The US Department of Labor has a comprehensive occupation database called the Occupational Information Network, O*NET, which lists job roles and attaches a stress tolerance indicator from 1- 100. Stress tolerance sums up the importance of high tolerance to criticism and handling stressful situations calmly.
Using the O*NET database from their 2019 survey (the 2020 survey will be available in 2021), urologists, film editors, and anesthesiologist assistants felt that high tolerance to stress was necessary for their job roles. Hence, these roles require over 98% stress tolerance. On the other hand, models, couriers, and messengers sampled in the survey felt that high tolerance to stress was essential to less than 40%. Potentially, the lack of concern by the latter might arise from these roles being less technical.
Many low-stress jobs pay over $40,000 annually. These jobs include a massage therapist, cartographer, technical writer, and dietician. However, some low-stress jobs pay over $100,000 annually.
This O*NET survey highlighted above lists all job roles in the US. Each job title leads to a page with more details about the median wage in 2019 and the projected job openings from 2019 to 2029. From this survey, here are 10 high paying jobs that offer a salary of over $100,000.
1. Software Analyst
A software analyst has a minimum educational qualification of a post-secondary certificate and above-average knowledge of computers, electronics, mathematics, and technology. In most cases, software testers have a bachelor’s degree. This role is more individualistic, and it has a lower chance of working in a team. An analyst spends most of their time in front of a computer; therefore, minimal to no travel. According to the O*NET survey highlighted above, a software analyst makes about $108,000 annually.
2. Pilot
This includes copilots, and the average educational minimum is a bachelor’s degree. It is a highly-skilled role that requires an understanding of flight software, geography, and mathematics. On average, this high paying job offers about $147,000 per year.
3. Computer and Information Systems Managers
A computer and information system manager supervises a department of experts like system analysts and programmers. This role requires web development and database management skills, and a majority of the professionals have a bachelor’s degree. However, based on the 2019 survey highlighted above, 26% of the sampled group had no degree. The average salary for this role is $146,360 annually.
4. Economist
An economist can make decisions to a large degree during research or analysis of statistical or economic data. This professional also supervises the data sampling process and prepares and disseminates reports after data collection. This role is an indoor position with little to no need to travel. Per year, an economist earns about $105,000.
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5. Radiologist
This role requires accuracy and good decisions while collecting a patient’s information or operating imaging equipment like x-ray machines and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A radiologist makes about $207,000 annually.
6. A Judge or a Magistrate
This is one of the high paying jobs with the most freedom to make decisions. In addition to sentencing the accused, a magistrate also monitors proceedings to ensure all sides follow the right laws and rules. There is also research work before a magistrate can rule or make decisions. This position pays about $137,000 per annum.
7. Obstetrician or Gynecologist
This professional has direct physical contact with patients during medical examinations, and the minimum educational qualification is a professional degree. They make over $208,000 annually.
8. Nurse Anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist works with a dentist, a physician, or a surgeon. This role requires at least a professional degree and most nurse anesthetists proceed to acquire a master’s and a PhD. The average a nurse anesthetist makes in a year is $175,000.
9. Urologist
A urologist must have a professional degree and possibly a doctorate. The duties of a urologist include diagnosing and treating genitourinary health problems like incontinence and prostate cancer. This professional also interprets tests like the prostate specific antigen and performs surgeries on the abdomen and the pelvic area. This job pays an average of $207,000.
Related: The Benefits Associated with a Healthcare Career
10. Air Traffic Controller
Another title for this job is control tower operator. The tasks include alerting emergency services in case of unforeseen situations and redirecting aircraft to new flight paths when there is an emergency landing. An air traffic controller also alerts pilots of possible changes in flight visibility due to weather changes. This job is not popular but it pays $123,000 annually, and many air traffic controllers have a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
The medical field has the most low-stress and high paying jobs because they are highly-skilled tasks with high demand globally. These roles require high educational qualification and work experience and that may be another reason more people shy away from them.