Chasing that job where you're not pulling your hair out daily but still making decent coin can feel like a distant dream for some.
For others - believe it or not - it actually exists. There are careers in New Zealand that keep things chill on the day-to-day AND cover the bills.
Something I wish I knew before I entered this big world called the workforce.
Job hunting website Seek has released which jobs are likely to have the happiest staff and best satisfaction.
Here are some of the best low-stress jobs that pay well in NZ:
Jeweller
Average salary: Varies
Jewellers get to flex their creativity, with clear expectations and a chill, predictable schedule. It includes a lot of attention to detail, and there’s little to no stress about tight deadlines.
A certificate in jewellery manufacturing is a great way to kickstart your career in this field.
Account Administration Assistant
Average salary: Varies
Job description: Providing clerical support to accountants
Processing payments, keeping track of accounts, and sorting out documents with regular office hours and clear expectations.
You don’t need qualifications to get started, but having a relevant certificate can help you secure the job.
Appliance Technician
Average salary: $70,000 per year
Job Description: Repair electrical systems and appliances
They often get to work at their own pace with clear expectations. And if they’re contractors, they’ve got even more flexibility and control over their workload, which means less stress all ‘round.
Librarian or Archivist
Average salary: $75,000 per year
Job Description: Manage and organise information, helping people access the resources they need
The work is predictable, quiet, and structured - pretty ideal if you’re after a stress-free gig.
You’ll usually need a qualification in library and information studies to get started.
Dietitian
Average salary: $75,000 per year
Job Description: Helping people manage their health through nutrition
Dietitians usually have set schedules and client rotations with predictable hours. Plus, many work on their own, so they’ve got full control over their work-life balance.
Carpenter
Average salary: $80,000 per year
Even though it involves some physical work, carpenters usually have set hours and steady demand, so job security isn’t a stress. Plus, if you go the contractor route, you can enjoy more flexibility and control over your workload.
To get started, you'll need some technical training and an apprenticeship.
Audiologist
Average salary: $88,000 per year
Job Description: Working with individuals experiencing hearing loss
No tight deadlines or physical labour, make it a pretty low-stress gig in healthcare.
A degree in science or health science is required to get a role like this.
Data Scientist
Average salary: $110,000 per year
Job description: Data scientists analyse information to identify patterns and provide insights
Flexible hours, remote work options, and low pressure in the workplace make this a great career.
While a degree in data science or a related field is common, it’s not always a must.
What Makes a Job Low-Stress?
If you're not in any of these fields but want to know where your job sits on the stress ladder? Here are some identifying factors Seek points out.
A genuinely low-stress job usually comes with clear expectations, predictable hours, a supportive work environment, and minimal high-pressure deadlines.
While stress levels vary from person to person, roles offering autonomy (making your own decisions), flexibility, and a good work-life balance tend to be the least stressful.
If you're thinking about switching careers, keep these factors in mind to find a role that fits your lifestyle.
