High-paying jobs often come with greater pressures – think of the surgeons working to save lives, or the corporate lawyers handling million-dollar deals. However, you don’t necessarily have to take a pay cut to alleviate work stress. There are also many high-paying jobs with lower levels of stress, some even reaching six-figure salaries.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network (O*NET) contains a database of nearly 900 occupations, ranking them on a scale of 0 to 100 based on stress levels.
Many low-stress, high-paying jobs fall within the sustainable development field. Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter, told CNBC Make It that this could be because jobs in this field offer opportunities and stability.
“Looking ahead, there are promising prospects in sustainable development and green technology, thanks to consumers shifting focus to environmental protection, clean energy policies, and rapid technological advancements,” said Pollak.
She added that several green jobs, including solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine technicians, have been among the fastest-growing careers in recent years, with continued rapid growth expected in the coming years.
Here are five in-demand green jobs with median annual salaries exceeding $100,000 and relatively lower stress levels (all jobs rated below 70 stress points out of a maximum of 100):
1. Remote Sensing Scientists: These scientists collect and analyze data from aircraft or satellites to address urban planning, national security, and natural resource management issues. Most positions require graduate degrees, such as relevant master’s degrees, Ph.D., or Doctor of Medicine degrees, along with some work experience.
Average annual salary: $112,280
2. Environmental Economists: They study topics like alternative fuel use, soil conservation, and pollution, write academic papers, and evaluate the costs and benefits of policies and regulations affecting the environment. This job typically requires a master’s degree, Ph.D., or a law degree.
Average annual salary: $115,730
3. Water Resource Specialists (also known as Water Resource Planners): They design and implement initiatives to improve water resource conservation and provide safe, clean water to various communities. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree and technical skills, including experience in data analysis and using different software systems.
Average annual salary: $157,740
4. Solar Engineers: These engineers design, develop, and manage equipment and systems that harness solar energy to create clean power. They are the brains behind solar panels, figuring out how to position them for maximum efficiency and connecting them to the grid or battery systems. This job usually requires a bachelor’s degree, knowledge of photovoltaic systems, and experience with design and simulation software.
Average annual salary: $111,970
5. Environmental Engineers: They use mathematics and science to develop solutions for environmental protection and public health. They work on projects to improve water quality, manage waste, and control pollution. This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, understanding of environmental regulations, and proficiency in using modeling and design software.
Average annual salary: $100,090
These high-paying, low-stress green jobs not only offer financial rewards but also contribute to a sustainable future and environmental well-being, making them attractive options for those seeking rewarding careers in growing industries.