Ideal Jobs For People With Anxiety

If the thought of going to work makes you panic, it probably means that your job isn’t right for your personality and that you should start looking for alternatives. But finding another job – and one that you will enjoy – is difficult enough, without throwing your anxiety disorder into the mix.

The good news is that there are many careers out there to choose from that you can feel comfortable with and happy in, and where you can transform your life and make that anxious feeling melt away. In this article, we shall discuss the ideal jobs for people with anxiety.

More than 300 million people live in the United States, and 40 million of them suffer from an anxiety disorder like social anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. That’s a whopping 18.1% of the U.S. population or nearly one out of every five people. Those who suffer from anxiety know even menial daily tasks can feel like insurmountable hurdles.

Sometimes, just getting up and going to work each day feels like a great victory for someone suffering from anxiety.

If you’re wracked with constant nerves, high-anxiety jobs should be out of the question, particularly those that involve a lot of direct customer service.

For instance, working as a server at a restaurant or a police officer in the city probably would be some of the worst jobs for people with anxiety.

But when you pick a career for people with anxiety, you might find dread of heading to the office starts to melt away — or maybe dissipates entirely.

Consider one of this low-stress, well-paying careers for people with anxiety to provide purpose without triggering agitation or panic.

Here Are Some Of  The Ideal Jobs For People With Anxiety:

If you’re looking for good jobs for people with anxiety, here are several that work for those who’d prefer not to be around too many people or who need a more low-stress environment.

1. Medical Technician

The field of medical technology is growing — you should expect to see more than 40,000 new jobs in this area through 2026, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With such a promising outlook, a career as a clinical technician could be the perfect fit for those with anxiety.

Although jobs such as radiology technician and ultrasound technician do require you to speak directly with patients, the focus is really on the equipment that helps to diagnose and treat these individuals.

That means that you can focus on the technology in front of you, as opposed to any uncomfortable aspects of social interactions.

Plus, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of making a positive difference in the lives of patients.

What’s more, clinical technicians can make in the high five figures, depending on the specific field.

Average Salary: $$33,620

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

2. Cosmetologist

Sometimes anxiety and depression stem from the fear everyone is looking at you.

When you work as a makeup artist, hairstylist, or aesthetician, you essentially flip the script.

At the same time, you can enjoy some of the glory since it was your hand that crafted a beautiful hairstyle or painted a picture-perfect face.

An added bonus of pursuing a career in this category is that it gives you an outlet for your creative urges.

Since all forms of art can help lessen anxiety, the process of putting together a hairstyle or designing a makeup palette might assuage any panic that naturally bubbles up in the workplace.

Average Salary: $35,980

Education Requirement: High school diploma plus cosmetologist training certificate

3. Outpatient or Long-Term Care Dietitian

If you love to cook or you’re frequently reading up on the latest superfoods, you might consider a career in nutrition.

A wide variety of companies employ dietitians in all different capacities, from the hospital to the grocery store.

So although you may want to steer clear of the hectic pace of the hospital, serving as a dietitian in an outpatient capacity might be a great fit for your skills, passions, and abilities.

After obtaining the necessary education to become a registered dietitian, look for jobs in a private outpatient center, like a doctor’s office.

Or perhaps explore opportunities in a long-term care facility for older individuals or people with disabilities.

These lower-stress positions are the third- and second-most prevalent job opportunities in the industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average Salary: $68,160

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition but a master’s degree is preferred

So you shouldn’t have trouble finding a job that caters to your strengths and challenges you, but not so much that you dread going to work every day.

4. Technology Expert

Whether you design websites or distribute and implement software, a job that lands somewhere in the field of computers and technology is typically a great fit for anyone who suffers from anxiety.

That’s because the majority of your daily tasks can be performed from behind a computer screen and mostly independently.

Although you’ll likely chat with coworkers or clients via email and occasionally by phone, it’s rare you have to do much face-to-face interaction beyond a quick gab session at the water cooler.

In addition, when you foray into the field of technology, you might see a salary increase.

It takes a sharp and analytical brain to conquer these jobs, so programmers, engineers, and developers often make more than six figures after putting in some time in the industry.

The competitive salaries make jobs in tech well worth exploring, especially if you’re naturally skilled with computers.

Average Salary: $59,272

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in computer science

5. Accountant

Do you have a knack for numbers and a keen ability to pay attention to detail? Then a job in finance or business is right up your alley.

When you work in accounting, medical billing or coding, or a similar field, your brain stays busy.

However, you can do most of your work independently, therefore avoiding the anxiety that comes with collaborating with others in the workplace.

Since folks in these industries also tend to bring in the big bucks — think $100k or more — once they start to ascend the corporate ladder, you won’t have to worry about finances.

Average Salary: $54,387

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in accounting

6. Mechanic or Driver

For some people who constantly struggle to stay on an even keel, a physical type of work calms the body and mind better than work that stimulates the brain.

If you fall into this category, skip the office-oriented careers and go for something where you can use your hands, like an automotive mechanic.

With fewer and fewer people opting to go into hands-on trades like this, mechanics are in high demand, and not just in the automotive industry.

If you want to combine the efforts of both your brain and body, consider going into a more challenging field of aircraft mechanics. Either way, you’ll be able to channel your anxieties into something active and work mostly independently.

If you’d rather drive large vehicles than work on them, opt to become a commercial truck driver instead — you could make up to $65K.

An added bonus of driving a commercial vehicle is you get to see the country one highway at a time, and you’re still usually home for the weekend.

Average Salary: $41,620

Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in automotive technology and other certification classes

7. Pharmacy Technician

Although most people consider anxiety an affliction, even this issue boasts a silver lining.

Individuals with anxiety tend to fixate on details, which is actually a great quality to have in a pharmacy technician.

The pharmacist handles most of the interactions with patients and prescribing doctors.

But the pharmacy tech works behind the scenes to make sure each and every medication that comes from their counter has been carefully measured and doled out.

Your keen eye for detail will certainly come in handy when you begin to package up the appropriate amounts of medication, label them carefully and file away important patient information.

As the sidekick to the pharmacist, you’ll also probably get to mix up your daily routine while you help out with other tasks.

This can keep your work life fresh without adding extra anxiety since, regardless of your exact tasks, they’ll all unfold behind the scenes.

Average Salary: $30,900

Education Requirement: Associate’s degree for pharmacy technician

8. Personal Trainer

In 2016, there were fewer than 300,000 personal trainers working in the United States, estimates the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By 2026, that number could jump by nearly 30,000 thanks to an ever-growing public interest in healthier living.

Jump into this career field now, and you could be one of the thousands of new fitness professionals helping to make New Year’s resolutions a reality.

Yes, personal training does require some socializing, but most of it happens one on one. That means you’ll have the time and space to build a rapport with each client.

You won’t be in the spotlight. Plus, staying physically fit and active is a surefire way to lessen your anxiety:

By working in the gym, you’ll have no excuse to skip a workout and lots of motivation to lead by example.

You’ll inspire your clients every time you join them at a yoga class or run a few miles by their sides.

Average Salary: $43,540

Education Requirement: Associate’s degree

9. Landscaper or Gardener

Since physical activity often helps to squash feelings of panic, it makes sense that working as a landscaper or gardener would naturally alleviate anxiety.

Getting out of your home or the stuffy office and into nature also helps many people to unwind.

What better way is there to ensure that you spend some time outdoors each day than pursuing a career that absolutely requires it?

Think about the positive effects designing and creating gardens with your own two hands could have on your anxiety.

If you want to experience the calming effects of hanging out with plants, but you can’t really cope with the fluctuations in weather or the physical exertion of landscaping, perhaps you’d make a good florist.

You’ll still get to work with blooms, but the level of athleticism necessary is much lower for a floral artist.

Average Salary: $25,320

Education Requirement: High school diploma

10. Tradesperson

Two or three decades ago, no one could’ve known that entirely new careers would arise with the advent of home computers and the internet — careers that didn’t even require employees to travel to a central office.

But on the flip side, some jobs never go out of style.

You’re usually safe with anything in the trades, in terms of job security, and many of these opportunities also require very little intellectual or social stress:

Are you fascinated by the way the lights and electronics in your home suck up and give off energy?

Learn all about the ins and outs of electricity when you pursue a lucrative career as an electrician.

Do you find your friends tend to call you when they have a leaky faucet or need their shower head replaced?

Then it sounds like you’re already on track to becoming a plumber.

Are you skilled with a hammer and a saw? Carpentry could be just the ticket.

Consider one of these hands-on, low-stress jobs if you want to work in a field where you’re performing important duties daily with little expected of you socially.

Average Salary: $46,380

Education Requirement: Trade school and apprenticeship

11. Writer or Graphic Designer

Many people who end up in the liberal arts have the option of working remotely, which means the majority of your interactions happen online.

If you’re a self-starter who boasts above-average organizational skills, this could be the path to pursue for you.

Weigh the pros and cons of becoming a copywriter for an internet-based marketing company or another entirely online venture.

You can dip a toe in the waters by freelancing first, and then pursue higher education in English or communications if you find your niche.

For those who excel in the visual arts, a career as a graphic designer might be the best starter job for people with social anxiety.

Again, the majority of your daily job duties will happen from behind a computer screen, and, similar to writing, you can often find freelance opportunities as a graphic designer.

So if you want to let your creative juices flow on a daily basis and make a decent wage at the same time, perhaps you should direct your aspirations toward the goal of graphic design.

Average Salary: $49,571

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or graphic design

12. Librarian

If you love books and would love to spend your working hours surrounded by them, this could be the perfect job for you.

Sure, it involves some social interaction, but since you’re helping people find books or other learning resources, you’re less likely to find yourself tongue-tied and more likely to find the right words to help.

Your passion for reading, for knowledge, and for helping others will propel you forward when social skills become necessary.

And re-shelving books is a great way to recharge your social battery between patrons.

Average Salary: $57,093

Education Requirement: Master’s degree in library and information science

13. Counselor

Now you’re thinking, “Why would I want a job that has me talking to other people all day long?”

For one thing, a counselor talks to one person at a time.

And with your understanding of how social anxiety affects your quality of life and your relationships, you’re uniquely qualified to help others cope with their anxiety.

Before you can help others with anxiety to thrive, you’ll need to learn how to do so yourself.

And when you learn what helps you, you can pass on that precious knowledge to others in need of it.

Average Salary: $58,311

Education Requirement: Master’s degree in psychology

14. Veterinarian or Animal Caretaker

If you find it easier to socialize with animals, and you love caring for them and even treating them, consider a career as a veterinarian, a veterinary assistant (VA), a vet technician, a dog obedience trainer, or an animal caretaker.

Petting and playing with animals have been shown to release oxytocin and decrease the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

So, working with animals can both reduce your stress levels and help you connect more easily with other humans.

Average Salary: $100,703

Education Requirement: 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine post-graduate degree

15. Virtual Assistant

If you have social anxiety, you may prefer a job where you can work from home full-time. A virtual assistant job could be the perfect job for you.

A virtual assistant works remotely as an independent contractor to provide administrative, technical, and other services to businesses and entrepreneurs. Communication is generally through email or online, so face-to-face interaction with your employer is minimal.

For this job, you need to be reliable, detail-oriented, skilled in written communication, self-motivated, and disciplined. In many situations, virtual assistants can work on their own schedules as long as the work is done and deadlines are met.

Average Salary: $49,753

Education Requirement: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree

16. Video Editor

A video editor is responsible for editing and then assembling video or film footage and sound into a form that tells the story or presents the message in an interesting and cohesive manner.

As a video editor, you work mostly on your own on a computer using editing tools like Apple’s Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s Premiere Pro to perform your work.

Although you will have deadlines to meet, video editing is a fairly low-intensity job that requires the kind of focus and concentration which can help you manage anxious feelings.

Average Salary: $42,771

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in film production

17. Computer Programmer

This career immerses you in computer code. You’ll either be writing it or correcting malfunctions in specific programs.

Due to the concentration necessary for this work, programmers enjoy long stretches of solo work. This minimizes duties that could provoke feelings of distress, such as daily engagement with customers or delivery of presentations.

Employers will value your analytical skills and huge attention span instead of your communication skills. The work itself may provide some relief from your anxiety.

Creating and analyzing complex software could distract your mind from external troubles. Every problem that you solve in code can represent a small victory that helps you feel useful and fulfilled at work.

Average Salary: $63,903

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in computer science

18. Photographer

You may discover that your anxiety is more manageable from behind a camera. Every shot will require your creativity and plenty of problem-solving as you ponder lighting, poses, foreground and background, and overall composition.

By focusing on technical issues, you can keep your emotional difficulties under control throughout the workday. Photography really lets you tap into the concept that busy hands are happy hands.

This job does require interaction with people, but you’ll find that people are usually quite willing to comply with a photographer’s directions. They want the pictures to turn out well, so there’s a low possibility of confrontation unless you’re stalking celebrities.

If social situations are too much, you can still explore opportunities in stock photography. You could produce and license all types of images that people buy for publications.

Average Salary: $65,456

Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or other photography credentials

19. Massage Therapist

Masseuses frequently experience joy and a sense of peace as they relieve the tension and pain in their clients’ bodies. Human touch is fundamental to well-being. As a result, this job will continually place you in a state of connected quietude.

If large groups trigger your anxiety, then this is an occupation that never involves a crowded workplace. You’ll engage with each client in a one-on-one setting.

A massage therapist operates in a largely independent manner. As an employee, you’ll hardly ever have to deal with office politics. A massage career is also highly suitable for life as an independent contractor.

Average Salary: $51,857

Education Requirement: Completion of the massage therapy program

20. Florist

Imagine building lovely arrangements of flowers every workday. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? This is a job where your creativity can really shine.

Every arrangement has unique elements, and you’ll have the satisfaction of working with your hands. The delicate petals, vibrant colors, and fragrant aromas will soothe your anxiety and possibly make you forget about your worries from time to time.

Every town and city has flower shops that provide fancy arrangements for weddings, funerals, and special occasions. This means that a job opportunity might exist right where you live. You can expect some interaction with customers as you take orders in person, online, or over the phone.

Average Salary: $51,580

Education Requirement: Associate or bachelor’s degree in floral design

21. Factory Worker

People who work in manufacturing or processing facilities do not have to contend with customers walking through the door.

As a factory worker, you’ll enter an environment with clear standards and job instructions. Anxiety-producing situations, like your boss telling you to figure something out yourself, will rarely confront you.

You’ll work with a small team in your area of the factory. This means you could have some social contact and even make friends but not have to deal with crowds or disgruntled customers.

Job expectations are mostly static. The shifting priorities and “mission creep” prevalent in other occupations will be avoided, which means less anxiety for you. Over time, you’ll need to learn how to use new machines or make new things, but job changes typically proceed in a carefully planned manner.

Average Salary: $39,340

Education requirements: Ranges from high school diploma to associate’s degree

Which Low-Stress Jobs For People With Anxiety Suit Your Needs?

I hope you enjoyed these jobs for people with depression and anxiety. Now that you’ve had the chance to read up on the career opportunities that cater well to people with anxiety, hopefully, any fears you have about finding the right job will be calmed.

Although you can’t exactly slow the hectic pace of the modern world, you can choose how you position yourself within it.

By opting for one of these lower-stress jobs over a job that involves a high amount of pressure, you can still challenge your mind without pushing yourself too far outside of your comfort zone.

In summary, the next time you perform a job search, keep these options in mind — and remember that you’re one of 40 million people in the U.S. fighting the same daily battle against anxiety. May your job provide the focus, enjoyment, and distraction to keep your anxiety managed.