Pandemic living has made us take a good, hard look at our lives and rethink everything from relationships to hobbies. For many of us, we also had to look at our jobs and wonder: is the stress really worth it? Anyone who has worked in the service industry in the past year can tell you that low-paying jobs aren’t necessarily low-stress. But does it work the other way around too? Can you actually find high-paying jobs that’s low-stress? The answer is yes. Using the O*NET stress tolerance ratings — the lower the rating out of 100, the lower the levels of stress you have to deal with in this job — we found these low-stress jobs that pay more than $100,000 in Canada.

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Boilermaker
Stress tolerance rating: 48
Annual salary range: $90,000 to $148,000
There are several great jobs for women in the trades. One of those with the lowest stress levels (but high earning potential) is boilermaker. As a boilermaker, you make, install and maintain boilers: large containers for gases and liquids. To become a boilermaker in Canada, you generally need to complete a certification course and apprenticeship.
Annual salary range: $90,000 to $148,000
There are several great jobs for women in the trades. One of those with the lowest stress levels (but high earning potential) is boilermaker. As a boilermaker, you make, install and maintain boilers: large containers for gases and liquids. To become a boilermaker in Canada, you generally need to complete a certification course and apprenticeship.
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Environmental economist
Stress tolerance rating: 52
Annual salary range: $99,379 to $178,883
Environmental events such as wildfires, oil spills and adverse weather all have an impact on the economy. As an environmental economist, you study and predict the economic impact of environmental events and policies. To become an environmental economist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics or a field like environmental management, natural resource management, business administration, law or mathematics.
Annual salary range: $99,379 to $178,883
Environmental events such as wildfires, oil spills and adverse weather all have an impact on the economy. As an environmental economist, you study and predict the economic impact of environmental events and policies. To become an environmental economist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental economics or a field like environmental management, natural resource management, business administration, law or mathematics.

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Cartographer
Stress tolerance rating: 52
Annual salary range: $63,348 to $110,202
If you’re looking for one of those creative careers that let you work on your own, you may want to consider cartography. As a cartographer, you use different kinds of data to create and update maps. You work mainly indoors but you may sometimes do fieldwork too. Many different organizations and companies use cartographers’ skills. To become a cartographer, you’ll need at least a technical diploma and a background in geography, geology, geomatics, geological engineering or geographical information systems. Courses in surveying and graphic design are useful too.
Annual salary range: $63,348 to $110,202
If you’re looking for one of those creative careers that let you work on your own, you may want to consider cartography. As a cartographer, you use different kinds of data to create and update maps. You work mainly indoors but you may sometimes do fieldwork too. Many different organizations and companies use cartographers’ skills. To become a cartographer, you’ll need at least a technical diploma and a background in geography, geology, geomatics, geological engineering or geographical information systems. Courses in surveying and graphic design are useful too.

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Mathematician
Stress tolerance rating: 56
Annual salary range: $93,396 to$167,239
In the movies, mathematicians are often nerdy people — even if they look like Russell Crowe — spending their days scribbling mathematical equations on blackboards while suffering mental health crises. In reality, mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in fields like business, engineering, governance and healthcare. To become a mathematician in Canada, you generally need a degree in mathematics.
Annual salary range: $93,396 to$167,239
In the movies, mathematicians are often nerdy people — even if they look like Russell Crowe — spending their days scribbling mathematical equations on blackboards while suffering mental health crises. In reality, mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in fields like business, engineering, governance and healthcare. To become a mathematician in Canada, you generally need a degree in mathematics.
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Bioinformatics scientist
Stress tolerance rating: 56
Annual salary range: $86,439 to $152,613
As a bioinformatics scientist, you use tech and databases of genetic information to study problems in the field of biology, such as diseases. As part of your job, you’ll work closely with biologists, microbiologists, plant scientists and the like. To become a bioinformatics scientist in Canada, you generally need at least a postgraduate degree in bioinformatics.
Annual salary range: $86,439 to $152,613
As a bioinformatics scientist, you use tech and databases of genetic information to study problems in the field of biology, such as diseases. As part of your job, you’ll work closely with biologists, microbiologists, plant scientists and the like. To become a bioinformatics scientist in Canada, you generally need at least a postgraduate degree in bioinformatics.
Related: The best credit cards of 2021.

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Geographer
Stress tolerance rating: 59
Annual salary range: $101,531 to $125,912
Geography isn’t all about knowing the most beautiful cities in Canada to live in – although as a geographer, you certainly will be able to name these. After all, your job is to look at the way people, places and the physical world are connected, using knowledge from disciplines as diverse as sociology, climatology and geology. To become a geographer in Canada, you generally need a degree in geography.
Annual salary range: $101,531 to $125,912
Geography isn’t all about knowing the most beautiful cities in Canada to live in – although as a geographer, you certainly will be able to name these. After all, your job is to look at the way people, places and the physical world are connected, using knowledge from disciplines as diverse as sociology, climatology and geology. To become a geographer in Canada, you generally need a degree in geography.

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Solar energy systems engineer
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $60,100 to $177,000
Anything solar powered is among the items that will save you hundreds over time because in the end, solar energy is free. As a solar energy systems engineer, you design systems — anything from heating systems for private homes to large energy-generation projects — that use solar energy. To become a solar energy systems engineer in Canada, you generally need a degree and professional certification in electrical or mechanical engineering. Some colleges in Canada offer additional courses in different aspects of renewable energy.
Annual salary range: $60,100 to $177,000
Anything solar powered is among the items that will save you hundreds over time because in the end, solar energy is free. As a solar energy systems engineer, you design systems — anything from heating systems for private homes to large energy-generation projects — that use solar energy. To become a solar energy systems engineer in Canada, you generally need a degree and professional certification in electrical or mechanical engineering. Some colleges in Canada offer additional courses in different aspects of renewable energy.

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Soil scientist
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $55,500 to $102,000
As a soil scientist, you study everything to do with soils: what they’re composed of, their characteristics, where to find them and how they interact with the environment and life around them. Soil scientists are especially sought after in the agricultural and environmental sectors. To become a soil scientist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in a discipline like agriculture, forestry, biology or geology. Several Canadian universities also offer postgraduate degrees in soil science. Especially if you’re a newcomer, it will also help to be familiar with the different soil classifications in Canada.
Annual salary range: $55,500 to $102,000
As a soil scientist, you study everything to do with soils: what they’re composed of, their characteristics, where to find them and how they interact with the environment and life around them. Soil scientists are especially sought after in the agricultural and environmental sectors. To become a soil scientist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in a discipline like agriculture, forestry, biology or geology. Several Canadian universities also offer postgraduate degrees in soil science. Especially if you’re a newcomer, it will also help to be familiar with the different soil classifications in Canada.

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Political scientist
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $71,073 to $125,019
Political scientists live by the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s claim that humans are, by nature, political animals. They study concepts like power, freedom, justice, democracy, security and everything that influences governments and their policies. To become a political scientist in Canada, you generally need a postgraduate degree in political science.
Annual salary range: $71,073 to $125,019
Political scientists live by the Greek philosopher Aristotle’s claim that humans are, by nature, political animals. They study concepts like power, freedom, justice, democracy, security and everything that influences governments and their policies. To become a political scientist in Canada, you generally need a postgraduate degree in political science.

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Operations research analyst
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $45,100 to $148,000
As an operations research analyst – also known as a management scientist – you use tech as well as advanced mathematical and analytical methods to find the best way to solve problems in large companies and government organizations. To become an operations research analyst in Canada, you generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in management science, operations research, analytics, mathematics, business, computer science or engineering.
Annual salary range: $45,100 to $148,000
As an operations research analyst – also known as a management scientist – you use tech as well as advanced mathematical and analytical methods to find the best way to solve problems in large companies and government organizations. To become an operations research analyst in Canada, you generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in management science, operations research, analytics, mathematics, business, computer science or engineering.

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11 / 20
Chemical engineer
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $83,809 to $148,737
If you’re a chemical engineer, you design and develop chemical processes and equipment used in, for example, the industrial chemicals, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, plastics and food processing industries. You could find work in just about any city with lots of industry, including the most affordable cities in Canada for young people. Most employers will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and professional certification.
Annual salary range: $83,809 to $148,737
If you’re a chemical engineer, you design and develop chemical processes and equipment used in, for example, the industrial chemicals, pulp and paper, pharmaceutical, plastics and food processing industries. You could find work in just about any city with lots of industry, including the most affordable cities in Canada for young people. Most employers will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and professional certification.
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Brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager
Stress tolerance rating: 61
Annual salary range: $117,814 to $146,343
A brownfield is a former commercial or industrial property that has now been abandoned, often because of suspected contamination or pollution. A brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager’s job, then, is to make this land usable again. You do environmental impact analyses and create plans to do cleanups. To become a brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager in Canada, you typically need a background in a field like engineering and technology, environmental science, project management, administration or law. You’ll also need plenty of on-the-job training.
Annual salary range: $117,814 to $146,343
A brownfield is a former commercial or industrial property that has now been abandoned, often because of suspected contamination or pollution. A brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager’s job, then, is to make this land usable again. You do environmental impact analyses and create plans to do cleanups. To become a brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager in Canada, you typically need a background in a field like engineering and technology, environmental science, project management, administration or law. You’ll also need plenty of on-the-job training.

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Physicist
Stress tolerance rating: 62
Annual salary range: $86,000 to $134,405
One of the highest-paying college majors in Canada is physics because you can use it in so many different fields, all of which pay really well. As a physicist, you study the ways in which matter and energy interact. It normally involves lots of research and experiments. To become a physicist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in physics but many employers will require you to have a postgraduate degree.
Annual salary range: $86,000 to $134,405
One of the highest-paying college majors in Canada is physics because you can use it in so many different fields, all of which pay really well. As a physicist, you study the ways in which matter and energy interact. It normally involves lots of research and experiments. To become a physicist in Canada, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in physics but many employers will require you to have a postgraduate degree.
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Materials scientist
Stress tolerance rating: 62
Annual salary range: $111,827 to $138,793
As a materials scientist, you study the properties of different materials and find ways to either enhance these or to develop new ones. For example, you may work on ways to develop new, stronger ceramics and alloys or environmentally friendly plastics. As a materials scientist, you’ll often work as part of a team, usually with other people in STEM. To become a materials scientist in Canada, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in materials science.
Annual salary range: $111,827 to $138,793
As a materials scientist, you study the properties of different materials and find ways to either enhance these or to develop new ones. For example, you may work on ways to develop new, stronger ceramics and alloys or environmentally friendly plastics. As a materials scientist, you’ll often work as part of a team, usually with other people in STEM. To become a materials scientist in Canada, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in materials science.

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Hydrologist
Stress tolerance rating: 62
Annual salary range: $72,255 to $127,098
As a hydrologist, you’ll have one of the best jobs if you love the water. Hydrology involves studying and analyzing the properties of bodies of water — lakes and rivers, for instance — as well as groundwater and runoff. You may also look for ways to use water sustainably. You’ll spend lots of time outside, maybe even thigh-deep in water, collecting samples for analysis. To become a hydrologist in Canada, you’ll normally need at least a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and water management or a related field with a strong hydrology component, like geography, environmental science, agriculture, forestry or even civil engineering.
Annual salary range: $72,255 to $127,098
As a hydrologist, you’ll have one of the best jobs if you love the water. Hydrology involves studying and analyzing the properties of bodies of water — lakes and rivers, for instance — as well as groundwater and runoff. You may also look for ways to use water sustainably. You’ll spend lots of time outside, maybe even thigh-deep in water, collecting samples for analysis. To become a hydrologist in Canada, you’ll normally need at least a bachelor’s degree in hydrology and water management or a related field with a strong hydrology component, like geography, environmental science, agriculture, forestry or even civil engineering.
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Precision agriculture technician
Stress tolerance rating: 63
Annual salary range: $73,022 to $128,924
As a precision agriculture technician, you’ll use tech and different kinds of data to find the best ways to improve agricultural yield in a specific area, with the least risk to the environment or the people living there. You’ll work closely with the farmers themselves to help them improve how they use their land. To become a precision agriculture technician in Canada, you’ll need an apprenticeship, diploma or degree in a field like IT, agronomy or agribusiness. You may also need to become a certified crop advisor.
Annual salary range: $73,022 to $128,924
As a precision agriculture technician, you’ll use tech and different kinds of data to find the best ways to improve agricultural yield in a specific area, with the least risk to the environment or the people living there. You’ll work closely with the farmers themselves to help them improve how they use their land. To become a precision agriculture technician in Canada, you’ll need an apprenticeship, diploma or degree in a field like IT, agronomy or agribusiness. You may also need to become a certified crop advisor.

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Business intelligence analyst
Stress tolerance rating: 63
Annual salary range: $63,200 to $201,000
If you’re a business intelligence analyst, you use data to help businesses spot trends, opportunities and potential issues. This will then help them to improve their productivity and efficiency, making them more profitable. To become a business intelligence analyst in Canada, you normally need a degree in a field like business administration, computer science or statistics. Several colleges in Canada also offer diploma courses and workshops in business intelligence and analytics.
Annual salary range: $63,200 to $201,000
If you’re a business intelligence analyst, you use data to help businesses spot trends, opportunities and potential issues. This will then help them to improve their productivity and efficiency, making them more profitable. To become a business intelligence analyst in Canada, you normally need a degree in a field like business administration, computer science or statistics. Several colleges in Canada also offer diploma courses and workshops in business intelligence and analytics.

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Biomedical engineer
Stress tolerance rating: 63
Annual salary range: $79,826 to $141,141
Biomedical engineers have one of the best careers for Canadian women in science and engineering. They combine their knowledge of technology and medicine to develop new equipment and devices that can help improve people’s health, for instance artificial organs and medical instruments. To become a biomedical engineer in Canada, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. You’ll also need professional certification.
Annual salary range: $79,826 to $141,141
Biomedical engineers have one of the best careers for Canadian women in science and engineering. They combine their knowledge of technology and medicine to develop new equipment and devices that can help improve people’s health, for instance artificial organs and medical instruments. To become a biomedical engineer in Canada, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering or a related field. You’ll also need professional certification.
See also: Should you marry someone with debt?

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Statistician
Stress tolerance rating: 64
Annual salary range: $88,100 to $259,000
As a statistician, you gather, analyze and interpret data and apply your findings to real-world situations. For instance, you can help businesses make better decisions or help guide government policy in areas like public health or emergency management. It’s one of the most in-demand jobs for 2025 and beyond. To become a statistician in Canada, you generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in statistics.
Annual salary range: $88,100 to $259,000
As a statistician, you gather, analyze and interpret data and apply your findings to real-world situations. For instance, you can help businesses make better decisions or help guide government policy in areas like public health or emergency management. It’s one of the most in-demand jobs for 2025 and beyond. To become a statistician in Canada, you generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in statistics.

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Epidemiologist
Stress tolerance rating: 64
Annual salary range: $69,440 to $122,500
Covid has put the spotlight firmly on epidemiology and this has become one of the best careers worth going back to school for. As an epidemiologist, your focus is on public health: you recognize patterns and causes of disease and injury and help guide government policies to prevent and manage outbreaks of public health threats. To become an epidemiologist in Canada, you normally need at least a master’s degree in epidemiology or public health.
Annual salary range: $69,440 to $122,500
Covid has put the spotlight firmly on epidemiology and this has become one of the best careers worth going back to school for. As an epidemiologist, your focus is on public health: you recognize patterns and causes of disease and injury and help guide government policies to prevent and manage outbreaks of public health threats. To become an epidemiologist in Canada, you normally need at least a master’s degree in epidemiology or public health.
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