Let’s face it—no job is completely stress-free. In fact, stress is an inevitable part of work and life. According to a 2017 study by the American Psychological Association, Americans are more stressed now than they’ve been in the past decade. With this in mind, finding ways to minimize stress has never been more critical.
Stress affects everyone differently, shaped by personal circumstances and coping mechanisms. CareerCast.com’s Jobs Rated Job Stress Report seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of workplace stress by evaluating 11 key factors:
- Travel requirements
- Career growth potential
- Physical demands
- Environmental conditions
- Hazards encountered
- Public interaction
- Competitive pressures
- Risk of death or serious injury
- Responsibility for others’ lives
- Deadlines
- Working in the public eye
While no job is entirely without stress, certain roles naturally involve fewer stressors. These positions, identified as the least stressful jobs of 2018, may still carry unique challenges, but they stand apart from high-stress careers in significant ways.
Understanding the Least Stressful Jobs
Take, for example, the role of a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, which tops the list as the least stressful job of 2018. This position doesn’t involve working under public scrutiny, nor does it present immediate risks of bodily harm. However, the job isn’t without its pressures—sonographers may perform tasks like cancer screenings in addition to routine ultrasounds for pregnancy.
Similarly, the work of a Hair Stylist, ranked second on the list, requires meeting client expectations and managing schedules. While this involves a degree of pressure, the stress is relatively manageable compared to careers with life-or-death responsibilities or grueling deadlines.
Another critical consideration when choosing a low-stress profession is its growth potential. For instance, while Jeweler ranks as a low-stress occupation, its job market outlook is expected to shrink by 3%. In contrast, an Operations Research Analyst, which is the 9th least stressful job, boasts a projected growth rate of 27%—a promising factor for long-term career stability.
The Top 10 Least Stressful Jobs of 2018
Based on CareerCast.com’s stress criteria and data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the least stressful jobs of the year, along with their median salaries and growth projections through 2026:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Median Salary: $65,620
- Stress Score: 5.07
- Projected Growth: 17.00%
- Hair Stylist
- Median Salary: $24,300
- Stress Score: 6.61
- Projected Growth: 10.00%
- Audiologist
- Median Salary: $75,980
- Stress Score: 7.22
- Projected Growth: 20.00%
- University Professor
- Median Salary: $75,430
- Stress Score: 8.16
- Projected Growth: 15.00%
- Medical Records Technician
- Median Salary: $38,040
- Stress Score: 8.54
- Projected Growth: 13.00%
- Compliance Officer
- Median Salary: $66,540
- Stress Score: 8.78
- Projected Growth: 5.00%
- Jeweler
- Median Salary: $38,200
- Stress Score: 9.05
- Projected Growth: -3.00%
- Pharmacy Technician
- Median Salary: $30,920
- Stress Score: 9.14
- Projected Growth: 12.00%
- Operations Research Analyst
- Median Salary: $79,200
- Stress Score: 9.17
- Projected Growth: 27.00%
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Median Salary: $50,930
- Stress Score: 10.00
- Projected Growth: 10.00%
Choosing the Right Path
When searching for a low-stress career, it’s essential to strike a balance between the nature of the work and its long-term opportunities. Careers with minimal stress can offer more than just peace of mind—they can also provide fulfilling and stable livelihoods. By evaluating factors like growth potential, workplace environment, and personal interests, you can find a profession that aligns with both your aspirations and your well-being.
