High paying jobs don’t have to come with high stress.
Half of all employees and 53% of managers are burning out at work, with Australia sitting above the global average for workplace exhaustion. Nearly two-thirds of workers say their job causes them significant stress. You’re probably nodding along because you’ve felt it too.
What most people don’t realise, though, is that you don’t have to choose between earning a comfortable living and protecting your mental health. High-paying, low-stress careers exist in almost any industry and these roles reward specialised knowledge and problem-solving skills rather than your ability to handle constant emergencies or work 60-hour weeks.
This guide will show you positions that earn a great salary without demanding your wellbeing in exchange.
What makes a job high-paying and low stress?
Most people assume that you have to choose between earning good money and being able to enjoy your weekdays. The truth is more nuanced. Plenty of careers pay solid salaries without the crushing pressure that comes from managing life-or-death decisions or putting out fires every single day.
Low stress doesn’t mean easy or boring. You’ll still face challenges and deadlines in these roles. The difference is having predictable workflows, clear boundaries between work and home, a clear hierarchy and systems that prevent constant crisis mode. These jobs usually come from specialised knowledge, technical skills or experience rather than from managing high-stakes emergencies or leading massive teams.
Key factors that determine low stress roles
While finding a job that isn’t stressful isn’t a precise science, there are a few factors that tend to show up in the least stressful positions. Research shows that over 40% of workers experience significant stress at work, which also means that almost two-thirds of them don’t. This is what separates calm careers from stressful ones:
Work environment: Physical surroundings matter more than you’d think. Quiet offices, remote setups or controlled environments like labs create spaces where you can focus without constant interruptions.
Autonomy: You get to decide how you complete your tasks instead of having someone micromanage every decision. Over 95% of employees who work remotely or in hybrid arrangements say it genuinely helps their mental health, largely because this flexibility gives them control over their environment and schedule.
Work-life balance: Your job has defined hours and realistic workloads. You’re not expected to respond to emails after hours or sacrifice weekends regularly.
Supportive management: Your boss protects you from unnecessary pressure and provides clear direction. Good managers buffer their teams from organisational chaos whilst giving credit where it’s due.
Flexibility: You can adjust your schedule for life’s inevitable complications without drama. Whether that means working from home when your kid’s sick or shifting hours to avoid peak traffic, this adaptability reduces daily friction.
Defining “high pay” in Australia
High pay means different things depending on where you live and what industry you’re comparing against. The average Australian salary is $2,010 as of May 2025, after wages grew 4.5% over the past year, which puts the average annual salary at just over $100,000 nationally.
Your occupation shapes your pay more than almost anything else. Mining blows every other industry out of the water at almost $2,600 per week. People in management positions earn about $2,100 per week, whilst professionals earn closer to $1,800. Compare that to sales roles that average $700 per week or labourers bringing in $900 and you’ll see why “high paying” depends heavily on context.
High paying jobs with low stress
You can earn a comfortable living without sacrificing your mental health or personal time. The jobs that manage this balance share some common ground. They reward specialised knowledge over constant fighting, they’re process-driven rather than crisis-driven and they let you work somewhat independently without someone breathing down your neck every minute. These roles exist in many industries, from creative fields to technology and business operations.
Knowledge-based and creative roles
Jobs that rely on your expertise rather than your ability to handle chaos tend to create less stressful work environments. You’re solving problems through knowledge and creativity rather than managing emergencies or dealing with angry customers all day. Almost nine out of ten workers say their commute affects their stress levels, which is why many of these positions have shifted to remote or hybrid arrangements that eliminate the daily grind of traffic and public transport.
These are some knowledge-based roles that pay well without the stress:
Technical writer: You create instruction manuals, documentation and training materials that help people understand complex products. The work requires precision but rarely involves high-pressure situations. The median salary in Australia for technical writers is $86,000, with the top 10% earning $119,000 or more.
Content strategist: You’ll plan and oversee content creation for websites, apps or marketing campaigns at a strategic level rather than in real-time crisis mode. The median salary for content strategists in Australia is $65,000, but the top 10% earn $147,000 or more. Monarch’s Diploma of Marketing and Communication, Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication and Advanced Diploma of Digital Marketing can prepare you for this job.
Research analyst: They dig into data or market conditions to help organisations make informed decisions. The median salary is $75,000 in Australia for research analysts.
Technology and digital jobs
Tech roles usually get stereotyped as high-pressure, but plenty of positions in this field let you work independently on projects without constant interruptions. These jobs stay in demand because businesses desperately need digital expertise, yet many can be done remotely with flexible schedules.
These tech positions balance strong pay with manageable workloads:
Web developer: They build and maintain websites using coding languages like HTML and JavaScript. The work is project-based with clear requirements. The median salary is $71,000. Monarch’s Diploma of Information Technology (Front and Back End Web Development) can get you started in this career.
UX designer: You’ll research how people interact with digital products and create interfaces that work intuitively. The median salary for a UX designer in Australia is $81,000. Monarch’s short course in UX and Website Design is a good way to start.
Data analyst: You comb through datasets to identify patterns that help people make better decisions. The median data analyst in Australia earns $80,000 per year.
Business support roles
These positions keep organisations running smoothly through structured, repetitive tasks that benefit from consistency rather than constant innovation. You’re working with established systems and clear procedures, which creates predictability that reduces stress.
Here’s what backend business support roles look like:
Payroll administrator: These finance coordinators process employee payments, manage superannuation contributions and help businesses stay compliant with taxes. Monarch’s Diploma of Payroll Services teaches you exactly what you need for this career with a median salary of $67,000.
Bookkeeper: They keep financial records and prepare reports for small businesses. Monarch’s Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping or Diploma of Accounting prepare you for these positions with a median salary of $67,000.
Business operations coordinator: Their job is to support day-to-day business functions like scheduling and process management. Monarch’s Diploma of Business or Certificate IV in Business (Administration) prepare you for these roles with a median salary of almost $100,000.
Digital content and design roles
Creative work that happens on your computer gives you control over your environment and schedule while producing tangible results. These roles reward skill and creativity rather than your ability to handle constant demands.
These creative positions let you build a portfolio-driven career:
Graphic designer: You create visual content and marketing materials for brands. Monarch’s Diploma of Graphic Design builds the technical skills employees want. The median salary for a graphic designer in Australia is $63,000.
Email marketing specialist: They design and manage email campaigns that nurture customer relationships. Monarch’s short course in Email Marketing can get your foot in the door. The median salary for email marketing specialists in Australia is $81,000.
Social media manager: You plan and create content for social platforms whilst analysing performance metrics. Monarch’s short course in Social Media Marketing is a good way to get started in this career with a median salary of $66,000.
High paid low-stress jobs for career changers
You don’t need to start from scratch when you’re switching careers in your 30s, 40s or beyond. Many high-paying, low-stress roles value your existing professional experience whilst only requiring targeted upskilling rather than years of full-time study. You could get any of these high-paying, low-stress jobs with no degree:
Job role | Median salary | Entry pathway | Stress level |
UX designer | Short course in UX and Website Design | Low | |
Technical writer | Writing experience, online certification | Low | |
Digital marketing specialist | Low | ||
Data analyst | Short course in Data and Web Analytics | Low | |
Project coordinator | Low | ||
Bookkeeper | Low | ||
HR coordinator | Low | ||
Paraplanner | Low | ||
Business operations coordinator | Low | ||
Web developer | Diploma of Information Technology (Front and Back End Web Development) | Low |
High-paying low-stress jobs with no degree
University isn’t the only path to a comfortable salary and manageable stress levels. Plenty of careers let you earn $70,000 or more without spending three or four years in lecture halls or racking up student debt. These roles usually require just vocational training or simple industry certifications that take less time to complete and cost much less money.
Trade and vocational pathways
Skilled trades have been quietly outearning many university graduates for years whilst maintaining reasonable work-life boundaries. Construction income has more than doubled over the past decade, growing by 104.8% to reach $77.9 billion in 2024. The industry expects to keep growing at 2.8% annually through 2028, creating steady demand for qualified tradespeople.
These trade careers pay well without requiring a university degree:
Electrician: You install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses and industrial facilities. After completing a four-year apprenticeship during which you’ll get paid, you’ll be able to earn the salary of a certified electrician, which is a median of $81,000.
Plumber: They install and repair water and drainage systems in residential and commercial buildings. Apprenticeships take four years and lead to a median salary of $77,000.
Construction supervisor: You coordinate tradespeople and manage project timelines so everything stays on track and meets quality standards. After gaining experience in a trade, you could earn a supervisory role that has a median salary of $96,000.
Sales and business opportunities
Sales roles reward your ability to build relationships and close deals rather than your formal education credentials. Commission structures can boost your base salary considerably whilst the work itself follows predictable patterns once you’ve established your client base.
These business roles value skills over degrees:
Real estate agent: They help people buy, sell or rent properties whilst earning a commission on each transaction. Successful agents earn over $101,000 per year after completing a short licensing course. You control your schedule and work independently most of the time.
Insurance broker: You assess client needs and match them with the right coverage policy. After getting accredited, you’ll be eligible for very well-paying jobs as the top 10% of insurance agents make $123,000 or more per year.
Account manager: You maintain relationships with existing clients and identify opportunities to expand business. Monarch’s Certificate IV in Business (Administration) or Diploma of Business can prepare you for these roles with a median salary of $75,000.
Creative and entrepreneurial roles
Building a creative career without a degree means focusing on your portfolio and proven results rather than credentials. These roles let you work flexibly whilst charging premium rates once you’ve established your reputation.
These creative paths reward skill over formal education:
Copywriter: You write persuasive content for advertisements and marketing materials. Monarch’s Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication helps you get all the fundamentals to succeed in this role with a median pay of $66,000.
Content creator: You produce videos, podcasts, TikToks or written content that attracts audiences and generates income through advertising or product sales. The median pay for a content creator in Australia is $58,000.
E-commerce entrepreneur: You sell products online through platforms like Shopify or Amazon. Monarch’s short course in eCommerce can help you get started in this field that pays a median salary of $88,000.
Operations and logistics roles
The e-commerce boom created massive demand for people who can coordinate shipments and keeps supply chains moving smoothly. These logistics positions have both good pay and predictable workflows:
Logistics coordinator: You track shipments, manage inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers and carriers. Monarch’s Diploma of Logistics prepares you for these jobs with a median salary of $67,000 per year.
Warehouse operations manager: You oversee receiving, storage and distribution of good whilst optimising processes. After gaining experience, managers can earn $94,000 or more.
Transport coordinator: They schedule deliveries and plan routes to deliver goods safely and as quickly as possible. The work is systematic and process-driven, paying a median salary of $56,000.
How to identify the right low stress job for you
To find a job that pays well without destroying your mental health, you’ll need to do some honest self-reflection about what really matters. The highest-paying role means nothing if you dread every Monday morning or if the work clashes with how you naturally operate. For example, the best career for introverts may not be exactly a low-stress job for you if you struggle with self-motivation or thrive in social settings.
Self-assessment checklist
Before you start applying for roles, work through these questions to clarify what you really need from a job rather than what sounds impressive:
Personality fit:
Do you recharge through solitude or through social interactions?
Do you prefer structured routines or varied daily tasks?
Can you handle occasional high-pressure situations or do you need consistent calm?
Do you want to work independently or as part of a close team?
Lifestyle needs:
What hours work best for your energy levels and personal commitments?
How much commuting can you tolerate before it affects your wellbeing?
Do you need flexibility for family responsibilities, for example, work remotely arrangements?
Long-term growth potential:
Does this role teach transferable skills you can build on?
Can you advance without taking on significantly more stress?
Will you still find this work engaging in five years?
Balancing salary with satisfaction
Money matters, but when you accept a high salary that comes with constant anxiety or impossible hours, you ultimately pay more than the extra income provides. You’ll notice this reality once you’ve covered your basic needs and have some comfort. The additional money stops making much difference to your happiness if the work itself makes you miserable.
Burnout sneaks up gradually rather than hitting all at once. You might initially cope with long hours or high pressure, but when you sustain that pace for months or years, you’ll deplete your mental and physical reserves. Watch for warning signs like the Sunday Scaries or feeling exhausted despite getting enough sleep.
FAQs about high-paying jobs with low stress
What are some peaceful and relaxing jobs in Australia?
Librarian, archivist, technical writer and data analyst roles tend to be quieter with minimal interpersonal conflict. These positions let you work methodically without constant interruptions or high-pressure deadlines.
Are remote jobs less stressful than office-based roles?
Remote work eliminates the stress of commuting and gives you control over your environment, which 96% of employees say supports their mental health. However, the job duties themselves matter more than location.
What is the easiest high-paying job in Australia?
No genuinely high-paying job is truly “easy” since good salaries reward valuable skills or knowledge. However, roles like payroll administrator or bookkeeper are straightforward once you learn the systems.
What is the happiest career in Australia?
The job with the highest levels of career satisfaction in Australia is firefighter. However, happiness depends on matching work to your personality rather than the job itself.
What are some low-anxiety jobs?
Technical writer, web developer, bookkeeper, UX designer and data analyst positions have clear tasks with very few crises.
Ready for a calmer, better-paid career?
You don’t have to choose between earning well and protecting your mental health. Low-stress, high-paying careers exist in many industries, from creative fields to technology and business operations. Browse Monarch’s online courses to build the skills you need, then start applying for roles that suit your personality and lifestyle.