Top 10 Best Low Stress Jobs: Great Pay, Happy Mental Health

Low Stress Jobs Recommendations

Let’s explore ten fantastic low stress jobs that fit this modern definition and offer low stress high paying job potential:

1. Remote Customer Service Representative (Non-Phone Intensive)

Forget the image of being glued to a phone headset all day. Many companies now offer remote customer service roles that primarily involve email, chat, and ticket-based support. This allows for more focused work, less reactive stress, and the ability to manage your time effectively. While strong communication skills are needed, the pace can often be more controlled than phone-based support.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for customer service representatives in the United States was around $19.08 in May 2023, and many remote positions offer competitive benefits.

This number can tend to increase over time due to factors like demand and cost of living adjustments.

• Skills Recommendation: Good written communication, patience, problem-solving, and basic computer skills.
• Salary Range: Typically $15 – $25 per hour, or $30,000 – $50,000 per year, depending on experience and company.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety. The focus on written communication can be less anxiety-inducing than constant phone calls. Working remotely reduces commute stress and allows for a more controlled environment. The tasks often involve clear steps and resolutions, which can provide a sense of accomplishment.

2. Virtual Assistant

The demand for virtual assistants (VAs) has exploded. VAs help people with tasks like organizing schedules, managing emails, and handling social media, all from their own homes.

If you are someone who feels anxious every time you wake up for work, becoming a VA might be a good fit.

You often get to set your hours and work in a way that feels comfortable for you. This means you won’t need to mask your true self, something that can be tiring for people who experience ADHD masking at a traditional workplace.

VAs provide administrative, technical, or creative help to clients from remote locations. This job offers a lot of freedom, and if you have good skills, it can be one of the low stress jobs that pay well. 

• Skills Recommendation: Organization, time management, communication (written and sometimes verbal), proficiency in relevant software (e.g., email, scheduling tools, social media platforms), self-motivation.
• Salary Range: Typically, entry-level VAs might earn $15 – $30 per hour, while experienced or specialized VAs can earn $40 – $75+ per hour. Annual income can vary greatly depending on hours worked.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The ability to set your own hours and work from home provides a high level of control and reduces external pressures. The variety of tasks can also prevent boredom and allow you to focus on areas where you feel most comfortable and confident.

3. Online Tutor

If you have expertise in a particular subject, becoming an online tutor can be a rewarding and low-stress way to earn money. You can set your hours, choose the subjects you want to teach and work with students from the comfort of your home.

Platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, and Skooli connect tutors with students of all ages. Pay rates vary depending on the platform and subject, but can be quite competitive, making it a great option for low stress jobs that pay well

• Skills Recommendation: Strong knowledge in your subject area, patience, good communication and explanation skills, ability to connect with students.
• Salary Range: Pay rates on platforms can range from $10 – $40+ per hour depending on the subject and platform. Private tutoring can command higher rates.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The one-on-one interaction (often virtual) can be less overwhelming than managing a classroom. Setting your own hours allows for flexibility and control over your schedule. The focus on a specific subject you’re comfortable with can also boost confidence.

4. Freelance Writer or Editor

For those with a passion for writing or a keen eye for detail, freelance writing and editing offer significant flexibility and autonomy.

You can choose your niche, set your rates, and work on projects that interest you. While it requires self-discipline and marketing efforts, the actual work of writing and editing can be done at your own pace and in a quiet environment. Experienced freelancers can earn substantial income, positioning this as one of the best options for those seeking low stress high pay jobs.

• Skills Recommendation: Excellent writing and grammar skills, attention to detail (for editing), research skills, ability to meet deadlines (self-imposed), self-motivation, marketing and networking skills.
• Salary Range: Rates can vary widely from $20 – $100+ per hour depending on experience, niche, and client. Income can be unpredictable initially but can become very lucrative with experience.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The ability to work independently and at your own pace in a quiet environment can be very beneficial. Choosing your projects allows you to focus on areas that interest you and avoid topics that might cause stress.

5. Website Tester or User Experience (UX) Tester

Companies need people to test their websites and provide feedback on usability and functionality. As a website tester or UX tester, you’ll navigate websites, perform specific tasks, and report any issues or areas for improvement. This work is often project-based, offering flexibility in your schedule, and doesn’t typically involve high-pressure deadlines.

While technical skills are helpful, many companies provide training. Pay per test can vary but it can add up to a decent income for a relatively low-stress job.

• Skills Recommendation: Attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, clear communication (written feedback), basic understanding of website functionality.
• Salary Range: Pay per test typically ranges from $10 – $30 per test, with some specialized tests paying more. Income depends on the number of tests completed. While individual tests may not pay much, some testers might earn that much in a day of multiple tests or for specialized projects.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The task-oriented nature of the work and the ability to complete it independently and on your own schedule can be appealing. There’s typically no direct interaction with others, reducing social anxiety.

6. Data Analyst (Entry-Level/Focus on Specific Datasets)

While advanced data science roles can be demanding, entry-level data analysis positions that focus on specific datasets and reporting can be quite methodical and less stressful. These roles often involve cleaning, organizing, and interpreting data to identify trends and insights.

With the increasing importance of data in all industries, the demand for data analysts is high, and many positions offer remote work opportunities and good pay.

• Skills Recommendation: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, proficiency in spreadsheet software (like Excel or Google Sheets), and basic understanding of data analysis concepts.
• Salary Range: Entry-level data analysts can typically earn between $45,000 – $70,000 per year, depending on location and company.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The work often involves focused, independent analysis of data, which can be less overwhelming than roles requiring constant interaction or unpredictable tasks. Remote work options are also common.

7. Remote Bookkeeper

With the rise of small businesses and the gig economy, the need for remote bookkeepers is growing. Bookkeepers manage financial transactions, prepare financial reports, and ensure accuracy in financial records.

Modern accounting software is making a streamlined process. Many remote bookkeeping roles offer flexible hours and a predictable workflow. This can be a stable and relatively low stress jobs that pay well, especially for those who are organized and detail-oriented.

• Skills Recommendation: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, knowledge of basic accounting principles, proficiency in accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero), trustworthiness.
• Salary Range: Remote bookkeepers can earn between $40,000 – $70,000+ per year depending on experience, number of clients, and complexity of work.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The structured and predictable nature of bookkeeping tasks can be comforting. Remote work allows for a quiet and controlled environment, and the focus on numbers can be less emotionally demanding than people-facing roles.

8. Social Media Manager (Focus on Content Creation and Scheduling)

While managing a large brand’s social media presence can be high-pressure, many smaller businesses and individuals need help with content creation and scheduling. This role involves developing social media calendars, creating engaging posts, and scheduling them for optimal times.

It allows for creative work with a degree of control over your schedule and workload, making it a potentially low stress high paying jobs depending on the client base.

• Skills Recommendation: Creativity, good writing skills, understanding of social media platforms, time management, basic graphic design skills (canva, etc.).
• Salary Range: For smaller businesses or individuals, this might start as a part-time role with hourly rates of $15 – $40+. Full-time social media managers focused on content and scheduling can earn $45,000 – $70,000+ per year.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The ability to plan and schedule content in advance can reduce the pressure of constant, real-time engagement. Working remotely and focusing on creative tasks can also be beneficial.

9. Transcriptionist

Transcription involves converting audio or video recordings into written text. This can include medical transcriptions, legal transcriptions, or general transcriptions. While it requires excellent listening and typing skills, it’s often a solitary task that can be done at your own pace.

Many transcription jobs are remote and offer flexible hours, making it a good option for those seeking a focused and less demanding work environment.

Pay rates vary depending on the type of transcription and your speed and accuracy.

• Skills Recommendation: Excellent listening skills, fast and accurate typing, strong grammar and spelling, attention to detail.
• Salary Range: Pay rates can vary from $15 – $30+ per hour depending on the type of transcription (medical and legal often pay more), experience, and speed. Annual income can range from $30,000 to $60,000+.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The solitary nature of the work and the ability to work at your own pace and set your own hours can be very appealing. The focus is on listening and typing, which can be less socially demanding.

10. Online Research Assistant

Many businesses and researchers need help gathering information online.

As an online research assistant, you would be tasked with finding specific data, compiling information, and organizing research findings. This role often involves independent work, attention to detail, and the ability to use search engines and online databases effectively.

It can be flexible and a relatively calm job that pays well for those who enjoy exploring and analyzing information.

• Skills Recommendation: Strong research skills, attention to detail, ability to organize information, good reading comprehension, and proficiency in using search engines and online databases.
• Salary Range: Hourly rates can range from $15 – $30+, and annual salaries can be in the range of $35,000 – $60,000 depending on the employer and complexity of the research.

Why It’s Best for People with Anxiety: The independent nature of the work and the focus on research and analysis can be less overwhelming than roles requiring constant interaction or high-pressure decision-making. The flexibility of remote work is also a plus.