Work Less, Earn More: 15 Low-Stress Jobs You’ll Love in 2025

Here are eight of the least stressful careers that commonly reach or exceed a $100,000 annual salary—offering both financial reward and a lower‑pressure work environment:

1. Actuary

   • What they do: Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk for insurance firms or pension plans.

   • Why it’s chill: Predictable tasks, data‑driven work, strong emphasis on independent analysis, and minimal high‑pressure “fire drills.”

   • Average salary: $105K–$120K

2. Audiologist

   • What they do: Diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders, fit hearing aids, and counsel patients.

   • Why it’s chill: One‑on‑one patient appointments by scheduled slots, limited emergency cases, and a stable healthcare setting.

   • Average salary: $100K–$115K

3. Technical Writer

   • What they do: Create user manuals, help guides, API documentation, and instructional materials for software or hardware products.

   • Why it’s chill: Project‑based deadlines you can plan around, ability to work remotely, and minimal stakeholder escalation.

   • Average salary: $90K–$110K (senior roles often exceed $100K)

4. University Professor (Tenured or Tenure‑Track)

   • What they do: Teach courses, conduct research, publish papers, and advise students in your academic field.

   • Why it’s chill: Flexible schedules, long breaks between semesters, intellectual autonomy, and clear tenure‑track milestones.

   • Average salary: $80K–$120K (varies by discipline and institution)

5. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer

   • What they do: Design test plans, automate test scripts, and ensure software releases meet quality standards.

   • Why it’s chill: Collaborative, structured sprints; clear definition of “done”; and focus on tools that automate repetitive tasks.

   • Average salary: $95K–$115K

6. Optometrist

   • What they do: Examine eyes for vision problems, prescribe corrective lenses, and detect common eye diseases.

   • Why it’s chill: Appointment‑based practice, controlled clinical environment, and consistent patient flow without critical emergencies.

   • Average salary: $110K–$130K

7. Statistician/Data Scientist (Non‑Frontline)

   • What they do: Analyze large datasets, build predictive models, and generate insights for long‑term planning.

   • Why it’s chill: Project timelines are often flexible, work is heavily analytical (less customer drama), and remote options abound.

   • Average salary: $100K–$130K

8. Corporate Librarian / Information Specialist

   • What they do: Manage research collections, curate digital archives, and guide staff or executives to the right information.

   • Why it’s chill: Quiet work environment, structured routines, and a clear scope of responsibilities.

   • Average salary: $90K–$110K (senior roles in large organizations can exceed $100K)

Key takeaways:

• Predictability & Autonomy: Roles with scheduled appointments or project‑driven workflows tend to be less stressful.

• Data‑Focused vs. Frontline: Analytical positions (actuaries, statisticians, QA, technical writing) typically face fewer last‑minute crises than front‑line service roles.

• Professional Setting: Clinical or academic environments offer more control over your day compared to sales or emergency care.

By prioritizing predictability, autonomy, and a primarily analytical or appointment‑based workload, you can easily find high‑paying roles that let you keep stress at bay while still earning $100K+ annually.