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Imagine sipping your morning coffee in your pajamas, knowing your workday is about to begin — and end — without a stressful commute or tight deadlines. What if you could pair the freedom of working from anywhere with a paycheck that turns heads? Spoiler alert: you can.
Keep reading to discover 15 high-paying jobs you can perform from anywhere and with fewer headaches.
What Is a Low-Stress Job?
Low-stress jobs are known for respecting a work-life balance that is ideal for the employee. This balance can translate differently depending on the person or lifestyle, but it typically involves flexible work hours, manageable workloads, less micromanagement, and a supportive team.
The stress can be even less for remote positions. “These jobs not only provide people the opportunity to have a lucrative career but also allow them to more easily manage the demands of work and their personal lives because they can work remotely,” said career professional Toni Frana.
With remote jobs, employees worry less about commuting, enjoy more time with their families, and experience a work environment prioritizing flexibility and productivity.
15 High-Paying, Low-Stress Remote Jobs
Jump to the following sections:
- Astronomer
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Actuary
- Environmental economist
- Mathematician
- Computer systems analyst
- Remote sensing scientist & technologist
- Geographer
- Transportation planner
- Industrial ecologist
- Cartographer & photogrammetrist
- Search marketing strategist
- Geodetic surveyor
- Computer numerically control tool programmer
- Craft artist
Astronomer
- Median annual salary: $149,530
- Stress rating: 59
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 7%
Astronomy is a research-driven field that often involves working with large datasets, writing reports, and collaborating virtually with global teams, making it highly adaptable to remote work.
Astronomers and physicists study celestial objects such as stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes to understand the universe's origins, structure, and evolution. They analyze data collected by telescopes and satellites, develop computational models, and publish research findings.
Explore research remote jobs.
Bioinformatics scientist
- Median annual salary: $145,080
- Stress rating: 56
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 26%
Bioinformatics scientists use computational tools and software to analyze and interpret complex biological data, such as genetic sequences, protein structures, or disease pathways. Their work is crucial in advancing scientific discoveries and improving health care outcomes.
Bioinformatics scientists rely heavily on data analysis and computational modeling. These tasks can be done entirely on a computer from anywhere. The work often involves flexible schedules and minimal high-pressure deadlines, particularly in research-focused roles.
Explore scientific remote jobs.
Actuary
- Median annual salary: $120,000
- Stress rating: 57
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 22%
Actuaries analyze financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and data analysis to help organizations make informed decisions. Their work is highly data-driven, making it well-suited for remote environments.
Actuaries play a vital role in insurance, pensions, and investment industries, ensuring companies remain financially stable and prepared for future uncertainties. While the job requires precision, the structured nature of the work and predictable deadlines contribute to a lower-stress environment.
Check out insurance remote jobs.
Environmental economist
- Median annual salary: $115,730
- Stress rating: 52
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 5%
Environmental economists analyze the economic impact of environmental policies and natural resource use. Their work often involves advising governments, businesses, and nonprofits on managing resources efficiently and reducing ecological damage while maintaining financial stability.
Environmental economists frequently work on research, data analysis, and policy recommendations, which can be done remotely with access to the right tools. This role typically involves flexible schedules, focusing on long-term projects, and minimal high-pressure deadlines.
Explore environmental & green remote jobs.
Mathematician
- Median annual salary: $104,860
- Stress rating: 56
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 11%
Mathematicians use advanced mathematical theories, techniques, and models to solve problems in science, engineering, business, and technology. Mathematicians often work in academic, governmental, or private industry settings.
Much of a mathematician’s work involves independent problem-solving, data analysis, and research — all tasks that can be done anywhere with a computer. The field offers flexible schedules and often focuses on long-term projects rather than urgent deadlines.
Explore math & economics remote jobs.
Computer systems analyst
- Median annual salary: $103,800
- Stress rating: 60
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 11%
Computer systems analysts evaluate an organization's computer systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and ensure they align with business goals. They analyze user needs, design solutions, and recommend upgrades or new technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Computer systems analysts can perform their tasks remotely with access to company systems and communication tools. The role typically has predictable project timelines and minimal high-pressure situations, especially in non-emergency IT environments.
Explore computer security remote jobs.
Remote sensing scientist & technologist
- Median annual salary: $92,580
- Stress rating: 59
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 5%
Remote sensing scientists and technologists use advanced tools and techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data from satellites, drones, and other remote sensing devices. Their work often informs agriculture, climate science, and resource management decisions.
The field offers flexible schedules, as much of the work is project-based rather than deadline-intensive. With the ability to contribute to meaningful global challenges like environmental conservation and disaster response, this career is fulfilling and well-suited to a low-stress, remote-friendly lifestyle.
Explore government remote jobs.
Geographer
- Median annual salary: $90,880
- Stress rating: 60
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 3%
Geographers study the Earth's physical features, human populations, and how they interact with the environment. Geographers often specialize in cartography, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), or cultural geography.
Geographers in GIS or data analysis roles can work remotely using mapping software, satellite data, and visualization tools. The job typically involves project-based tasks with flexible deadlines, allowing for a more relaxed work pace.
Transportation planner
- Median annual salary: $81,800
- Stress rating: 60
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 4%
Transportation planners analyze and develop strategies to improve transportation systems, ensuring they are efficient, sustainable, and meet community needs. They evaluate traffic patterns, plan new infrastructure projects, and work with local governments and transportation agencies to implement solutions.
Transportation planners can often work remotely, especially when analyzing data, creating reports, or developing transportation models. The job generally involves long-term planning and project management, which reduces the pressure of tight deadlines or immediate crises.
Explore state & local government remote jobs.
Industrial ecologist
- Median annual salary: $78,980
- Stress rating: 53
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 7%
Industrial ecologists study the environmental impact of industrial processes and seek ways to improve sustainability. Their work often involves designing eco-friendly systems, recommending sustainable practices, and collaborating with businesses to implement solutions that balance economic and environmental goals.
Industrial ecologists often focus on research, data analysis, and the development of sustainability strategies, all of which can be done remotely with the right tools. The job typically involves long-term projects with flexible deadlines, allowing for a lower-pressure work environment.
Explore consulting remote jobs.
Cartographer & photogrammetrist
- Median annual salary: $76,210
- Stress rating: 52
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%
Cartographers and photogrammetrists create detailed maps and charts using surveys, aerial photography, and satellite imagery data. Their work involves designing and updating maps, creating geographic models, and ensuring that the data used for mapping is precise and up-to-date.
This field often involves long-term projects with minimal immediate deadlines, allowing for a more relaxed pace. With the ability to work independently and from anywhere, this career provides flexibility and intellectual satisfaction, making it an ideal low-stress, remote job for those passionate about geography and mapping.
Search marketing strategist
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Stress rating: 58
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 8%
Search marketing strategists develop and execute digital marketing campaigns to improve a website’s visibility on search engines. They often work with SEO (search engine optimization) and SEM (Search Engine Marketing) strategies to ensure websites rank highly for relevant search terms, boosting brand awareness and sales.
This position is often project-based and can be done on a flexible schedule, reducing stress from tight deadlines. While there may be occasional time-sensitive tasks, much of the work can be planned and executed at the strategist’s pace, making it an ideal low-stress role for remote workers who enjoy analytical tasks and creative problem-solving.
Explore marketing remote jobs.
Geodetic surveyor
- Median annual salary: $68,540
- Stress rating: 58
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%
Geodetic surveyors measure and map the Earth's surface to determine precise locations, elevations, and boundaries. They use advanced tools like GPS, satellite data, and other geospatial technologies to create accurate maps and data for land development, construction, and environmental monitoring.
While geodetic surveyors require some fieldwork for data collection, much of their work — such as analyzing data, creating maps, and conducting remote sensing tasks — can be done remotely using specialized software. The role often involves long-term projects with set timelines, reducing the stress of daily deadlines.
Computer numerically control (CNC) tool programmer
- Median annual salary: $67,650
- Stress rating: 53
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): little to no change
CNC tool programmers write and test code that directs computer-controlled machines to perform precise manufacturing tasks, such as cutting, shaping, or drilling materials. CNC programmers are responsible for optimizing machine operations and troubleshooting any programming issues to maintain smooth workflow in manufacturing processes.
CNC tool programming requires high technical skill and attention to detail. Still, much of the work, such as writing and optimizing code, can be done remotely. While the job may involve occasional collaboration with on-site teams, the programming tasks typically allow for a flexible, low-pressure work environment.
Explore manufacturing remote jobs.
Craft artist
- Median annual salary: $52,910
- Stress rating: 58
- Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 3%
Craft artists use various materials and techniques to create handmade items, such as pottery, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork. They design, sculpt, and decorate functional or decorative pieces, often selling their work directly to consumers or through galleries.
Craft artists can work from home or in a studio, creating art on their preferred schedule. The work is often project-based, allowing for a calm, relaxed pace with minimal deadlines. Since much of the work is hands-on and creative, it provides a therapeutic escape from high-pressure environments.
Explore artistic & creative remote jobs.
How to Find High-Paying, Low-Stress Remote Jobs
Follow these tips to find your dream top-paying job in a stress-free remote environment:
- Learn about your desired industry's current job trends, high-demand roles, and pay scales.
- Target your job search with specific terms, such as "high-paying marketing manager roles" or "full-time remote data analyst."
- Study your target businesses before applying to ensure they offer flexible hours and a company culture that aligns with your style.
- Note where your skills, work history, and overall value rank in your competition so that you can negotiate your pay accordingly.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position you apply to increase your chances of passing ATS scans and landing an interview.
Methodology
This article's information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)'s Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET's Stress Tolerance Page. Our research focused on top-paying jobs with a stress tolerance of 60 or below that can be done remotely.
To narrow our search, we set a maximum stress tolerance of 60 and searched for jobs with a median annual salary of $48,060 or above. We then researched each position to ensure the role could be done remotely. To finish, we ranked the final 15 occupations by median annual salary.
Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note