Job Hunting? 25 Low Stress Jobs

I consider myself quite blessed to be in a career that is not feeling the economic pinch nor the dread of possible lay-offs. But, in wanting to be helpful to those who are seeking work or a better job, I thought I would share with you this interesting little tidbit: the top 25 low stress jobs.

Rachel Zupek of CareerBuilder.com has her readers consider that when the economy does eventually turn around (and it will, people!) workers need to consider their stress level at work?

Workplace stress is arguably subjective since what is challenging or stressful to one person may not be to another. What exist invariably are its harmful effects, both to our bodies and productivity.

Forty percent of workers reported their job as "very or extremely stressful" in a study by Northwestern National Life, and 25 percent said their job is the No. 1 stressor in their lives. Additionally, health complaints are more strongly associated with problems at work than with any other life stressors, including financial or family problems, according to a study by the St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co.

These problems add up: In the United States, about 1 million workers per day call in sick because of stress-related illness, and worker stress is estimated to cost American businesses between $50 billion and $150 billion each year in health expenses and lost productivity, according to Shatkin.

Are you looking for a job with less stress? Here are 25 of the overall best low-stress jobs,* according to Shatkin's book.

1. Computer software engineers, applications
Annual salary: $79,780

2. Computer systems analysts
Annual salary: $69,760

3. Sales managers
Annual salary: $91,560

4. Civil engineers
Annual salary: $68,600

5. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
Annual salary: $56,100

6. Construction and building inspectors
Annual salary: $46,570

7. Environmental engineers
Annual salary: $69,940

8. Carpenters
Annual salary: $36,550

9. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Annual salary: $37,660

10. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
Annual salary: $38,090

11. Painters, construction and maintenance
Annual salary: $31,190

12. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Annual salary: $40,440

13. Cement masons and concrete finishers
Annual salary: $32,650

14. Natural sciences managers
Annual salary: $100,080

15. Industrial machinery mechanics
Annual salary: $41,050

16. Tile and marble setters
Annual salary: $36,590

17. Brickmasons and blockmasons
Annual salary: $42,980

18. Maintenance and repair workers
Annual salary: $31,910

19. Operations research analysts
Annual salary: $64,650

20. Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators
Annual salary: $36,070

21. Massage therapists
Annual salary: $33,400

22. Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors
Annual salary: $25,910

23. Civil engineering technicians
Annual salary: $40,560

24. Sheet metal workers
Annual salary: $37,360

25. Mechanical engineers
Annual salary: $69,850

*Jobs were selected using relevant levels of work conditions, including but not limited to: stress tolerance; types of people dealt with daily; duration of typical workweek; frequency of conflict; level of competition and time pressures. The jobs were then ranked based on median annual earnings, projected growth through 2016 and the number of job openings projected per year.

I notice teachers are conspicuously missing from the list .... hmmm.