For many people, work can be a stressful activity. A majority, 77% of workers reported feeling work-related stress in the previous month, according to the American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America Survey, which came out in April.
But some jobs are less stressful than others. The Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network ranked 873 occupations based on stress tolerance, or whether or not the job "requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations." The ranking is based on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the most stressful a job can be.
O*NET also highlighted which of the jobs on the list have a "bright outlook," meaning they're emerging occupations, are expected to grow rapidly in the coming years or are expected to have many job openings.
Here are the 10 bright outlook occupations with the lowest level of stress, including the training they require and their median annual salaries according to O*NET.
Cartographer and photogrammetrist
These professionals study and create maps for legal, political and educational purposes. They also revise existing maps using tools such as aerial photographs, satellite data and legal records. This job requires a relevant bachelor's degree.
Stress level: 52
Median salary: $71,890
Environmental economist
These economists research and analyze various financial components — such as costs and benefits — of environmental activities, policies and regulation. They assess environmental protection measures as well as the use of natural resources like water, air and renewable energy. Most need a master's or doctorate to get hired.
Stress level: 52
Median salary: $113,940
Packaging and filling machine operator and tender
Packaging and filling machine operators work in places like factories preparing goods for shipment. They inspect products to ensure there are no defects, sort them and watch the machines to ensure production moves smoothly. This job often requires a high school diploma.
Stress level: 52
Median salary: $36,750
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for safeguarding important historical documents. They organize the documents, help those who need to access them and research and record their origins. A master's degree is often required to do this job.
Stress level: 53
Median salary: $58,640
Computer numerically controlled tool programmer
These tech experts write programs that run machines responsible for various manufacturing, ensuring both the machines and programs continue to run smoothly. This job sometimes requires a certificate or relevant associate's degree.
Stress level: 53
Median salary: $60,800
Electromechanical equipment assembler
Electromechanical equipment assemblers put together and maintain various machines or parts of machines (like dynamometers and actuators). The job often requires a high school diploma.
Stress level: 53
Median salary: $38,580
Industrial ecologist
These scientists help ensure various industries' activities don't adversely affect the environment (by creating waste, for example). They also try to ensure natural resources are used most effectively in production. They often need a master's degree to be considered.
Stress level: 53
Median salary: $76,480
Fuel cell engineer
Fuel cells produce electricity using energy from elements like hydrogen. These engineers help develop systems using fuel cells for industries like transportation. Many get a master's in the field before getting hired, though, a bachelor's may suffice for some jobs.
Stress level: 54
Median salary: $96,310
Highway maintenance worker
These workers help maintain roads like highways and airport runways by repairing damage, painting traffic control lines and cleaning the roads of debris. Most get hired with a high school diploma.
Stress level: 55
Median salary: $44,930
Machine feeder and offbearer
Machine feeders and offbearers feed or remove products from machines in factories, for example. They also control and maintain the machinery itself. Most only need a high school diploma.
Stress level: 56
Median salary: $38,040
In terms of stress, many of these jobs are "not the type of job that you take home with you," says Vicki Salemi, career expert at Monster, adding that, "there's no way a highway maintenance worker is going to go home and log on and do their work at night." Unlike workers who can constantly be answering emails and tackling projects, when they're off the clock, many of these workers don't have to think about their jobs.
Some might also genuinely love what they're doing. "Archivists may enjoy their work environment," says Salemi, "they're in this field — most likely they have a passion for it."
Salemi notes that Monster has also seen an uptick in demand for environment-oriented jobs, which may be attributed to recent government initiatives. Manufacturing jobs are in higher demand "given the increase in e-commerce and the need for factories," she says.
If you are a jobseeker, one thing it's key to remember is "determining how stressful a job might be is subjective – and will likely vary from person to person," says Andrew McCaskill, LinkedIn career expert. Before committing to any role, he recommends looking at the company's LinkedIn page for any mention of values, reaching out to someone who works at the company and asking about company culture and work-life balance and asking about day-to-day schedule in the job interview.
DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter!
Get CNBC's free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire's No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do's and don'ts, and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook.
Check out:
The 10 best U.S. jobs of 2023, according to new research—many pay over $100,000
10 in-demand jobs paying $100,000 or more that companies are hiring for now
The 10 fastest-growing jobs over the next 5 years—some pay over $100,000
