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Low stress jobs that pay well without a degree? Do they even exist?
You’ve heard the saying “money can’t buy you happiness.” While it’s true that money isn’t everything, it sure does make life easier when you have enough.
That’s why it’s so important to find jobs that pay well. The key is finding something that meets your interests and work-ethic preferences while also having a decent salary.
Here are eight low-stress jobs that pay well without requiring a lot of stress:
8 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
- Pharmacy technician
- Medical sonography
- Veterinarian technician
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Public relations specialist
- Real estate agent
- Dental hygienist
- Medical records and health information technician
1. Pharmacy technician
A pharmacy technician is a medical assistant who works in a pharmacy.
They assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, researching prescription insurance coverage and processing payments, and they may also be called upon to educate customers on their prescriptions.
Pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $30,000.
The best way to become a pharmacy technician is to enroll in community college or university programs designed specifically for this career path.
You must complete at least 1500 hours of training before you can sit for the exam (exams are offered by both the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and American Society of Health System Pharmacists).
You’ll also need some sort of certification from either organization—they’re not required by law but are strongly recommended by employers as proof that you have adequate skill levels in customer service as well as technical expertise related to dispensing medications safely and efficiently.
2. Medical sonographer
A sonographer is the person who uses ultrasound to look at organs and tissues inside the body. They can help with diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, but they don’t actually diagnose or treat patients themselves.
Sonographers work in hospitals, doctors’ offices and other medical settings.
Diagnostic medical sonographers earn an average annual salary of $77,000.
They use a device called an ultrasound machine to produce sound waves that bounce off organs and tissues to create pictures on a screen (which is like looking through water). These pictures show details such as size, shape, number of structures and fluid levels within tissue or cavities in your body—like the heart or abdomen.
In addition to using their training in anatomy, physiology and physics-based imaging sciences (like radiography), sonographers also need skills in communication—with patients as well as doctors—and team management because they often work closely with other health care professionals such as physicians who may supervise them on certain projects
3. Veterinary technician
A veterinary technician is a professional who works in the field of animal medicine. They assist veterinarians in diagnosing, treating and caring for sick or injured animals. Veterinary technicians may also provide routine care and treatment to healthy animals.
Veterinary technicians work in a variety of settings, including private practices, research laboratories, animal shelters and zoos.
Vet techs earn an average annual salary of $25,207.
You can train to become a veterinary technician by completing an associate degree program through an accredited institution such as the Academy of Veterinary Technology at Colorado State University or Saint Joseph’s College Online.
These programs place an emphasis on both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with real-world cases that prepare you for entering the workforce upon graduation.
4. Web developer
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for how well the website works.
Web developers earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 (in Houston, Texas).
Web developers usually work in an office. They may work for a company that specializes in web development. Or they may work for a company that has its own website.
Web developers usually work full time. They may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
Employment of web developers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.
5. Public relations specialist
Public relations specialist, on the other hand, is a job category that’s in high demand. It’s also one of the few fields where you can get paid well without having to stay at your desk all day.
Of course, the pay is good—but that comes with a catch: It’s a competitive field and you need to have specific skills to be successful as a public relations specialist.
Public relations specialists are not just writers or marketers—they’re much more than that!
Public relations specialists earn an average annual salary of around $62,000.
They write press releases for their clients; they craft social media posts; they even do interviews with journalists and bloggers for them (expertise in these areas will come in handy). In addition to writing skills, you should also have strong communication skills so that you can effectively work with clients and present them as professional experts within their industries.
If your goal is to become an executive director of communications somewhere down the line, then being able to multitask while prioritizing tasks will help get you there quicker!
6. Real estate agent
Real estate agents work independently, so they can manage their own schedule. They are also required to have a license, which means they are professional and highly trained.
Since real estate agents make money by selling homes rather than by the hour, they can make a lot of money if they are successful.
Real estate agents earn an average annual salary of around $105,000 in Texas.
Most people think that you need to have a college degree in order to become a real estate agent, but this isn’t true!
If you want to get started as an independent contractor and make some extra cash on the side without having any previous experience or formal education in the field of real estate sales (or even any experience at all), becoming a licensed agent could be just what you need!
7. Dental hygienist
A dental hygienist is a good job for people who like to help others.
Dental hygienists earn an average annual salary of approximately $78,000.
Dental hygienists work in dentists’ offices and perform a variety of tasks, including cleaning teeth, checking for cavities, educating patients about oral health and taking x-rays.
They can also do other tasks such as installing fillings or making crowns.
8. Medical records and health information technician
You may be someone who is looking for a job that requires work that is both interesting and engaging. You also want a job where the pay will be decent and you won’t have to put up with too much stress.
If this sounds like you, then becoming a medical records and health information technician might be right up your alley!
The average annual salary of a medical records and health information technician is $39,960.
These professionals are responsible for collecting, compiling, and analyzing health information as well as performing administrative duties such as processing medical claims or billing insurance companies.
They can also provide information to patients or other healthcare professionals so they know what their options are when it comes to their treatment plans. The final part of this job entails monitoring patient care while they’re under treatment in hospitals or doctor’s offices
Final Thoughts
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of landing a high paying job without a degree. First, consider pursuing an industry that is known to be friendly to non-traditional candidates.
For example, the tech industry is often lauded for its willingness to hire individuals with little to no formal education.
Next, focus on developing in-demand skills that are relevant to your desired field. This could involve anything from taking courses and earning certifications to simply reading up on the latest trends in your industry.
The more knowledgeable and experienced you appear, the more likely you are to land a high-paying job, even without a degree.
Finally, don’t discount the importance of networking. Get connected with as many people as possible in your desired industry, whether it’s through professional organizations, online communities, or even personal connections.
The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about high-paying job openings that might otherwise be off your radar.
With a little effort and perseverance, you can definitely land a high-paying job without a degree. Just keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to success.
