Six High-Paying Careers with Low Stress: Your Path to Six-Figure Income with a Bachelor's Degree

Finding work that offers both substantial income and manageable pressure isn’t an impossible dream. Recent analysis of labor market trends reveals that numerous professionals earn six figures annually while maintaining balanced work environments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median full-time worker earned approximately $60,580 annually in 2024, making the pursuit of high-paying positions with reduced stress levels an increasingly attractive career strategy.

The Growing Appeal of Balanced Career Paths

The assumption that higher salaries invariably come with elevated stress levels doesn’t hold true across all professions. Research compiled by Resume Genius identified multiple lucrative careers that offer predictable environments and reasonable workload expectations. These positions typically share common characteristics: clear job responsibilities, structured work settings, and the flexibility to manage time effectively.

The median salaries for these six positions range from $103,800 to $157,740 annually—significantly above national averages. What distinguishes them from high-stress corporate roles is the emphasis on long-term planning, research-based work, and professional autonomy rather than constant deadline pressure or high-stakes decision-making.

Career Path 1: Water Resource Specialist

With a median annual salary of $157,740, water resource specialists earn among the highest compensation in this group. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics documented approximately 100,100 positions in this field as of 2023, with projected growth of 8% through 2033. Entry-level positions require only a bachelor’s degree, making this an accessible path for graduates.

The role involves monitoring and ensuring clean water supplies for municipalities and regions. What makes this career particularly attractive is the predictable daily environment with clearly defined responsibilities. Specialists work in established systems with measurable objectives, eliminating the ambiguity that often creates workplace stress. The combination of meaningful work protecting public health and stable employment conditions creates an inherently low-pressure position.

Career Path 2: Astronomer

Astronomers earned a median salary of $127,930, with the BLS reporting 23,500 positions available in 2023 and an expected growth rate of 7% by 2033. Unlike the water resource specialist role, becoming an astronomer requires advanced education—either a doctoral or professional degree.

The profession attracts individuals seeking intellectual engagement without corporate pressure. Astronomers typically conduct research on celestial objects and cosmic phenomena in controlled academic settings or research institutions. The focus on long-term projects rather than immediate commercial outcomes creates inherently low-stress conditions. Additionally, many astronomers work remotely or in quiet research environments, further reducing workplace tension and allowing deep focus on scientific inquiry.

Career Path 3: Environmental Economist

Environmental economists earned $115,730 annually, with the BLS identifying 17,500 positions in 2023 and anticipating 5% growth through 2033. This role typically requires a master’s degree, though entry-level positions with government agencies sometimes accept bachelor’s degree holders.

The work involves analyzing economic implications of environmental policies and sustainability regulations. As global governments increasingly prioritize green initiatives and climate solutions, demand for this expertise continues rising. The role’s low-stress nature stems from its focus on long-term strategic planning rather than immediate execution. Environmental economists work to address critical sustainability challenges while contributing to policy development—work that provides meaningful purpose alongside manageable pressure.

Career Path 4: Mathematician and Statistician

Mathematicians and statisticians earned $104,860 at the median, with the BLS reporting 34,800 positions in 2023 and an 11% projected growth rate through 2033. These roles require a master’s degree and attract professionals who excel at problem-solving and analytical thinking.

The primary employers include federal government agencies and research organizations where structured work environments dominate. Unlike fast-paced commercial settings, mathematics and statistics roles emphasize careful analysis and collaborative problem-solving. Working within research labs or university campuses provides inherently manageable conditions where professionals tackle complex challenges without constant time pressure. The emphasis on correctness over speed naturally reduces stress levels compared to high-frequency trading floors or aggressive sales environments.

Career Path 5: Actuary

Actuaries commanded a median salary of $120,000, with the BLS documenting 30,200 positions and projecting 22% job growth by 2033—notably higher growth than most other fields. A bachelor’s degree satisfies educational requirements for entry-level positions, making this an attractive option for graduates in mathematics, economics, or related fields.

Actuaries analyze financial risks and evaluate investment strategies for insurance companies, pension funds, and financial institutions. While analytical rigor is essential, the work rarely involves high-pressure emergency situations. Instead, actuaries focus on methodical research and long-term planning for risk management. The combination of specialized skills and relatively stable work rhythm creates favorable conditions for professionals seeking six-figure income without overwhelming stress.

Career Path 6: Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts earned $103,800 at the median salary level, with the BLS reporting 527,200 positions as of 2023 and an expected 11% growth rate—substantially higher than average position growth. Entry requirements include a bachelor’s degree, making this accessible to recent graduates in computer science or related fields.

This role involves evaluating current technology infrastructure and implementing improvements for organizational efficiency. The explosive growth in remote work arrangements has expanded flexibility within this career. Many computer systems analysts enjoy work-from-home opportunities, allowing them to structure their time strategically. Employers value the specialized technical skills highly, often permitting analysts additional time to complete complex projects. This flexibility and professional respect combine to create a naturally low-stress position compared to customer-facing or sales-intensive roles.

Making Strategic Career Choices

The trajectory of these six careers demonstrates that high-paying positions with manageable stress levels exist across multiple sectors. Each requires either a bachelor’s degree or advanced education—indicating that educational investment directly correlates with income potential and work environment quality.

When evaluating career options, consider the combination of salary potential, job growth projections, and work environment characteristics. Water resource specialists enjoy the highest compensation alongside consistent demand. Astronomers and environmental economists attract intellectually-driven professionals. Actuaries, mathematicians, and computer systems analysts leverage analytical skills with strong employment forecasts.

The key distinction separating these careers from high-stress alternatives lies in work structure and expectations. Research-driven roles, government positions, and technical analysis positions inherently reduce pressure compared to sales, finance trading, or executive management tracks. By selecting careers that align with both financial goals and personality preferences for balanced work environments, professionals can achieve six-figure income while maintaining life quality and reduced stress levels.

Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree or plan to pursue advanced education, these pathways demonstrate that lucrative careers need not sacrifice well-being for income growth. The labor market continues expanding opportunities for professionals seeking meaningful, well-compensated work within sustainable pressure conditions.