals, making it a perfect job for animal lovers.
How to become a pet groomer:
- Experience: Volunteer at animal shelters or pet stores to gain experience working with animals.
- Courses: Online courses in pet grooming and animal care can provide you with the skills needed for these jobs. Practical training is also highly valuable.
7. Fitness Instructor
Average salary: $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Fitness instructors lead exercise classes and help clients stay fit and healthy. They might work in gyms, fitness centres, or offer private sessions. Some fitness instructors also create online content or run boot camps.
How to become a fitness instructor:
- Experience: Maintain a personal fitness routine and stay active.
- Courses: Take online fitness training courses to gain the necessary experience.
8. Interior Designer
Average salary: $70,000 to $85,000 per year.
Interior designers create beautiful and functional indoor spaces. They work with clients to choose colours, furniture, and decorations, balancing aesthetics with practicality. This job involves a lot of creativity and attention to detail.
How to become an interior designer:
- Experience: Start by redesigning your own space or helping friends and family with their interiors.
- Courses: Online courses in interior design can teach you the principles of design and how to create a portfolio. Practical experience is also essential in this field.
9. Optometrist
Average salary: $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
Optometrists examine eyes, diagnose vision problems, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They work in clinics or have their own practices, helping people see better and maintain eye health.
How to become an optometrist:
- Experience: Gaining experience as an assistant in an optometry office can be helpful.
- Courses: This career typically requires you to study optometry, but you can start with related online courses in eye care and health sciences to prepare.
10. Nutritionist
Average salary: $80,000 to $95,000 per year.
Nutritionists help people make healthy food choices and create diet plans to improve overall wellness. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or as independent consultants.
How to become a nutritionist:
- Experience: Volunteer at health and wellness centres to gain experience.
- Courses: Online courses in nutrition and dietetics will teach you the foundational knowledge to thrive as a nutritionist. You can also take formal education pathways that allow you to practise professionally.
11. Online Tutor
Average salary: $65,000 to $80,000 per year.
Online tutors help students learn subjects through virtual platforms. They can teach a wide range of topics, from maths and science to languages and humanities, working with students of all ages.
How to become a tutor:
- Experience: Start by tutoring friends or family members to build your confidence.
- Courses: Enrol in an online course in education to learn the foundations of teaching and online tutoring!
12. Archivist
Average salary: $90,000 to $95,000 per year.
Archivists organise and maintain historical documents and records. They work in museums, libraries, or government agencies, ensuring important information is preserved and accessible.
How to become an archivist:
- Experience: Volunteer at museums or historical societies to gain experience.
- Courses: You typically need a formal education in records, archives, librarianship and corporate management.
13. Transcriptionist
Average salary: $55,000 to $65,000 per year.
Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type them out into written documents. They work in fields like medicine, law, or general transcription, turning spoken words into text.
How to become a transcriptionist:
- Experience: Practise your typing and listening skills.
- Courses: Many online courses teach transcription skills, including medical or legal transcription. These courses can help you develop the accuracy and speed needed for the job.
What Are the Least Stressful Jobs that Pay $100K?
What if you want a low-stress job but a very high salary (over $100K?) Well, here are some options:
- Software Developer: Software developers create and build computer programs and apps. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with code, this job can be both rewarding and relatively low-stress. The median annual pay is around $130,000.
- Data Scientist: Data scientists design algorithms to extract insights from data. This role is perfect for those who love working with numbers and uncovering patterns. The median annual salary is approximately $145,000.
- Actuary: Actuaries analyse statistical data to help businesses manage risk. This job is ideal for those who have a passion for maths and enjoy working with data. The median salary for actuaries is about $120,000.
The Bottom Line
While all jobs come with some level of stress, certain careers offer a much better work-life balance. There are plenty of full-time positions in booming industries that offer low stress along with great benefits and pay. If you're looking to enjoy a fulfilling home life while keeping your work stress low (and with good pay), consider these roles we’ve listed!
Find a Career You’re Passionate About with OCA
None of these careers tickle your fancy? Explore more options and find a career that truly excites you with Online Courses Australia. Whether you’re looking to pivot into a new industry or upskill in your current field, OCA offers a wide range of online courses designed to help you achieve your career goals. Discover your passion and start your journey today!
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