Many people believe that a high-paying job always comes with high stress. However, this is not always the case.
There are numerous jobs that offer good pay without the need for a degree and are also low stress.
This article will explore some of these jobs, providing insights into their requirements, benefits, and potential salaries.
Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
- Postal Service Mail Carrier: Deliver mail; government benefits.
- Commercial Pilot: Requires certification; travel perks.
- Plumber: Trade skill; potential for self-employment.
- Electrician: Trade skill; consistent demand.
- Wind Turbine Technician: Growing field; technical training required.
- Real Estate Agent: Commission-based; flexible hours.
- Sales Representative: Potential for high earnings; relationship building.
- Construction Equipment Operator: Requires training; well-paying.
- Firefighter: Community service; shift work.
- Web Developer: Self-taught or bootcamp education; creative work.
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager: Oversee operations; organizational skills.
- Executive Assistant: Support executives; organizational skills.
- Freelancer (various fields): Choose projects; flexible hours.
- Farmer or Gardener: Work with plants/animals; outdoors.
- Culinary Chef: Creative cooking; potentially high-paying in upscale establishments.
Let’s look a bit more deeply at some.
Table of Contents
Real Estate Broker
Real estate brokers are professionals who help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. They don’t necessarily need a degree, but they do need to pass a licensing exam.
The stress level in this job is relatively low as brokers have the flexibility to set their own schedules.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for real estate brokers was $59,720 in May 2019.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes or helicopters for companies that offer charter flights, rescue operations, or aerial photography.
While airline pilots typically need a bachelor’s degree, commercial pilots often only need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The median annual wage for commercial pilots was around $100,000 in 2024.
Web Developer
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site as well as its performance and capacity.
While some jobs require a bachelor’s degree, others may only require a high school diploma and knowledge of programming and graphic design.
The median annual wage for web developers was $73,760 in May 2019.
Postal Service Mail Carriers
Postal service mail carriers deliver mail and packages to homes and businesses in urban and rural areas.
Most postal service workers have a high school diploma. The median annual wage for postal service mail carriers was $52,060 in May 2019.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
They need a postsecondary education award after completing a program of 500 or more hours of study and experience, but a degree is not required.
The median annual wage for massage therapists was $42,820 in May 2019.
FAQs on Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
1. What is the average salary of a real estate broker?
The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $59,720 in May 2019.
2. Do commercial pilots need a degree?
No, commercial pilots often only need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a commercial pilot’s license from the FAA.
3. What qualifications do web developers need?
While some jobs require a bachelor’s degree, others may only require a high school diploma and knowledge of programming and graphic design.
4. How much do postal service mail carriers earn?
The median annual wage for postal service mail carriers was $52,060 in May 2019.
5. Do massage therapists need a degree?
No, massage therapists need a postsecondary education award after completing a program of 500 or more hours of study and experience, but a degree is not required.
6. Are there other low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree?
Yes, there are many other jobs that fit this description. It’s important to research and find a job that suits your skills and interests.
7. Do these jobs offer opportunities for advancement?
Yes, many of these jobs offer opportunities for advancement with experience and additional training or certifications.
8. Are these jobs in high demand?
Yes, many of these jobs are in high demand due to the growing need for their services.
9. Can I work part-time in these jobs?
Yes, many of these jobs offer part-time opportunities, providing even more flexibility.
10. What are the working hours like for these jobs?
The working hours can vary greatly depending on the job. Some may require regular business hours, while others may offer more flexible schedules.
Summary – Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
There are many low-stress jobs that pay well without requiring a degree.
These include real estate brokers, commercial pilots, web developers, postal service mail carriers, and massage therapists.
While some of these jobs require specific licenses or certifications, they offer good pay and the opportunity to work in a low-stress environment.
