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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. Many of them are introvert-friendly careers, too!
Let’s dig in!
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.
What makes a pharmacy tech one of the best low-stress jobs?
- Predictable Work Environment: Pharmacy technicians generally work in a predictable and structured work environment. They typically work in pharmacies or healthcare facilities where they are responsible for filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and handling patient information. This consistent work environment can help reduce stress and provide a sense of stability.
- Limited Patient Interaction: While pharmacy technicians do interact with patients, their interactions are typically limited to brief interactions such as answering questions about prescriptions or providing basic healthcare advice. This reduced patient interaction can be less stressful compared to other healthcare jobs that require more extensive patient interaction.
- Clear Job Responsibilities: Pharmacy technicians have clear job responsibilities that they are trained to perform, which helps them feel confident in their abilities and reduces stress associated with uncertainty or ambiguity in the workplace.
- Minimal Emergency Situations: Pharmacy technicians typically don’t deal with emergency situations or life-threatening medical conditions. This can make the job less stressful and more predictable.
2. Medical sonographer
A sonographer is a 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.
Why is sonography a low-stress job?
- Limited Patient Interaction: Sonographers typically spend most of their time working with equipment and images rather than interacting with patients. While they do have some patient interaction, it is typically brief and focused on the technical aspects of the imaging procedure.
- Predictable Work Environment: Sonographers generally work in a structured and predictable environment, such as a hospital or clinic. Their daily tasks typically involve performing imaging procedures and analyzing the resulting images. This routine can help reduce stress associated with uncertainty or unexpected situations.
- Minimal Emergency Situations: Sonographers generally do not deal with emergency situations or life-threatening medical conditions. Their work is typically scheduled in advance, which helps reduce stress associated with urgent or unexpected situations.
- Teamwork: Sonographers often work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, such as radiologists and physicians. This collaboration can help alleviate stress and provide support in challenging situations.
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.
Why are vet techs a low-stress job?
- Working in a fast-paced, low-stress environment around animals
- Supportive work environment: Veterinary technicians often work as part of a team with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and other support staff. This teamwork and support can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of community in the workplace.
- Rewarding work: Veterinary technicians often report that their job is fulfilling and rewarding, as they are able to help animals and their owners. This sense of purpose and fulfillment can help reduce stress associated with job dissatisfaction.
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.
Why is web development low-stress?
- Remote Work: Web developers often have the option to work remotely, which can help reduce stress associated with commuting, office politics, and distractions in the workplace.
- Clear Objectives: Web development involves working on clearly defined projects with specific goals and objectives. This clarity can help reduce stress associated with ambiguity in the workplace.
- Flexible Work Hours: Many web development jobs offer flexible work hours, which can help reduce stress associated with rigid work schedules.
- Problem-Solving: Web development is a creative and technical field that requires problem-solving skills. This can be rewarding and help reduce stress associated with repetitive or monotonous work.
- In-Demand Skills: Web development is a highly sought-after skillset, which can provide job security and reduce stress associated with job uncertainty.
5. Public Relations Specialist
PR is one of the the best low stress jobs that pay well without a degree!
Public relations specialist jobs are 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!
Why is PR low stress?
- Predictable Work Environment: PR specialists usually work in an office or agency setting, where their daily tasks involve managing relationships with clients or media outlets, writing press releases, and creating PR campaigns. This routine can help reduce stress associated with uncertainty or unexpected situations.
- Work-Life Balance: Many PR agencies offer work-life balance policies, such as flexible work schedules or the ability to work remotely. This can help reduce stress associated with rigid work schedules and provide a sense of control over work-life balance.
- Collaborative Work: PR specialists often work as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues from different departments such as marketing, advertising, and social media. This collaboration can help alleviate stress and provide support in challenging situations.
- Creative Work: PR specialists work in a creative field, developing new campaigns and finding innovative ways to reach their target audiences. This creativity can be rewarding and help reduce stress associated with repetitive or monotonous work.
- Client Satisfaction: Successful PR campaigns can be very rewarding for PR specialists and their clients. This satisfaction can help reduce stress associated with job dissatisfaction.
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!
How is real estate work low stress?
- Flexibility: Real estate agents often have flexible schedules, which can help reduce stress associated with rigid work schedules.
- Clear Objectives: You know what the job is and you know what you’re doing. Real estate agents work on clearly defined projects with specific goals, such as helping clients buy or sell a property. This clarity can help reduce stress associated with ambiguity in the workplace.
- Rewarding Work: Real estate agents help people find their dream homes and make life-changing decisions. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, which can help reduce stress associated with job dissatisfaction.
- Independent Work: Ditch being micromanaged and enjoy being the boss of your own work Real estate agents often work independently and have control over their workloads, which can help reduce stress associated with micromanagement or overbearing supervision.
- Minimal Physical Demands: Real estate agents typically work in an office or home setting and do not have to engage in physically demanding work. This can help reduce stress associated with physical exhaustion or strain.
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.
Why are dental hygienists low stress jobs?
- Limited Patient Care Responsibility: Dental hygienists are responsible for performing routine dental cleanings, X-rays, and other preventative measures, and are not typically involved in more invasive dental procedures. This can help reduce stress associated with the potential risks and complications of more complicated dental work.
- Structured Work: Dental hygienists typically work in structured environments with set appointments and procedures. This can help reduce stress associated with ambiguity in the workplace.
- Positive Patient Interactions: Dental hygienists spend a lot of time interacting with patients in a positive and supportive manner, helping patients maintain their oral health. This can provide a sense of satisfaction and reduce stress associated with negative interactions or difficult patients.
- Predictable Workload: Dental hygienists typically work a set schedule, which can help reduce stress associated with unpredictable workloads and work schedules.
- Job Security: Dental hygiene is a growing field, and the demand for dental hygienists is expected to continue to increase. This can provide job security and reduce stress associated with job uncertainty.
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.
Why is this a low stress job?
- Office-Based Work: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians typically work in a quiet, office-based environment that is free from some of the stressors of other healthcare jobs, such as patient care responsibilities and the fast-paced nature of emergency departments.
- Predictable Work Schedule: Many Medical Records and Health Information Technicians work traditional business hours, which provides a predictable work schedule and a better work-life balance.
- Minimal Patient Interaction: This job does not involve direct patient care, which can reduce stress associated with difficult patient interactions or exposure to contagious diseases.
- Organized and Structured Work: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians are responsible for organizing and maintaining patient health records, which involves structured and organized work. This can help reduce stress associated with ambiguity or disorder in the workplace.
- Technologically Focused: The job involves the use of electronic health record (EHR) systems and other advanced technology, which can be interesting and rewarding for individuals with an interest in technology. This can help reduce stress associated with mundane or repetitive work.
Final Thoughts
You see, there are stress-free jobs without degree plans!
To land these low stress job options, 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.
