Many people believe that in order to earn a high wage, you must either have a college education or be capable of working in high-stress workplaces with demanding responsibilities. The truth is, there are plenty of low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree, and many offer flexible schedules and work-life balance.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of low-stress jobs without a degree requirement. We’ll show you how to get a low-stress job with a GED and what skills are helpful to get one.
What Constitutes a Low-Stress Job?
Low-stress careers offer opportunities for creative work, family time, and even travel. A low-stress job is a job that feels supportive financially, as well as for your mental and physical health. These jobs typically offer flexible hours and low-stress environments.
What Do Low-Stress Jobs Pay?
It depends. Low-stress jobs pay according to the level of complexity of the work, the location in which you’re employed, and the amount of experience you have in your field.
If you’re a virtual assistant who works from home, you can make anywhere from $11.54 to $33.89 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.1 If you’re a freelance photographer who specializes in weddings and special events, your average “gig” can earn you anywhere from $2,649–$3,574, according to The Knot.2
What Skills Do You Need to Land a Low-Stress Job?
Communication Skills
Good communication skills allow you to understand and communicate instructions and are important for jobs of various levels of stress. Many jobs require using communication tools like Zoom, Outlook, and Slack. Basic reading and writing skills are also essential to perform adequately in any industry.
Initiative and Enthusiasm
Self-starters with enthusiasm are in high demand in the workplace.3 If you have initiative, you can solve problems in which you have no previous experience. Being resourceful comes in handy in any job, particularly in high-paying jobs without a degree.
Collaborative Attitude
You need collaborative skills to work harmoniously with other people. Workers across all industries have to take part in physical or virtual collaborative environments. Being responsive and proactive contributes to the efficiency of the entire organization.
What Education Do You Need to Get a Low-Stress Job?
The education you need to get a high-paying, low-stress job without a degree includes a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Some jobs without a degree still require postsecondary education of some kind. These options include vocational training schools, centers for continuing education, and apprenticeships.
How to Get a Low-Stress Job with a GED
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Identify your strengths and weaknesses before you select a job. Evaluate what your manageable stress levels are, and your flexibility to perform in different working environments. List the skills that you can offer to a prospective employer or client.
Browse job sites for low-stress jobs
Browse online job listings in your area. Identify the jobs that match your technical skills and seem like low-stress environments. Check the median salary for the job and its growth outlook to discover if there’s potential for further job opportunities in the field.
Research the employer
Find out the mission and vision of the company you want to work for. You want to work for an employer that offers stress reduction programs for its employees. Identify employers that express interest in the mental health of their workers.
Craft a strong resume
Take your time in creating a strong resume that gets you noticed. Mention skills, related work experience, and any awards or accomplishments. Your resume has to be strong to display your proficiency. You have to show you can do the job without having a university degree. Experience can be more valuable than an educational background for many jobs.
Low-Stress Jobs to Explore Without a College Degree Requirement
| Job | Average Salary Per Year | Outlook |
| Personal Trainer | $46,1804 | 12%4 |
| Lodging Manager | $68,1305 | 3%5 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $61,5506 | -3%6 |
| Virtual Assistant | $47,4607 | 0%7 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $50,2508 | 7%8 |
| Massage Therapist | $57,9509 | 159 |
| Travel Agent | $48,45010 | 2%10 |
| Photographer | $42,52011 | 2%11 |
| Skincare Specialist | $41,56012 | 7%12 |
Low-Stress Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
Personal Trainer
Although personal trainers are physically active in their work, it’s not considered too physically demanding a job. A personal trainer guides clients through exercise routines, helping them improve strength, flexibility, and overall health.
To become a personal trainer, you’ll need a high school diploma and national/state certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some personal trainers are self-employed—allowing them to build their own businesses, set flexible hours, and enjoy a fulfilling career.13
Lodging Manager
Lodging managers ensure traveling guests enjoy their stay at hotels by arranging their accommodations. While it is generally a low-stress position, sometimes lodging managers have to work the night shift. This job also offers opportunities for international travel.
To become a lodging manager, you need to complete a certificate program in hotel management or a high school diploma combined with several years of experience. This job offers an average annual salary of $68,130 and a projected growth outlook of 3 percent through 2033 (as of August 2025).5
Computer Support Specialist
Computer support specialists provide technical support to computer users. They troubleshoot computers for hardware or software issues. To qualify for a job as a computer support specialist, you need a high school diploma and the information technology (IT) certifications requested by your employer.
This can be a low-stress job because computer support specialists don’t have to solve engineering problems. Computer support specialists work on-site or remotely, by phone or chat.
Medical Records Specialist
Medical records specialists organize, update, and manage patient health information in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. To become one, you typically need a high school diploma or a postsecondary certificate. The median annual salary was $50,250 in 2024, with a projected growth outlook of 7 percent through 2033.8
Massage Therapist
Although massage therapists utilize their bodies a lot in their work, it’s not a typically overly demanding profession. They work independently in serene and quiet environments, providing massage treatments that improve their clients’ quality of life.
To be a massage therapist, you’ll need specialized training and a license to work in most states. According to the BLS, 42% of massage therapists in 2024 were self-employed—allowing them to make a decent living in a fulfilling career, all while choosing their own hours, hourly rate, and work environment.14
Travel Agent
Travel agents organize excursions, book travel for clientele, and provide information about tourist sites and activities available in a particular location. If you like working with people in a relaxed environment and have excellent customer service skills, a job as a travel agent could be a great career path for you. A high school diploma or a GED is sufficient to obtain this job.
Photographer
Photographers employ their technical knowledge, creativity, and composition abilities to create photos that tell stories or document events. This job offers plenty of opportunities for travel and is so low-stress it could be considered a well-paid hobby. There are no formal education requirements to get a job as a photographer, just a high school diploma and a great website/portfolio.
Skincare Specialist
Skincare specialists provide facial and body skincare treatments in a salon, spa, or dermatological office. They use laser and electrolysis systems for hair removal and skin conditioning. They also offer other skincare procedures, such as peels, masks, and scrubs.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Skincare specialists work in calm environments like clinics and spas. To become a skincare specialist, you need to complete a state-approved cosmetology program and pass a state exam to get a license.
Where to Find Low-Stress Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Apprenticeship.gov
Apprenticeship.gov is an organization created by the U.S. Department of Labor to help job seekers find the right job, regardless of their academic status.15 Apprenticeship.gov offers apprenticeship training programs across all industries. The website offers access to hundreds of occupations, including low-stress jobs without a degree.
Upwork
Upwork is a freelance marketplace that offers online jobs without requiring qualifications.16 Many jobs don’t have education requirements, and there are job opportunities regardless of your experience. At Upwork, a solid work portfolio is more relevant than a bachelor’s degree. Since Upwork is an international platform, you can also find employment from companies located across the world.
Consider an Online Degree Later in Your Career
After landing and working in a low-stress job without a degree, you can consider earning a degree or an online degree later in your career. Online degrees are flexible, remote, and can cost less or take less time than a traditional degree program.
Earning a degree later in your career can be a smart move if you desire further career advancement, especially if a bachelor’s degree or diploma is required to qualify. Adding a higher education credential to your existing work experience will make you a very strong candidate for career growth.
Low-Stress Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
One of the best websites to find low-stress jobs in your area is Monster Jobs, where you can find local U.S. jobs by browsing by location.17 LinkedIn and Indeed also allow you to filter results by location. All these services also let you sign up for job alerts for new postings with your predetermined filters sent directly to your inbox.
Practicing mindfulness effectively reduces occupational stress and increases well-being. Mindfulness increases psychological flexibility, mental health, and time management. You can enroll in mindfulness-based programs online or in your area.
An apprenticeship program is a career path developed by employers to prepare their future workforce. An apprentice program typically includes on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and paid work experience.
People with anxiety can find low-stress jobs without a degree, such as a data entry clerk, a graphic designer, or a massage therapist. If you have a social anxiety disorder, you can get a remote job without a degree, like a virtual assistant or a graphic designer.
Sources:
1 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Work-From-Home-Virtual-Assistant-Salary
2 https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-wedding-photographer
3 https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-a-self-starter
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm
5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm#tab-1
6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm#tab-1
8 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm#tab-1
9 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-1
10 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm#tab-1
11 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm#tab-1
12 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm
13 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm#tab-3
14 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
