While all jobs carry a certain degree of stress, some offer a more positive work-life balance than others. If heading to college isn’t in your immediate plans, you may be wondering what kind of low-stress jobs you can get and still pay well even without that degree. There are plenty of opportunities available for you, you just have to know what to look for. This guide shares 17 jobs that you can get with just a high school diploma, GED, or vocational training.
What Does a ‘Low-Stress’ Job Mean?
Low stress can mean different things to different people. For some, it might be a desk job, while for others, it might be engaging in physical labor. However, the common thread is often a secure, non-competitive environment that promotes a positive work-life balance. These conditions contribute to a happier you and reduce your risk of burning out. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for you.
17 Low-Stress Jobs (that pay well) Without Degree
1. Courier
Average Salary: $38,350
Primary Duties: Couriers handle package collection and deliveries, plan the most efficient routes, and ensure that all items are secure and undamaged. Couriers might travel by foot, bike, motorcycle, car, or even public transportation.
Requirements: Many often qualify with just a high school diploma.
2. Electrician
Primary Duties: Electricians set up, maintain, and fix electrical systems and wiring. They make sure everything meets safety standards, troubleshoot problems, test systems, and read blueprints and technical diagrams. Electricians should have attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong physical skills.
Requirements: A trade school program is usually required.
3. Pharmacy Technician
Primary Duties: Pharmacy techs work under a pharmacist to prepare medications for patients. They authorize, fill, and refill subscriptions and assist the pharmacist with other practical tasks.
Requirements: A trade school program is usually required.
4. IT Support Specialist
Average Salary: $60,810
Primary Duties: An IT support specialist is responsible for maintaining computer systems and troubleshooting computer issues to make sure all components are in working order. IT support specialists should have effective communication skills, problem-solving skills, and have a strong understanding of technology. Because it is typically job that requires 24-hour availability, they may work nights and weekends.
Requirements: Many often qualify with just a high school diploma.
5. Medical Coding Specialist
Average Salary: $48,780
Primary Duties: Medical records specialists work full-time and typically spend many hours at a computer. They need to be organized as they keep track and review patient files, and assign codes to medical procedures and diagnoses.
Requirements: Medical records specialists typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation, although some qualify with a high school diploma.
6. Hair Stylist
Average Salary: $41,780
Primary Duties: Hair stylists provide beauty services pertaining to their client’s needs. They know how to professionally recommend services, understand the ins and outs of cuts, coloring, and styles, and provide a relaxing environment for their clients.
Requirements: States license cosmetologists and most require that you finish a cosmetology program at a trade school or community college.
7. Housekeeper
Average Salary: $34,650
Primary Duties: Housekeepers ensure that establishments or homes are clean by performing general cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and dusting. They may also clean bathrooms, do laundry, or make the beds. Housekeepers must have physical stamina, attention to detail, and be trustworthy.
Requirements: A high school diploma, GED, or relevant experience is usually sufficient.
8. Security Guard
Average Salary: $37,090
Primary Duties: A security guard keeps people and buildings safe by checking entrances and exits, issuing passes, and operating metal detectors. They inspect visitors’ belongings and report any issues to law enforcement. Security guards should be dependable, physically fit, and able to work nights and weekends.
Requirements: Many often qualify with just a high school diploma.
9. Cook
Average Salary: $34,320
Primary Duties: A cook is tasked with preparing and plating food to ensure a good presentation. They are often involved in planning menus, reordering food, and maintaining a safe and clean kitchen. Many cooks work in restaurants, while others may work at schools, hotels, hospitals, or nursing homes.
Requirements: No formal education is required, although some cooks attend a culinary trade school.
10. Roofer
Average Salary: $50,030
Primary Duties: Roofers replace, repair, and install roofs with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, or wood. They should know how to inspect for damage, identify leaks, and determine if a roof has been properly installed according to code. This job is physically demanding because it requires climbing, bending, kneeling, and heavy lifting.
Requirements: Most roofers learn on the job.
11. Massage Therapist
Average Salary: $55,310
Primary Duties: A massage therapist uses a variety of techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage to address their client’s needs. Their duties may also include developing a treatment plan, scheduling appointments, and booking clients. They often work in chiropractors’ offices, resorts, and spas, while others own clinics or travel to their clients’ homes.
Requirements: Most states regulate massage therapy, requiring them to have a license or certification.
12. Plumber
Average Salary: $61,550
Primary Duties: Plumbers install and repair piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They should know how to fix plumbing fixtures, such as bathtubs and toilets, and appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. They may remove obstructions and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures.
Requirements: Most states require plumbers to be licensed.
13. Photographer
Average Salary: $40,760
Primary Duties: Photographers have a creative eye for taking pictures of people, landscapes, or products. Many photographers are self-employed, capturing weddings or family photos, while others work as photojournalists or scientific photographers. Photographers should know how to use high-tech editing programs, be able to communicate with clients, and manage successful photography sessions.
Requirements: Many photographers learn by experience and take classes to enhance their skills.
14. HVAC Technician
Primary Duties: HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They are responsible for installing and repairing systems in homes, schools, hospitals, and other buildings. This job requires working in cramped spaces, outdoors, or in extreme temperatures.
Requirements: These workers may need a license or certification.
15. Travel Agent
Primary Duties: Travel agents are responsible for helping people plan their travel. They may research destinations, book plane travel and hotels, and create personalized itineraries. Travel agents should have travel knowledge, be innovative, and have excellent customer service skills. Most travel agents are self-employed.
Requirements: Many often qualify with just a high school diploma.
16. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $46,480
Primary Duties: A personal trainer leads, instructs, and motivates individuals or groups in exercise and sometimes nutrition. They are responsible for helping their clients meet their health goals. Trainers should know how to operate gym equipment, design personalized fitness plans, and be able to build positive relationships with clients.
Requirements: Education and training vary by specialty, but most are hired with a certification.
17. Virtual Assistant or Secretary
Average Salary: $46,010
Primary Duties: Assistants are responsible for completing daily tasks for a business. This may include answering emails and calls, scheduling appointments, running errands, or performing organizational tasks. Most assistants work full-time either in person or remotely and are employed in most industries.
Requirements: Many often qualify with just a high school diploma.
Do College Degrees Mean More Earnings?
A college degree doesn’t always guarantee higher earnings, but let’s look at what the data says. In 2023, those with a bachelor’s degree earned a median income of $60,000, while high school graduates earned a median income of $36,000. However, only 9.6% of all workers with no degree are unemployed, which is relatively low. Rest assured, the job market offers many in-demand positions that don’t require a four-year degree.
The Job Hunt: How Do I Find and Apply for Low-Stress Jobs?
During your job search, you may see a lot of jobs listed that require a college degree. However as mentioned, there are jobs available that do not require a degree. Here are some tips when looking and applying for a non-degree job:
- Look on job search websites: Start by simply looking for jobs that interest you.
- Read the job description: You don’t want to spend time applying for a job just to learn that they require a college degree. Thoroughly read through each job description and pay close attention to the education requirements.
- Adapt your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume to showcase why you are qualified. Highlight your skills and relevant work experience that directly address the job requirements mentioned in the description.
- Make connections: Networking is a great chance for you to build relationships with potential employers. If they know you and what you can bring to the table, then you have a good chance of getting hired. It is a great way to learn about potential job opportunities and to get future recommendations.
College Isn’t The Only Path to Success
If you don’t have the time or money to attend college, you can start working right away in low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree. There are opportunities out there and ones that can build your resume with excellent experience and give you a fulfilling career. Look for something that interests you, figure out what skills and certifications are required, and start making it happen!
Looking for alternatives to college or beginning one of those low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree? Check out these other options to pursue after high school!
Not sure exactly how to start? Use College Raptor’s Career Finder tool to start looking for jobs that interest you today!
