Are you looking for slow-paced jobs? Unfortunately, In such a fast-paced world, many careers come with a fast-paced work environment.
These environments are often very stressful, highly competitive, involve strict deadlines, require long work hours, and provide little to no work-life balance.
This can negatively impact your physical and mental health, trigger anxiety and similar conditions, and cause so many other negative consequences.
So, if you’re worried about your mental health or you’re just tired working in a high-stress environment, finding a slow-paced job is the prefect solution.
Considering this, I have created a list of the 20 best slow-paced jobs for people who want a low-stress career.
20 Best Slow Paced Jobs
- Data Scientist
- Archivist
- Landscape Designer
- Librarian
- Accountant
- Dietitian
- Technical Writer
- Massage Therapist
- House-Sitter
- Funeral Director
- Professional Artist/Painter
- Researcher
- Florist
- Medical Lab Technician
- Baker
- Appliance Repairer
- Animal Caretaker
- Mechanic
- Elderly Companion
- Security Guard
1. Data Scientist
Median annual wage: $126,830
If you love working with computers and enjoy analyzing data, a position as a data scientist may be the perfect slow paced job for you.
A data scientist is responsible for evaluating and presenting data in a thorough and comprehensive way to help their employer make strategic business decisions.
To work as a data scientist, you will need a master’s degree in this field. However, a degree in mathematics or computer science may suffice for certain positions. You will also need excellent analytical skills.
This job sector is expected to grow more than 20% by the year 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Archivist
Median annual wage: $56,760
An archivist is someone who is responsible for appraising, processing, preserving, and cataloging valuable documents and important records that have historical or future value.
This includes manuscripts, maps, letters, photographs, and even motion picture footage.
Considering this, you will need to work in a careful and slow paced manner to make sure you don’t damage these very old documents.
While most archivists work in a museum in a supporting role, some do work with the public through different outreach programs.
To work as an archivist, a master’s degree in records management, history, or a similar field of study is typically required.
3. Landscape Designer
Median annual wage: $70,630
If you love nature and being outdoors, working as a landscape designer can be a very rewarding career path.
Working as a landscape designer involves the design and maintenance of gardens and other outdoor areas.
Considering this, it’s important that you possess a creative and aesthetic vision and have a well-rounded understanding of local plants and climate.
You may also want to consider a bachelor’s degree in landscape maintenance, horticulture, plant biology, or a related field of study to advance your career.
Most landscape designers start out working for a local landscaping company or even a golf course before branching out and starting their own business.
4. Librarian
Median annual wage: $60,820
Although librarians have to deal with people, they work in one of the most low-stress environments – a library.
Considering this, if you feel at peace by the soothing environment of a library, working as a librarian may be a wonderful slow paced job for you.
Librarians are usually hired by schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, law firms, public libraries, or museums.
As a librarian, you will be responsible for maintaining the library’s book collection, choosing new materials, planning various programs, managing staff, and helping visitors locate the books they’re looking for.
To get a job as a librarian, you will need a master’s degree in library science. However, some positions may require a degree in a related field.
5. Accountant
Median annual wage: $73,560
A job as an accountant is a wonderful option for anyone that’s an introvert. While accounting has a bad reputation of being a dull job, it can be a very fulfilling career if you love numbers.
Most of the work as accountant is methodical and slow, making it a great example of a slow paced job.
However, to work as an accountant, you will need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accountancy or a related field.
You will also need to pass the CPA exam and be familiar with subjects like taxation and auditing if you want to work as a certified public accountant.
If you’re not interesting in getting a master’s degree in accountancy, you can consider a career as a data entry clerk. However, some positions will require you to have an associate’s degree and previous experience.
6. Dietitian
Median annual wage: $63,090
Living a healthy lifestyle is a goal of almost every person. To achieve this goal, one must have a proper diet supported by meals rich in vitamins and minerals.
As a dietitian, you will work with doctors and other professionals to provide individuals and families with a diet plan that will help them improve their eating habits and live healthier lives.
Depending on your specialization, you may also help your clients with weight management and other food-related health challenges.
Working as a dietitian is consider a slow paced job as it does not require long, strenuous hours of work.
To become a registered dietitian, you will need to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition, complete a dietetic internship, and become certified with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
7. Technical Writer
Median annual wage: $74,650
If you’re an introvert, an excellent writer, and also have analytical skills, you should consider a slow paced career as a technical writer.
A technical writer gathers, develops, and disseminates technical information among manufacturers, designers, and customers.
This may include diagrams, instruction manuals, advertisements, how-to guides, scripts, journal articles, and other supporting documents that communicate technical and complex information in a more easy way.
To work as a technical writer, employers typically prefer individuals who have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in English or another communications-related field of study.
Knowledge or experience in a technical subject, such as engineering or science, is also beneficial.
8. Massage Therapist
Median annual wage: $43,620
Anyone who is looking for a slow paced job should definitely consider a career in massage therapy. In fact, being a massage therapist is among the least stressful jobs one can have.
If you enjoy helping people and using the healing power of touch, working as a massage therapist may be the perfect slow paced career for you.
As a massage therapist, your job will be to provide your clients with therapeutic massages and cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation with the help of calm music and soothing scents.
The minimum required education to work as a massage therapist is a degree in message therapy from a state accredited school.
You may also want to consider an internship so that you can work in a real massage clinic while you complete the requirements to become certified and licensed.
9. House-Sitter
Median annual wage: $61,729
Being a house-sitter may just be the best example of a slow paced job.
As a house-sitter, you will look after people’s homes while they are away on business trips or vacation. This may include bringing in the mail, taking out trash, maintaining landscapes, and other responsibilities.
While you typically don’t need any formal qualifications to work as a house-sitter, it’s very important that you have a well-rounded understanding of house-sitting etiquette, policies, and any rules that your client’s may have.
It’s also important that you possess critical thinking skills so that you can resolve any unexpected issues that may arise while house-sitting.
10. Funeral Director
Median annual wage: $74,200
As a funeral director, you will help the family and friends of individuals who has passed away with the grieving process and the necessary funeral arrangements from start to finish.
The arrangements involve planning, preparing documentation, interacting with government and state officials, and organizing the actual funeral ceremony itself.
As a funeral director, it’s important you have a well-rounded understanding of different religious practices, so that you can provide the appropriate services for different people.
In addition, a degree in a relevant field like mortuary science, is also important.
11. Professional Artist/Painter
Median annual wage: $52,340
If you’re a creative person, working as an artist can be an immensely rewarding slow paced job. However, it’s often difficult to get started and it’s not a very well-paying career.
To make a full-time living as an artist, you will need to be reputable and well-known to demand higher commissions.
As an artist, you can sell your art online, hold exhibits, or sell artistic services to clients as a freelancer.
For example, creating and selling your own crafts on platforms like Etsy can be very lucrative. Doing so, you will be able to reach a larger audience of people willing to pay you for your art. You can also consider creating an online store with your own website.
The majority of modern artists have a degree in fine arts or a similar field. However, if you’re among the best, you may not need one to succeed.
12. Researcher
Median annual wage: $59,870
A researcher works alone or in a small team to discover new applications, technologies, or knowledge in a chosen field, such as science, humanities, business, or technology.
This may include new research analysis or the compilation of previous research material.
With flexible and long-term deadlines, a position as a researcher is regarded as a slow paced job.
A researcher can work in industrial, academic, private, or governmental institutions. For example, an entry-level researcher may work in the research department of a university.
While a bachelor’s degree in a chosen field is typically required, a master’s degree is usually preferred, especially if you want to work in a more advanced research role.
13. Florist
Median annual wage: $29,140
If you love flowers and plants, working as a florist can be a very fulfilling slow paced job. While many customer service roles aren’t considered slow paced, a job as a florist is certainly an exception.
As a florist, you will be responsible for arranging displays for special occasions, submitting orders, reviewing sales figures, and helping customers select flowers, vases, and other accessories.
Considering this, you will need skills that involve design, creativity, organization, and customer service.
While higher education isn’t required to work as a florist, having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in floral design can help you land a job. Previous experience and even a work portfolio are also a plus.
14. Medical Lab Technician
Median annual wage: $54,180
A slow paced job as a medical lab technician is a wonderful way to work in the medical field without having to deal with patients.
As a medical lab technician, you will work with medical laboratory technology to analyze and record body fluids, tissue, and other substances. These normal or abnormal results and findings will be shared with physicians.
Work as a medical lab technician may take place in a health setting or even in the research department of a university.
To work as a medical lab technician, you will need an associate’s degree in a field such as clinical laboratory science or a certification in a specialty such as medical laboratory technology.
You can receive this certification from The American Medical Technologists or The American Society for Clinical Pathology.
15. Baker
Median annual wage: $29,400
Do you love the smell of freshly-baked bread, the taste of pastries, and creating and testing new flavors? A job as a baker is a wonderful slow paced option for anyone that loves to bake or make bread.
The main goal of a baker is to make goods of the highest quality. Considering this, it’s important you have a deep understanding of the primary ingredients, processes, and measurements used in most bakery products.
As a baker, you can open your own shop, work in a local bakery, or sell your baked goods to restaurants, bakeries, or even online through your own website.
While there is no educational requirement to work as a baker, an associate’s degree from a vocational school can certainly boost your career in many ways.
16. Appliance Repairer
Median annual wage: $40,260
A position as an appliance repairer could be a great fit for anyone that is good with tools and are interested in a low-stress job that has a very high demand.
As an appliance repairer, you will repair, adjust, and even install all types of gas and electrical household appliances, such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and more.
To become an appliance repairer, you will need a related vocational degree and well-rounded knowledge and understanding of tools, appliances, and techniques to provide customers with the best service possible.
The more specialized you are and the more you grow your skillset, the more you will be able to earn.
17. Animal Caretaker
Median annual wage: $26,080
If you’re animal lover, a position as an animal caretaker may just be the ideal slow paced job for you.
As an animal caretaker, you will feed, groom, bathe, walk, and even play with animals.
To work as an animal caretaker, all you will need is a high school diploma or GED and vocational training in a related field.
However, if you want to advance your career to a position at a zoo or as an animal trainer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in animal science or biology. A degree in animal psychology will also be sufficient for some positions.
18. Mechanic
Median annual wage: $44,050
As a mechanic, you will supervise maintenance inspections, perform repairs, and assemble mechanical components.
Considering this, if you love working on cars and machinery, becoming a mechanic can be very fulfilling career if you’re interested in developing practical skills.
To start a career as a mechanic, all you will need is a high school diploma or GED.
However, certification from the Automotive Youth Education Services (AYES) or the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will help you further your career.
You can also pass the 8 specialist areas tested by the ASE to become a master mechanic.
19. Elderly Companion
Median annual wage: $27,080
If you’re a people person and enjoy helping others, working as an elderly companion is a wonderful slow paced job because the elderly need love and patience.
As an elderly companion, you will help seniors with their day-to-day tasks, such as preparing and eating meals, administering prescription medication, driving them to appointments, and even just keeping them company by being a friendly ear to have a chat with.
You may also be required to keep diligent records of what you have done to help the seniors that you’re caring for.
Considering this, a position as an elderly companion can be a wonderful career for anyone who is caring, kind, and adaptable.
To work as an elderly companion, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent and be certified or at least have some form of clearance.
20. Security Guard
Median annual wage: $35,300
Keep in mind the type of security guard we’re referring to when we define it as a slow paced job.
For instance, we’re not referring to a security guard at an airport, which is certainly a high-stress job.
As the type of security guard we have in mind, you will be hired by clients to provide security during an event or protect a particular place, such as a museum, entry gates, or even an empty parking lot during the night.
As a security guard in one of these positions, you will not deal with high amounts of stress or fast-paced work, as your life will certainly not be in any immediate danger.
There are no formal qualifications required to work as a security guard. However, some positions may require you to complete specific training courses before you will be considered for employment.
You will also need to have a clean criminal record and appropriate licenses.
Slow Paced Jobs FAQs
Here are answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about slow paced jobs:
What Kind of Jobs Are Slow Paced?
The kind of jobs that are slow paced are ones that don’t have intense work environments or strict deadlines. The workplace is usually relatively relaxed compared to jobs that aren’t slow paced.
Your energy and time will be valued, so you won’t feel pressure to always be working at full speed. Instead, your productivity will be measured by the quality of the service you provide.
Considering this, librarians, elderly companions, house-sitters, animal caretakers, and professional artists are among the most slow paced jobs on our list.
What Are the Least Stressful Jobs?
Similar to slow paced jobs, the least stressful jobs are ones that are relatively safe, have peaceful work environments, don’t have strict deadlines, involve little to no competition, and don’t require you to work in public.
With that said, nearly every job on our list is can be considered as one of the least stressful jobs out there.
What’s a Good Job for Someone With Anxiety?
A good job for someone with anxiety is one that involves little to no human interaction and has a work environment they find comfortable.
For example, if you find libraries to be particularly soothing and peaceful, you may want to consider a job as a librarian. While there will be some human interaction, it will be minimal as most people will be busy reading instead of talking.
As another example, If you find yourself at peace around animals, you should consider a career as an animal caretaker.
What is the Calmest Job?
According to a survey done by Career Cast, the calmest job is a diagnostic medical sonographer, which has a stress score of just 5.07.
Diagnostic medical sonographer is followed by compliance offer, hair stylist, audiologist, and university professor.
Final Thoughts on Slow Paced Jobs
While the majority of careers do involve some level of stress, there is usually a minimal amount involved when it comes to slow paced jobs.
Considering this, if you suffer from anxiety or a similar condition, you should definitely consider pursuing a career that involves one of the jobs on our list or one similar.
Having a slow paced job will provide you with work-life balance, alleviate conditions like anxiety, improve your mental health, and so much more!
On the other hand, a fast paced job will do just the opposite. If you’re always stressed out at work, your anxiety will get worse and your mental and physical health may suffer as a result.
