As workplace stress and burnout continue to define the modern U.S. job market, new research from global career expert TopResume reveals that professionals don’t have to sacrifice their mental health to earn a high salary.
While many workers still believe that six-figure salaries come hand-in-hand with long hours, constant pressure, and emotional exhaustion, TopResume’s latest analysis shows that a growing number of careers offer above-average pay alongside manageable stress levels and healthier work-life balance.
According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2025 report, more than half of U.S. workers say they experience daily stress because of their job — underscoring how normalized burnout has become across industries. Against this backdrop, TopResume set out to identify roles that break this pattern heading into 2026.
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What is a Low-Stress Job?
Low-stress jobs shouldn’t be confused with easy roles that require little responsibility. Instead, they tend to share several defining characteristics: predictable workflows, fewer urgent deadlines, minimal interpersonal conflict, and an emphasis on research, strategy, or systems thinking rather than constant crisis management.
The Fastest Growing Jobs in 2026
TopResume’s research highlights which low-stress, high-paying careers are set for the strongest growth over the next decade.
Actuarial roles top the list as the fastest-growing, with a median salary of $125,770. Demand for actuaries in the U.S. is projected to rise 21.8% by 2034, bringing the estimated number of jobs to 409,000.
Following closely, Forensic Science Technicians are expected to grow 12.8% by 2034, reaching approximately 23,300 roles. With a median salary of $67,440, this career offers a compelling combination of stability, structure, and intellectual engagement.
Rounding out the top three, Mechanical Engineers are projected to see 9.1% growth over the same period, with the number of positions reaching 319,600. The role’s median salary of $102,320, paired with predictable workflows and well-established processes, makes it a standout option for those seeking both financial security and manageable stress levels.
These trends demonstrate that high pay and low stress are not mutually exclusive. For professionals seeking careers that balance strong earning potential with long-term stability and well-being, these growth-oriented roles represent some of the most promising opportunities entering 2026.
Natural Sciences Manager Revealed as the highest paid, low-stress job of 2026
The research also found that the following careers stood out for their combination of strong median salaries, manageable stress profiles, and stable employment prospects:
1. Natural Sciences Manager
Natural sciences managers make a median salary of $161,180. They oversee research and development in fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. They manage teams, budgets, and project timelines rather than conducting hands-on experiments.
2. Astronomer
Astronomers make a median annual salary of $132,170. Their job is to study celestial objects and phenomena, analyzing data from telescopes and satellites to better understand the universe. Most work in research institutions, universities, or government agencies.
3. Actuary
Actuaries earn a median annual salary of $125,770, assessing financial risk through the application of mathematics, statistics, and data analysis, primarily in the insurance and finance industries.
4. Mathematician
Mathematicians make a median annual salary of $121,680 by using advanced mathematics to develop theories, solve practical problems, and conduct research in government, private industry, or academia.
5. Physical Scientist
Physical scientists make a median annual salary of $117,960 by studying the natural laws governing matter and energy, including physicists and related specialists.
6. Economist
Economists earn a median annual salary of $115,440. Their role is to analyze data to understand economic trends, forecast outcomes, and inform policy or business decisions.
7. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts make a median annual salary of $103,790 by studying an organization’s current computer systems and designing solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently.
8. Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers earn a median annual salary of $102,320 by designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices, including engines, machines, and tools.
9. Social Scientist
Social scientists make a median annual salary of $100,340. Their role is to study human behavior and societal trends, conducting research in fields like sociology, anthropology, and political science.
10. Geographer
Geographers earn a median salary of $97,200 by studying Earth’s land, features, and inhabitants, analyzing spatial data to understand environmental and human patterns.
“For too long, professionals have been told that burnout is the cost of admission for a high-paying career,” According to Amanda Augustine, CPCC and resident career expert for TopResume. “That if you want to earn well, you have to sacrifice your personal life, your mental health, or your overall well-being. This new data from TopResume challenges that assumption.
What our research shows is that high pay and low stress aren’t mutually exclusive. There are well-compensated roles that offer stability, structure, and sustainable workloads — particularly for people who thrive in strategic, analytical, or planning-oriented environments. The common thread isn’t luck; it’s preparation. These careers reward professionals who intentionally build in-demand skills, deepen their expertise, and position themselves as problem-solvers employers can rely on.
That said, these roles aren’t one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy (or succeed in) every career on this list, and that’s an important part of the conversation. Whether you’re a student exploring potential majors or career paths, or a professional considering a pivot, the data is just a starting point. It’s critical to look beyond salary figures and growth projections and do some deeper homework.
Informational interviews, conversations with people already working in these roles, and independent research can provide invaluable insight into what the day-to-day work actually looks like. This includes the technical requirements, the soft skills involved, and the types of personalities that tend to thrive in these positions. That clarity can help professionals make more confident decisions about whether a path is right for them, and what steps they need to take next to pursue it.
Ultimately, building a lucrative and sustainable career is about aligning your strengths, your interests, and the value you bring to the market. When those pieces come together, financial success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being.”
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Tags: actuaries, astronomers, careers, low stress jobs
