09 Jun 2016

To make the big bucks, people often find themselves in high stress roles with long working hours. Money and relaxation are often seen as trade offs we choose between. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Laurence Shatkin, an American Ph.D and career information specialist, has compared average salaries with stress levels in order to figure out which are the highest paid, lowest stress jobs. The research was conducted in the USA, so while the job specifics may differ here in Australia, these professions are certainly worth checking out if you’re scoping future career options.

Here are Shatkin’s top 6 professions for a good life balance, including the average salary if you’re working in Australia.

Orthodontist

Average annual salary (Australia): $162,500

What they do: Orthodontistry is an advanced school of dentistry, so the job is based on looking after peoples’ teeth. While a regular dentist is generally concerned with helping people maintain healthy teeth, gums and jaws, orthodontists focus on correcting bites, straightening teeth and protecting blood vessels.

Education requirements: AHPRA registered general dental degree, at least two years clinical experience as a dentist, an accredited three-year full-time university degree in orthodontics and registration as a specialist in orthodontics.

Marine Engineer / Naval Architect

Average annual salary (Australia): $88,228

What they do: They’re the ones in charge of designing, building, and doing maintenance on ships, including aircraft carriers, submarines, sailboats, and tugboats. Marine engineers work on the mechanical stuff, such as propulsion and steering. Naval architects work on structural design, such as the form and stability of hulls.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Computer Hardware Engineer

Average annual salary (Australia): $52,381

What they do: Any idea how the apps on your phone can run with different versions of software? Me neither, but this is what computer hardware engineers are concerned with. They often work with software developers to make sure computer hardware is works with new software.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Food Scientist

Average annual salary (Australia): $56,237

What they do:  Food scientists ensure that the food we eat is safe. That’s their main job but they also figure out ways we can grow, make and prepare food in a more efficient and productive way.

Education requirements: At least a Bachelor’s degree but many get a doctoral degree as well.

Economist

Average annual salary (Australia): $76,293

What they do: Economists basically do research on where money comes from and where it goes. They conduct analysis on the financial trends of people, businesses and governments and then develop statistics and give financial advice to clients.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Physicist

Average annual salary (Australia): $87,683

What they do: They basically do scientific research into physical phenomena for universities or research institutes.

Education requirements: Ph.D. for most research jobs

As you’ve probably gathered by now, these careers will require a lot of hard work and training, but they’re great long-term goals to keep in mind. In the end though, finding a vocation that you’re genuinely passionate about is probably the most sensible place to start. Good luck!