High Pay, Low Stress Jobs: Discover 5 Careers in Data Analysis

In the modern business world, an old saying is becoming increasingly common: information is power. And the most basic type of information is raw data. 

Yes, analyzing and curating data is a high-paying, often rewarding line of work. But did you know that these jobs can often be low stress as well? That equates to a lot of happiness in a career, not to mention a longer life. A recent workplace report by Mental Health America noted that people in low-stress jobs typically switch jobs much less often and are healthier overall. 

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network recently compiled a list of nearly 900 occupations and ranked them by level of stress. Its criterion included whether a person in the occupation regularly needed to accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. A urologist ranked as the most stressful occupation, and “courier/messenger” as the least.

And toward the top of the least-stressful jobs list were a few occupations that not only pay well, but often only require a bachelor’s degree. And they all have something to do with data analysis—something Illinois Tech, as Chicago’s only comprehensive technology university, is uniquely prepared to help you tackle.

Here are five examples of high-paying, low-stress jobs: 

1. Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence analysts are a type of data analyst that specifically works in business and finance. 

Speaking of finance, the labor department notes that a business intelligence analyst’s median annual salary is $100,910—and that was as of 2021 (the most recent year that data was available). 

How about its occupational stress score? The labor department placed business intelligence analysts at 63 out of 100 (the highest ranked stress score was a 99, and the lowest 37). It may look to land somewhat in the middle, but that score means that business intelligence analyst is the 118th least stressful occupation out of the 900 that were ranked.

Finally, in terms of job preparation, data analysts typically only need a bachelor’s degree. And the labor department notes that the occupation has a “bright outlook,” meaning the field is expected to grow rapidly.

2. Geographic Information Systems Technician

Another type of data analyst are geographic information systems technicians, who assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems databases. They also may work in other corporate business systems, and they use the data to prepare graphics, analytic reports, and specialized databases. 

They’re ranked even lower on the stress score, at 62, and also have a “bright outlook” when it comes to future openings. Their median annual salary was $95,270; and—like business intelligence analysts—they typically only need a bachelor’s degree.

3. Operation Research Analyst

Even lower on the labor department’s stress list (61, which puts them as the 73rd least stressful position) are operation research analysts, who basically monitor and analyze the nuts and bolts functions of companies or organizations. 

Also known as analytical strategists, according to the Department of Labor, they research data and “apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions.”

Here’s the caveat: while some examples of this occupation only require a bachelor’s degree, the labor department notes these jobs often require a higher degree and some experience.

Their average annual pay according to the most recent data was $82,360, and they also have a sunny outlook when it comes  to future job prospects.

4. Bioinformatics Scientists and Technicians

Interested in the health care field? Bioinformatic scientists specialize in data related to “bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology, and medical informatics.” They’re research scientists and database curators who “may design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.”

All that’s to say that they, too, often require higher degrees in order to succeed.

But when it comes to stress levels, the occupation is hard to beat. The labor department gave it a stress score of 56, ranking it as the 36th least-stressful occupation included on the list. And with a national median annual salary of $82,530, the pay is not too bad either.

If you don’t want to spend time getting a higher degree, bioinformatic technicians—who assist bioinformatic scientists in their duties, among other things—may not pay quite as well (with a median salary of $62,460), but they only require a bachelor’s degree. And their occupation is still ranked as relatively stress free (61 on the scale).

5. Biostaticians

Another, highly specialized type of data analyst in the healthcare arena is a biostatistician, who “develops and applies biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.”

Like bioinformatic scientists, they, too, need higher degrees. But the pay is remarkably good: the occupation’s median salary is $95,570. 

It’s also a fairly relaxed field, with an occupational stress score of 64, which ranks 140 out of 900.

Illinois Tech offers a variety of programs surrounding data and data science. You can learn more on the university’s website.