20 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
April 15, 2025
If you’re saving money for college, or you just want to start working right away instead of spending seemingly endless years in school, there’s good news: it is, in fact, possible to make a solid living with no degree. What’s more, if you choose wisely, you can make a decent living without being constantly bogged down by job stress. Before we dive into low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree, we’ll address what leads to job stress (and why to avoid it). Keep scrolling to check out high-paying, low-stress jobs for a variety of skill sets and workplace preferences.
What Causes Stress in the Workplace?
Before we get to a list of low stress jobs that pay well without a degree, we should mention the causes of workplace stress that you might want to avoid. Here are five stressful factors to watch out for when job-seeking:
Excessive Workload
This might seem obvious, but especially in a moment when workers can take meetings from home and check emails on their phones (while on a lunch “break,” or even while lying in bed at night), work-related tasks and thoughts can take over your waking hours. Many jobs these days are fully remote, which makes it even more difficult to separate “work time” from “relaxing time.” We recommend seeking a job that makes it possible to leave work at work, or at least confine it to a specific set of hours.
Job Security Concerns
Though it’s difficult to find a job with 100% security, some jobs are more secure than others. You may want to look for a job that has renewable or longer contracts. Furthermore, a job that pays a consistent amount by the hour, month, or year may be less stressful than, say, a restaurant job in which pay usually depends on the day’s tips.
Unreliable Management
It’s difficult to be low-stress in an employment situation with unreliable management. If you find that your manager says one thing and does another, or gives you more work than what’s in your job description (a frequent problem, unfortunately), unreliable management could be leading to your stress. High rates of employee turnover (meaning, employees are constantly quitting and being replaced) frequently signify poor management.
Lack of Communication and Transparency
Often related to unreliable management, a lack of communication at the workplace can certainly lead to a stressful experience. The changing of work expectations without a conversation or updated contract (or better yet, a pay raise) is a common example of this. Or maybe you find that you’re having to waste your time redoing assignments (this could also point to a lack of communication, and could certainly lead to increased stress at work).
Negative Workplace Environment
This one is popularly referred to as “bad vibes.” Are employees on bad terms with each other and with the manager? Is there excessive workplace gossip, or is the environment overly competitive? Are you just in a bad mood by the end of the day, every day? In general, if employees seem to dislike their jobs or one another, this negative social dynamic can lead to heightened stress.
Why Aim For a Low-Stress Job?
A job in which the workload is reasonable and well-communicated, in which you are allowed to leave work at work, and in which management is kind and communicative can lead to lower stress levels in and out of the workplace. This is no small thing: experts say that those who are less stressed are likely to have lower blood pressure and better memory. They are also less likely to experience digestive issues, develop sleep problems, and even experience strokes. So, continue reading for jobs that could help you maintain your mental and physical health while also paying the bills.
20 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
Here are 14 jobs you may not have thought of that could be great options for you. Depending on the workplace, these jobs have the potential to be low-stress and well-paid (with no degree necessary).
Note that the median salaries come from a large range, and they may vary largely by city and region.
1) Dental Assistant
Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists to perform basic procedures and help with administrative tasks, including welcoming patients into the office, maintaining patient records, and setting follow-up appointments. They also keep dental tools sanitized and well-maintained. These employees must be punctual, organized, and kind to visitors. A high-school diploma and/or associate’s degree can help you in landing this job.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 dental assistants made a median salary of $46,540 per year. What’s more, the number of people employed as dental assistants is set to increase 8% during the next decade.
2) Dog Groomer/Trainer/Walker
For the animal lovers out there, jobs related to dog care (and other pet care) are often low-stress and pay fairly well. Some groomers, trainers, and walkers work for companies or kennels, and others have their own businesses. This set of jobs requires great social skills, since it involves communicating clearly and treating owners (and of course, their pets) with understanding and kindness.
In 2023, “animal care and service workers” made a median salary of $31,830. At the same time, the number of people employed in this field is set to increase by 15% in the coming decade.
3) Floral Designer
Floral designers produce specialized floral arrangements based on customer needs. Often, they create wedding bouquets, wreaths, and corsages, by arranging real and artificial flowers in original designs. Though artistic, this job also involves customer service skills and the ability to complete tasks such as negotiating prices, fulfilling large orders, and communicating with vendors. Delivery is sometimes necessary.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, floral designers made a median pay of $33,160 in 2022.
4) Graphic Designer
Graphic designers design visuals (manually or with computer software) in order to express ideas to consumers that are eye-catching, engaging, and informative. Businesses often hire graphic designers to work on advertisements, websites, magazines, and brochures. While some graphic designers have university degrees, many are self-taught or gain skills through non-university design. If you’re thinking of a career in graphic design, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common online tools (Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Photoshop are common ones) and start building a portfolio to showcase your skills to companies. Note that graphic designers working for companies or agencies might have more stable and stress-free jobs than freelance designers.
In 2023, graphic designers made a median salary of $58,910.
5) Hairstylist
Another job for those who are artistic and detail-oriented, hairstylists are responsible for providing haircuts and washes, coloring hair, selling products, and maintaining clean environments with friendly customer service. While a university degree is not required for this job, hairstylists should have active cosmetology licenses.
While the median salary for hairstylists was $35,080 in 2023, the number of people employed in this profession is forecasted to grow by 7% in the next decade.
6) Hearing Aid Specialists
Assisting audiologists, these specialists perform hearing evaluations so that clients can select and receive proper assistance with fitting and adjustment. This job requires patient consultations and technical expertise in hearing aid technology and audiology, and the workplace environment is generally low-stress. Two years of training and an apprenticeship can help you to land a position in this role.
In 2023, hearing aid specialists made a median salary of $58,670.
7) Interpreter/Translator
Interpreters and translators are necessary for facilitating communication with global partners and clients, and bridging language barriers. If you speak multiple languages and can translate across them, this could be a great job for you.
Interpreters and translators in the US made a median salary of $57,090 in 2023.
8) Library Technician
Library technicians can work in public libraries, schools, universities, and government organizations, working under the management of a librarian to acquire materials, help readers use catalogs, and organize books once returned. If you love books and thrive in quiet environments, this could be a perfect gig. Computer competency and interpersonal skills are useful for the job.
In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the median salary for library technicians was $36,700 per year.
9) Medical Assistant
Are you interested in working in a healthcare environment, but perhaps less interested in acquiring a medical or nursing degree? Medical assistants are essential employees at many medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and general physicians’ offices. They take on jobs such as acquiring patient records and test results, arranging treatment rooms, administering medicines to patients, and completing general administrative tasks. To get a job as a medical assistant, you might want to complete a medical assistant program and gain some internship experience. Additionally, it will help to have excellent customer service skills and background knowledge of patient care.
As of January 2024, the average medical assistant in the United States makes $42,000 per year. What’s more, the number of people employed as medical assistants is predicted to increase by 15% over the next ten years.
10) Massage Therapist
How about a relatively low-stress job that pays well without a degree and eases the stress of others? Massage therapists can calm and de-stress their patients, and help to ease their muscle tension and pain. These professionals can also choose to specialize in areas that most interest them, from acupressure to deep-tissue massage to sports massage. Massage therapists can work in spas, sports centers, or healthcare centers, or they can open their own businesses. Becoming a massage therapist requires a certification. It’s a great job for those who enjoy using their hands (this can become effortful) and interacting with others.
According to the BLS, massage therapists made a median salary of $55,310 in 2023.
11) Optician
Opticians, often employed adjacent to optometry centers, analyze eye prescriptions provided by optometrists (who prescribe glasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids). This job involves customer service skills, since opticians assist patients in choosing the best pair of glasses and readjusting eyewear (dexterity can also be useful here). Overall, this is a low-stress job that allows employees to leave work at work. While you don’t need a college degree to become an optician, you will need to undergo training and an apprenticeship program that allows you to acquire an associate degree in optics.
Opticians made a median salary of $44,170 in 2023.
12) Personal Trainer
Often working at health and fitness centers, personal trainers conduct fitness assessments and build individual exercise programs that respond to their clients’ needs. They sometimes also offer nutritional guidance, teach yoga or various fitness classes, and assist with membership and other administrative tasks at fitness centers. This is a good job for those who prefer to be physically active and social throughout the day. Trainers are often required to have First Aid and CPR certifications. Some may choose to become certified to teach yoga, Pilates, barre, or other fitness programs.
In 2023, personal trainers made a median salary of $46,480.
13) Security Guard
Security guards are responsible for monitoring surveillance cameras, patrolling assigned perimeters, and responding to alarms, among other duties. Though some days may be calm and quiet, security guards must be ready to act if there is an emergency. Often, security guards have high school diplomas and First Aid certifications. They also usually must have clean criminal records and excellent communication and observation skills.
In 2023, security guards made a median salary of $37,070.
14) Travel Agent
A travel agent helps clients with planning vacations. This job involves seeking out ideal destinations for them, matching them with hotels, transportation, and activities. Travel agents must have excellent organizational and communication skills in order to plan all travel services (transportation, accommodations, insurance, among others) and communicate with clients. They must also network with tour operators and deal with travel problems that may occur.
In 2023, the median travel agent salary in the U.S. was $47,410.
15) Landscaper and Groundskeeper
If you can’t stand the idea of being in a cubicle all day, you might consider becoming a landscaper or groundskeeper. These workers maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, or sprinkler installation.
With a median salary of $37,690 (2023) and a respectable 5% growth rate over the next decade, this might be a good option if you want a low-stress, solitary job.
16) Artist
Though the stereotype of the “starving artist” is well-known, the median salary of a craft or fine artist is a respectable $52,910 (2023). Craft and fine artists include sculptors, weavers, metalworkers, painters, and printmakers. You might make and sell jewelry or exhibit your video art in galleries. Depending on your medium, you might learn your craft through an apprenticeship or other non-traditional education.
17) Courier or Messenger
This is one of the best low stress jobs that pay well without a degree because it’s not overly complicated — someone gives you a package and tells you where to take it. Though being a bike messenger might be stressful, couriers are just as likely to go by foot, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance. What’s more, with a median salary of $38,350 (2023), being a courier or messenger might be the low stress job you’re looking for.
18) Welder
Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t help but think that there must be something soothing about welding. Slap your mask down, put your Airpods in — just you, the flame, and the welding rod. Though some welding jobs require a certification, apprenticeships allow you to learn most skills on the job. Furthermore, with a median salary of $48,940, welding is one of the higher-paying jobs on this list.
19) Yoga Instructor
Though the BLS lumps together yoga instructors with personal trainers, being a yoga instructor seems much more chill. Imagine being paid to guide people through calming yoga poses. While it’s true that you don’t need a college degree to be a yoga instructor, there’s no shortage of schools and certifications should you want to further your skills. Though the salary for a yoga instructor varies considerably, in major metropolitan areas, instructors with several years of experience and a strong client base can earn upwards of six figures annually.
20) Roofer
Assuming you’re okay with heights, being a roofer is a straightforward affair. And while it’s physically demanding, involving climbing, bending, kneeling, and heavy lifting, when you’re done with the workday, there’s really no way to take your work home with you. What’s more, there are typically no formal education requirements for roofers. Although most roofers learn on the job, some enter the occupation through an apprenticeship.
According to BLS, in 2023, the median salary for a roofer was $50,030.
Final Thoughts: Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
Hopefully, this information has been helpful as you dream up career possibilities that allow you to make money and also keep your stress level low. For more information about jobs that are good for your mental health (including some options for landing jobs without a bachelor’s degree) check out the following articles:
