Topping the list of CareerCast.me’s Jobs Rated report for the least stressful careers in 2013 is the university professor. This profession offers high growth opportunities, low health risks, and substantial pay, providing a serene work environment envied by many professionals.
With an increasing number of Americans pursuing higher education—63.3% of citizens ages 18 to 30, according to PayScale.com—the demand for college-educated job seekers continues to rise. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that individuals with college degrees are twice as likely to secure employment compared to those without, contributing to the decreased stress levels in academic positions.
For those aiming for the year’s least stressful job, possessing an advanced degree, typically a Ph.D., is crucial, though some community colleges also consider Master’s-level qualifications due to their rapid expansion.
Research from The Chronicle of Higher Education shows that private U.S. colleges not only pay higher salaries but also maintain a lower student-to-faculty ratio than global counterparts, enhancing the teaching environment. For example, Harvard University compensates full-time professors with an average salary of $198,400 and maintains a 7:1 professor-to-student ratio. Similarly, the University of Chicago offers $197,800 with a 6:1 ratio. Among public institutions, UCLA leads with an average salary of $162,600 for its full-time faculty.
Prof. Aaron Barlow, who has experience teaching in both the U.S. and at the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, contrasts the smaller U.S. class sizes with the “French model” used in Burkina Faso, where composition classes could exceed 100 students, making personalized feedback challenging.
Despite the appeal, university professors do face stressors, such as high competition for tenure-track positions and a growing reliance on adjunct faculty. For instance, design professor Robert Burger teaches at multiple institutions, including Rider University, as he searches for a tenure-track opportunity.
Beyond teaching, professors engage in activities such as serving on scholarship committees, developing curricula, and conducting research, with expectations to publish their findings.
Prof. Barlow, who transitioned from owning a gift store to academia, notes the self-discipline required in both roles, emphasizing the autonomy of not having someone constantly supervising, a factor contributing to a lower stress rating.
The university professor role ranked second only to seamstress/tailor on the stress scale, although the financial rewards for the latter are considerably lower, with a median annual salary of $25,850 compared to $62,050 for professors. Nonetheless, careers involving fabric and thread offer low safety risks and minimal physical demands, making them some of the least stressful jobs of 2013.
Additionally, several healthcare roles such as medical records technician, medical laboratory technician, audiologist, and dietitian also made the list of the 10 least stressful jobs, promising for those seeking stable careers in a growing sector.
Top 10 Least stressfull jobs in 2013
- University Professor
- University professors stand at the apex of the educational hierarchy, teaching students who often select their own courses, which increases classroom engagement. Unlike their counterparts in primary and secondary education, college professors are not evaluated based on standardized tests. Additionally, they have the opportunity to obtain tenure, offering a guarantee of lifetime employment.
- Median Salary: $62,050
- Job Outlook: 17%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 6.45
- Medical Records Technician
- Medical records technicians manage patient data, a critical component in the healthcare system. Their role is crucial but not directly involved with patient care, reducing stress levels significantly.
- Median Salary: $42,630
- Job Outlook: 15%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 6.98
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- These technicians perform essential tests that contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Working behind the scenes in hospitals and labs, they face less stress than those in direct patient care roles.
- Median Salary: $53,120
- Job Outlook: 18%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.03
- Audiologist
- Audiologists diagnose and treat patients with hearing and balance disorders. With minimal emergency cases, their work environment is less hectic and more predictable than other medical fields.
- Median Salary: $77,600
- Job Outlook: 16%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.28
- Dietitian
- Dietitians help patients manage their diets and improve their overall health through nutrition, which involves planned schedules and routine check-ups, contributing to lower stress levels.
- Median Salary: $60,370
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.32
- Librarian
- Librarians work in a calm environment, managing books and helping people with research while also conducting educational programs. This career offers significant control over work pace and environment.
- Median Salary: $59,050
- Job Outlook: 9%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.45
- Software Developer
- Software developers design and create software, often working independently or in small teams, and manage their schedules with flexibility, leading to lower stress compared to other tech jobs.
- Median Salary: $105,590
- Job Outlook: 22%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.67
- Actuary
- Actuaries analyze risk and uncertainty, primarily working with data and models in an office setting. The field requires attention to detail but is less directly stressful than roles in corporate finance.
- Median Salary: $108,350
- Job Outlook: 20%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 7.91
- Hair Stylist
- Hair stylists operate in a social environment where they provide beauty services. The creative aspect of the job and the control over work hours contribute to a lower stress environment.
- Median Salary: $30,190
- Job Outlook: 8%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 8.02
- Seamstress/Tailor
- Seamstresses and tailors work with fabrics to make and alter clothing. The work allows for creativity and flexibility in hours, typically in a less frantic environment compared to retail.
- Median Salary: $31,520
- Job Outlook: 1%
- Jobs Rated Stress Score: 8.10
These roles offer various levels of responsibility, engagement, and stress, providing options for those looking to manage their work-life balance effectively.
