High-paying jobs often mean greater stress—think of a surgeon working to save someone’s life, or a corporate lawyer responsible for a multimillion-dollar business deal.
But you don’t need to take a pay cut to reduce work stress. There are plenty of less stressful jobs that pay well into six figures.
Maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET) a database Nearly 900 occupations were ranked on a scale from 0 to 100 for stress tolerance, taking into account the ability to handle criticism and manage high-stress situations.
Many low-stress, high-paying jobs are in the sustainability field. Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, told CNBC Make It that part of the reason may be the opportunity and stability such jobs in the field provide.
“In the long term, areas such as sustainability and green technology are expected to experience Significant structural growth Consumer priorities are shifting toward environmentally friendly choices, policy incentives for clean energy and rapid technological advancements,” Pollack said.
She added that some green jobs, including solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians, have been among the fastest growing in recent years and are expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Here are five popular green jobs with a median annual salary of more than $100,000 and relatively low stress tolerance (less than 70 out of 100 for all stress tolerances):
Remote sensing scientist or technician
These scientists collect and analyze data from aircraft or satellites to solve problems in areas such as urban planning, homeland security and natural resource management. Most positions require postgraduate qualifications, including a relevant master’s degree, PhD, or MD, as well as some experience to consider.
Median annual salary: $112,280
environmental economist
These economists study topics such as alternative fuel use, soil conservation, and pollution, write academic papers on them, and evaluate the costs and benefits of policies and regulations that affect the environment. This job typically requires a master’s, doctoral, or law degree.
Median annual salary: $115,730
water resources expert
Water experts (also called water planners) design and help implement plans to improve water conservation efforts and provide safe, clean water to diverse communities. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree and technical skills, including data analysis and experience with different software systems.
Median annual salary: $157,740
Solar system engineer
These engineers design, develop and manage equipment and systems that create clean energy from the sun. They are the brains behind the solar panels, figuring out how to place them for maximum efficiency and connecting them to the grid or battery system. This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of photovoltaic systems, and experience with design and simulation software.
Median annual salary: $111,970
environmental engineer
Environmental engineers use mathematics and science to develop solutions that protect the environment and public health. They work on projects to improve water quality, manage waste and control pollution. The job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of environmental regulations and proficiency in modeling and design software.
Median annual salary: $100,090
Want to make more money at work? Take CNBC’s new online course How to Negotiate a Higher Salary. Expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to earn a higher salary, including how to prepare and build confidence, what to do and say, and how to craft a counteroffer. Sign up now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for a 50% introductory discount until November 26, 2024.
Also, register CNBC Make It Newsletter Get tips and tricks for success in work, money, and life.
About The Author
