15 Best Jobs for Work-Life Balance & Great Salaries

If you're seeking jobs with the best work-life balance, you're not alone. More people are prioritizing wellness, flexibility, and time outside of work. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-paying careers that don’t demand 60-hour weeks or constant burnout. Whether you're entering the workforce, switching careers, or simply looking to escape the grind, these jobs offer a winning combination of flexibility, low stress, and great compensation.

I've compiled a list of the best jobs with work-life balance that offer both solid income and freedom to enjoy your life.

1. Actuaries

• Median Annual Wage: $120,000
• Work-Life Balance: High

Actuaries assess financial risk using math, statistics, and economic theory. Most work in insurance or finance, with predictable schedules and strong remote options. This profession is consistently ranked among the best jobs for work-life balance thanks to its low stress and high autonomy.

2. Mathematicians

• Median Annual Wage: $104,860
• Work-Life Balance: High

Mathematicians often work in academia, government, or R&D with highly flexible hours. Their intellectually engaging work comes with minimal pressure, making this one of the best careers for work-life balance in STEM.

3. Statisticians

• Median Annual Wage: $104,860
• Work-Life Balance: High

Statisticians analyze data to help solve real-world problems in healthcare, government, and business. With remote options and regular hours, it's one of the top jobs with the best work-life balance and rising demand.

4. Business Intelligence Analysts

• Median Annual Wage: $108,020
• Work-Life Balance: High

BI analysts turn data into strategic insights for corporate decision makers. This analytical, often remote-friendly role offers high salaries and manageable deadlines, making it one of the best jobs for work-life balance in the digital economy.

5. Database Administrators and Architects

• Median Annual Wage: $117,450
• Work-Life Balance: High

These professionals build and maintain secure data systems for businesses. With flexible hours and independent tasks, this is one of the jobs with the best work-life balance in tech.

6. Computer Systems Analysts

• Median Annual Wage: $103,800
• Work-Life Balance: High

Computer systems analysts improve organizational IT systems. Their structured, project-based work leads to excellent flexibility and low stress, perfect for tech-savvy professionals seeking a better lifestyle.

7. Chemical Engineers

• Median Annual Wage: $112,100
• Work-Life Balance: Moderate to High

Chemical engineers in R&D or design enjoy structured hours and interesting technical challenges. While manufacturing roles may require more intensity, many positions rank highly among the best jobs with work-life balance in engineering.

8. Human Resources Managers

• Median Annual Wage: $136,350
• Work-Life Balance: Moderate to High

Human resources managers oversee recruiting, employee relations, and organizational planning. Most work full-time during regular business hours, with some flexibility depending on the organization. With a strong median salary and a role central to company culture, it's one of the best jobs for work-life balance in the corporate world.

9. Commercial and Industrial Designers

• Median Annual Wage: $76,250
• Work-Life Balance: Moderate to High

These designers balance function and style to create consumer products. Many freelance or consult, giving them control over their schedules—making this one of the best jobs with work-life balance for creatives.

10. Engineers (General)

• Median Annual Wage: Varies by specialty (e.g., Civil: $95,890; Electrical: $109,010)
• Work-Life Balance: Moderate to High

Engineering roles typically offer stable hours, good benefits, and high pay. Specialties like civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering often come with clear project timelines, helping rank them among jobs with the best work-life balance in technical fields.

11. Astronomers

• Median Annual Wage: $149,530
• Work-Life Balance: High

Astronomers work in academia or research centers with minimal external pressure and predictable schedules. It's an ideal fit for curious minds seeking high pay and autonomy—undoubtedly one of the best jobs with work-life balance in the sciences.

12. Materials Scientists

• Median Annual Wage: $106,160
• Work-Life Balance: High

Materials scientists often work in labs or universities, conducting research in quiet, low-stress settings. This intellectually rewarding role offers a great mix of freedom, purpose, and pay.

13. Dietitians and Nutritionists

• Median Annual Wage: $69,680
• Work-Life Balance: High

Helping people eat healthier, dietitians work in a variety of settings with lots of schedule flexibility. Private practice and consulting roles especially allow for work-life harmony and client-centered freedom.

14. Physical Therapists

• Median Annual Wage: $99,710
• Work-Life Balance: High

Physical therapists help patients improve mobility and manage pain, usually in outpatient clinics or private practices. With flexible hours and growing demand, it’s one of the best jobs with work-life balance in healthcare.

15. Pharmacists

• Median Annual Wage: $136,030
• Work-Life Balance: Moderate

Pharmacists enjoy high pay and a respected role in healthcare. While retail settings can be demanding, clinical or academic positions offer better hours and flexibility. It's a top-paying job with the potential for work-life balance, especially outside of retail.

Conclusion

You don’t need to sacrifice your evenings and weekends for a great paycheck. These 15 best jobs for work-life balance offer high earnings, job satisfaction, and, most importantly, your time back. Whether you’re analytical, creative, or care-driven, there’s a high-paying, low-stress role out there for you.

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Sources

• O*NET Data, "Work Styles — Stress Tolerance"
• O*NET Data, "Work Context — Time Pressure"
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics”