Are you having a hard time looking for a job because of your anxiety?
Or maybe you are just really trying to find a less stressful job because the one you have right now is too much?
Good news! We have compiled a list of 23 low-stress jobs that can help you be happier and healthier at work.
These jobs don’t just provide comfort and satisfaction, they can also aid in regulating your anxiety levels.
Let’s get started!
23 Low-Stress Jobs for People Who Have Anxiety
1. Writer
Basic Overview: Writing isn’t for those who want a fast-paced career. To become a reputable writer, you need to work your way up from the bottom of the food chain. But it pays off once you have established yourself.
Writing is one of the best jobs for those who have anxiety. This is because there is no need to work with anyone else—which means less stress for socially anxious individuals. The only things you need to worry about are your deadlines.
Average Salary: $51,395
Education Requirement: College degree in English, communications, or journalism
How to Get Started:
- Earn a degree in English, communications, journalism, or any other related field.
- Gain experience by working for your university’s newspaper or joining internships with a magazine, radio broadcasting, advertising, or publishing company.
- You may also gain experience by creating a blog and focusing on it (you may even use it as your portfolio).
- If you want to be more attractive to your potential employer, get certified by writing organizations or associations (e.g., American Grant Writers’ Associations).
Note that it is possible to become a writer even without a degree. You just need to practice and improve your grammar skills and writing abilities to impress future employers. However, if you want to be a professional writer, you may want to follow the steps listed above.
2. Computer Programmer/Software Developer/IT Specialist
Basic Overview: The main job of a computer programmer, software developer, or IT specialist is to work on computer programs. They create various software programs and computer applications, and are also in charge of debugging and troubleshooting program errors.
Employers usually look for people who have strong analytical skills rather than communication skills. Thus, this is another perfect job for someone who has anxiety and does not like talking to people that much.
Average Salary: $76,526
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in computer science or other related courses.
How to Get Started:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or any other related field. An associate’s degree suffices for some employers.
- Choose a computer language to focus on and master your specialized skills. These languages include Java, C++, Visual Basic, and others.
- Obtain a certificate in your area of expertise through training and tests for certification.
- Never lose sight of the current trends, particularly in computer technology. Always keep yourself updated on the latest advances so you can add them to your portfolio.
3. Animal Caretaker
Basic Overview: You may get nervous around people, but enjoy the company of animals. If this is the case, then being an animal caretaker could definitely be a less stressful job for you. You get to feed, bathe, and groom another living being, which makes the job more satisfying.
Average Salary: $22,980
Education Requirement: High school diploma or vocational training
How to Get Started:
- Most employers only require a high school or general educational development (GED) diploma. The duties and responsibilities of the job are commonly taught once you get hired for the job.
- If you want a more advanced career (e.g., zookeeper or animal trainer), you need to get a bachelor’s degree in animal science or biology. A degree in animal psychology is also acceptable.
4. Accountant
Basic Overview: People often see this job as being dreadful and boring, especially because you are bombarded with numbers all day long. But this really depends on what type of person you are. If you like working with numbers, then accountancy will always be fun and exciting.
With this job, your mind will always be occupied. There is no time to feel anxious or stressed because you are always focused. There is also typically no need to collaborate with other people, so you shouldn’t suffer from any anxiety.
Average Salary: $68,538
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in accountancy
How to Get Started:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in accountancy or any other related field. Pick an area of specialty, such as public accounting or corporate accounting. There are also other specializations, but these two are the most common ones.
- If you want to become a certified public accountant (CPA), you need to complete other subjects, such as taxation, auditing, etc., and then pass the CPA exam. You also need to comply with your state’s specific requirements to obtain an official license.
5. Librarian
Basic Overview: This is the perfect job for those who have a passion for reading and learning. There are times when you will need to interact with others, but typically only for a couple of moments.
Average Salary: $51,024
Education Requirement: Master’s degree in library and information science
How to Get Started:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree that is related to library and information science. For instance, a degree in education or library science is typically sufficient.
- Complete a master’s degree in library and information science. These programs may vary, so make sure that your choices are aligned with your career goals. Some areas of specialization include science library and youth services.
- Gain work experience by applying for part-time positions in public libraries. You can also get experience by volunteering.
6. Counseling Psychologist
Basic Overview: This job can be ideal for those who have anxiety themselves, because they can relate to their clients or patients and understand what they are going through.
Average Salary: $72,661
Education Requirement: Doctorate degree in counseling psychology
How to Get Started:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or any other related field.
- Gain experience by working or volunteering in a mental health institution, or join an internship program and make sure to work under a counseling psychologist.
- Get a master’s degree in counseling psychology to prepare for a doctorate degree.
- Earn either a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a doctor of psychology (PsyD).
- Finish a clinical post-doctoral internship and then take your state’s licensure exam for new psychologists.
- Make sure to keep up with continuing education requirements (as required by your state).
- Obtain a specialty certification after several years of practice to advance your career.
7. Landscape Designer
Basic Overview: There are tons of job opportunities for landscape designers out there. They can apply to landscaping companies and golf courses, or they can start their own businesses as entrepreneurs.
Whichever path you choose, working alone in an outside-of-the-office setting is always an option, which means fewer chances of becoming anxious around people.
Average Salary: $49,242
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in plant biology, landscape maintenance, or any other related field.
How to Get Started:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape design, or any other related course.
- Complete an internship program while you are still in your undergrad so it will be easier to get a job once you graduate.
- Become employed by companies seeking landscape designers. Most of them look for those who also have strong computer skills and project management abilities.
- Become a certified landscape designer to advance your career. You may get one from The Association of Professional Landscape Designers as long as you meet their requirements.
8. Artist/Painter
Basic Overview: Being an artist can be financially, emotionally, and mentally challenging at first. You often need to establish a reputation before being able to get clients. But you also will have an outlet to express whatever you are feeling at any given moment. Whenever you feel worried or nervous, a touch of paint on the canvass can brush all those emotions away.
Average Salary: $49,520
Education Requirement: Degree in fine arts or other related field.
How to Get Started:
There is actually no minimum educational requirement to become a painter. As long as you have the gift (or you want to learn how to paint), it can be a suitable job for you. But if you are interested in more advanced concepts, history, theories, and other technical matters, you can take a fine arts course, whether through an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
9. Fitness Trainer
Basic Overview: This may be a job that involves a lot of social interaction, but it is still ideal for those who have anxiety. That is because staying fit (which is a requirement to become a fitness trainer) is one of the ways to regulate your anxiety levels. So while you are helping others, you are also able to help yourself feel and live better.
Average Salary: $41,274
Education Requirement: High school diploma
How to Get Started:
- Earn a high school diploma or an equivalent requirement to qualify for the certifying examination.
- Complete the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CSR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) certification programs.
- Pick a fitness specialty (e.g., group exercise, individualized personal training) and then prepare for the next part of the certification exam (certified personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise or the National Academy of Sports Medicine).
- Take and pass the certification examination, and then start applying for jobs and building up a portfolio.
10. Master Plumber
Basic Overview: Master plumbers are professional plumbers who have undergone rigorous testing and training. What makes them different from ordinary plumbers is that they are licensed and certified by the state.
This profession is an excellent fit for those with anxiety. Why? People who experience anxiety tend to fidget a lot of the time. This means they need something to keep their hands busy—and plumbing is a great way to do that.
Average Salary: $77,259
Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in plumbing
How to Get Started:
- Join an apprenticeship program for plumbing or enroll in a community college for a certificate program or an associate’s degree program.
- After completing the program, take and pass the state’s journeyman plumber licensing exam.
- Some states may require you to take continuing education for master plumbers.
11. Graphic Designer
Basic Overview: If you are a computer whiz or a tech expert, and also a master artist, you may be destined to become a graphic designer.
This profession allows you to work alone within the comfort of your safe zone, without any disturbances. While there may be times when you need to interact with people (clients for freelancers; workmates and bosses for the corporate setting), that is typically only a small part of the job.
Average Salary: $48,561
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or advanced training in graphic design
How to Get Started:
- Attend seminars and workshops to learn how to do graphic design. A degree is not really necessary as long as you possess the relevant skills and have the proper training. However, a degree will help make you more attractive to prospective employers.
- Build your portfolio by offering your services at a low price.
- Once your portfolio is developed, sell yourself to online and offline communities that are looking for graphic designers. If you want to work for a company, you can always fill out applications.
12. Food Delivery Driver
Basic Overview: This particular job is great for those who find peace and comfort in driving. The road could be your outlet for releasing whatever anxious feelings you have inside. There is also no need for major socialization—a short talk with customers once the food has been delivered shouldn’t be too difficult.
Average Salary: $27,113
Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent certificate.
How to Get Started:
There is actually no minimum educational requirement required to become a food delivery driver. What matters most are your driving, time management, and problem-solving skills. As long as you know how to get the job done without hassles and supervision, your employer likely won’t have any problems with you.
13. Medical Lab Technician
Basic Overview: Perhaps you dream of becoming a hero, but you are too afraid to interact with people. If so, maybe being a medical laboratory technician is your calling. You might need to work with a team, but everyone has his or her own duties to fulfill, so only a few interactions are involved.
Average Salary: $51,770
Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science
How to Get Started:
- Complete an associate’s degree or a certificate program in clinical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology.
- Although a certificate is not required in most states, it would be best to have one from the American Medical Technologists or American Society for Clinical Pathology to advance your career.
- Seek employment and continue your education (the certifications require continuing education) to further improve your career.
14. Massage Therapist
Basic Overview: The primary duty of a massage therapist is to reduce the stress of others, but a massage therapist may also feel less anxious whenever he or she gives massages. This is because they typically work in a very peaceful and quiet environment.
Average Salary: $40,881
Education Requirement: Massage therapy program diploma
How to Get Started:
- Obtain a diploma from a massage therapy program in a state-accredited school.
- Join an internship program or work at a massage clinic to complete the number of hours needed to get a license and certificate.
- Take and pass the licensure examination in your state. Some use the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination, while others create their own exams.
- Apply for a state license by complying with the requirements provided by the American Massage Therapy Association.
15. Mechanic
Basic Overview: As with plumbers, being a mechanic is a practical way to use your hands, which helps you deal with anxiety. If you are more of a skilled worker than a critical thinker, it is best to find jobs that are related to your skills.
Average Salary: $37,308
Education Requirement: Vocational education program diploma
How to Get Started:
- Complete your high school education or get a GED. You need them to apply for a certificate or degree program.
- Obtain a diploma from a vocational education program like The Automotive Youth Education Services (AYES).
- Get a certificate from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
- You can become a master mechanic if you complete the eight automotive specialty areas that the ASE offers.
16. Baker
Basic Overview: Baking is another way to use your hands in your work, and is therefore a good way to deal with anxiety. The entire process can be cathartic, particularly the feeling of accomplishment that comes from making something.
Average Salary: $21,859
Education Requirement: Certificate programs or associate’s degree
How to Get Started:
Similar to painting and food delivery, there is no minimum education requirement to become a baker. You just need to learn the skill and be devoted to what you are doing. However, if you want to pursue a professional education, you can get an associate’s degree from a vocational school.
17. Makeup Artist/Cosmetologist
Basic Overview: There are times when your anxiety comes from your fear of being rejected for your physical appearance. You feel like the entire world does not approve of your looks, and that something is wrong with your hair, style, or body.
One way to overcome your anxiety and make a living is to pursue a career in beauty and cosmetology. Practice on yourself, then put your art and heart into your subject and make her shine.
Average Salary: $60,188
Education Requirement: Certificate programs or associate’s degree
How to Get Started:
This is another profession that does not have a minimum education requirement. In fact, the most common advice that cosmetologists and makeup artists give is to practice, practice, practice. If you want a formal education, you can always pursue a certificate program or an associate’s degree from a community college.
18. Pharmacy Technician
Basic Overview: A pharmacy technician is similar to a medical laboratory technician, but instead of taking samples from patients and devising treatment plans, you make sure that the medication that your company is about to release has been carefully measured and parceled out.
Average Salary: $29,276
Education Requirement: Postsecondary education program in pharmacology, pharmacy law, and other related fields.
How to Get Started:
- Complete a postsecondary education program in a community college or a vocational school.
- Gain clinical experience by completing an on-the-job training program.
- Get certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Every two years, you need to take and pass the recertification exams and complete 20 hours of continuing education to maintain your certificate.
19. Professor/Teacher
Basic Overview: Although a lot of people consider being a teacher or professor a stressful job, it can be less stressful if you really love what you are doing. So if you have a knack for sharing knowledge with the younger generation, this profession might be your calling.
Average Salary: $102,346 (full-time); $74,530 (associate)
Education Requirement: Master’s degree
How to Get Started:
- Choose a subject to specialize in, and then earn a bachelor’s degree for that particular subject.
- Obtain a master’s degree in a particular subject you want to teach, and then complete an assistantship program to gain work experience.
- You may want to get a doctorate degree to further advance your career and give you an edge over other applicants.
20. Researcher
Basic Overview: Researchers often work alone because their work requires a lot of attention and focus. If they do work with a team, there are often only two to three members working on a single project. Hence, it is a good choice for those who get anxious when surrounded by a lot of people.
Average Salary: $57,196
Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree (for corporate jobs); graduate degree (for academic jobs)
How to Get Started:
- Pick your field of expertise (e.g., business, humanities, science, economics, etc.).
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in your chosen area. For those who want to join the corporate world, a bachelor’s degree is usually enough. But if you want to pursue a more advanced research career, a master’s degree in your area of specialization is needed.
- Look for entry-level job positions. You can try your luck at your university’s research department, or you can join internships in large companies.
- Expand your career once you’ve gained enough experience. Apply to national research laboratories or pursue your research career in the company where you attended your internship.
21. Photographer
Basic Overview: Being a photographer isn’t just a job, it is also a hobby and a form of art. And as we have already established, art is great a way to release anxieties and fears.
Average Salary: $30,367
Education Requirement: Certificate programs or associate’s degree
How to Get Started:
To become a photographer, there is actually no need for formal education. You can always learn the basics of photography through reading photography books and watching tutorial videos.
However, if you would prefer to get a formal education in photography, you can always enroll in an associate’s degree or certificate program. You may also want to focus on a specific type of photography, like aerial photography, portrait photography, etc.
There are also certificates being offered for those who want to become professional photographers. These include the certified professional photographer, certified forensic photographer, and registered biological photographer certificates, all of which are issued by the Professional Photographers Association.
22. Florist
Basic Overview: If you want to avoid social interactions, then being a florist is a great option. As a florist, your main responsibility is taking care of plants and flowers and doing flower arrangements whenever there is a special occasion.
Average Salary: $24,564
Education Requirement: Associate or bachelor’s degree in floral design
How to Get Started:
A formal education is only required for those who want an official floral design degree. However, it typically won’t matter to the employer whether you have a degree or not, because they are more likely to look at your portfolio and work experience.
For career development, you can get certified by the American Institute of Floral Designers and become a certified floral designer.
23. Babysitter
Basic Overview: Children are instant stress relievers. They keep you happy and entertained, so you forget to focus on your own problems. Although there are times when kids can be tiring and upsetting, babysitting is still a rewarding job because you get to be a part of those children’s lives while they are growing up.
Average Salary: $28,439
Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
How to Get Started:
Babysitters require no college degree to find employment. The parents of the children you are caring for simply want to know if you can take care of their children while they are away, keeping them safe and giving them a good example.
However, if you are a newbie and would like to prepare for the job, attend babysitting class first so you will have an idea about what it involves. You can also obtain a certification for attending first aid and CPR courses that may impress your potential employer.
Final Thoughts on Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety
Anxiety is not something to simply shrug off. If you feel like you are anxious or worried for no reason—or even if there is a reason—you should take immediate action. At the same time, if you feel like your job is making your anxiety worse, you need to reconsider your life choices.
In this article we have supplied you with several job options that are good for people who suffer from anxiety. Just remember that there are tons of other jobs out there that you can pursue as well, should you feel like branching out and trying something new.
Do not let your work be a hindrance to your health and happiness. If it is stressing you out, it is time to consider other possibilities.
And if you're also an introvert, then here are the 25 best jobs and career paths for introverts.
Finally, if you want a simple way to reduce your stress and anxiety, then try writing these 35 mindfulness journaling prompts to live more in the present moment.
