25 high-paying jobs for people who don't like stress

Flickr / Audrey

Think there's no such thing as a high-paying, low-stress job? Think again.

With help from career-information expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., we combed through the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a US Department of Labor database that compiles detailed information on hundreds of jobs, and looked at salary data on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find jobs with that perfect combination of high pay and low stress — and it turns out there are plenty.

O*NET rates the "stress tolerance" for each job on a scale from zero to 100, where a lower rating signals less stress. (Note: We are not saying these jobs are "stress free" – they just tend to rate lower than other professions.)

To rate each job, O*NET looks at how frequently workers must accept criticism and deal effectively with high stress at work.

Here are 25 jobs that pay more than $70,000 a year, on average, and earned a stress tolerance rating of 70 or lower, in order from highest to lowest stress score.

Audiologist

Stress tolerance: 70

Average annual salary: $77,420

What they do: Assess and treat people with hearing and related disorders. They may fit hearing aids and provide auditory training, and sometimes perform research related to hearing problems.

Education requirements: A doctoral degree and license.

Optometrist

Stress tolerance: 70

Average annual salary: $115,750

What they do: Perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed.

Education requirements: Bachelor's, four-year doctor of optometry program, and a state license.

Art director

Stress tolerance: 69

Average annual salary: $101,990

What they do: Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.

Education requirements: Bachelor's degree or previous work experience.