The 10 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs (With Salaries)

Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding profession, known for its significant earning potential and fulfilling nature. While nursing can often be stressful, certain nursing roles are relatively less demanding. With the ongoing evolution of healthcare and the increasing emphasis on work-life balance, many individuals are considering nursing as a viable career option. Here, we explore the least stressful nursing jobs available today.

Key Takeaways:

• While no nursing job is entirely free from stress, positions such as school nurse, nurse administrator, and home health nursing tend to be less stressful.

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse administrator positions are projected to grow by 12%, creating over 371,500 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2026 and 2036.

• Employment in healthcare is set to increase by 16% from 2020 to 2030, adding approximately 2.6 million jobs, highlighting the demand for nursing professionals.

• Factors such as long shifts, fast-paced environments, and strict scheduling contribute to the stress levels in nursing roles. Identifying positions that mitigate these factors is essential for those seeking less stressful nursing careers.

10 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs

As previously mentioned, there are no completely stress-free nursing jobs; however, some roles involve fewer high-pressure situations and offer more predictable schedules. Below are the ten least stressful nursing jobs identified for 2026.

1. Nurse Educator

   Average Yearly Salary: $62,000
   Job Outlook: Nurse educator positions are expected to grow by 12% and create over 371,500 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Nurse educators train future nurses, working in universities, colleges, or hospitals, often enjoying more reasonable hours compared to traditional nursing roles. An MSN degree is typically required for this position.

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2. Telehealth Nurse

   Average Yearly Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: While specific statistics are not yet available, the demand for telehealth services continues to grow, particularly in light of recent shifts in healthcare delivery.

   Telehealth nurses provide care through virtual appointments, allowing them to work flexible hours and often from home, reducing the stress associated with traditional nursing environments.

3. School Nurse

   Average Yearly Salary: $50,000
   Job Outlook: School nursing jobs are projected to grow by 12% and result in more than 371,500 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   School nurses provide essential health services to students and enjoy the benefit of a stable schedule aligned with the school calendar, making this role less stressful.

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4. Nurse Administrator

   Average Yearly Salary: $68,000
   Job Outlook: Nurse administrator positions are expected to grow by 12%, leading to over 371,500 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Nurse administrators focus on management tasks rather than direct patient care, which reduces daily stress levels significantly.

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5. Nurse Researcher

   Average Yearly Salary: $62,000
   Job Outlook: Nurse researcher jobs are projected to grow by 6%, creating approximately 3,700 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Nurse researchers engage in healthcare-related studies and work in academic or research settings, minimizing patient interaction and stress.

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6. Clinic Nurse

   Average Yearly Salary: $65,000
   Job Outlook: Clinic nursing positions are expected to grow by 12%, creating over 371,500 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Working in clinics provides a steady schedule and a more manageable patient load compared to hospitals.

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7. Nurse Informaticist

   Average Yearly Salary: $64,000
   Job Outlook: Nurse informaticist jobs are projected to grow by 9%, leading to approximately 56,000 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Nurse informaticists bridge the gap between IT and nursing, focusing on data management rather than direct patient care.

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8. Home Health Nurse

   Average Yearly Salary: $64,000
   Job Outlook: Home health nursing jobs are projected to grow by 12%, resulting in over 371,500 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Home health nursing allows for personalized care in a patient’s home, minimizing the stress of a hospital environment while focusing on patient well-being.

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9. Lactation Consultant Nurse

   Average Yearly Salary: $60,000
   Job Outlook: Lactation consultant jobs are projected to grow by 12%, resulting in over 371,500 job opportunities in the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

   Lactation consultants focus on assisting new mothers, providing education and support in a less hectic environment than traditional nursing roles.

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10. Occupational Health Nurse

    Average Yearly Salary: $75,000
    Job Outlook: Occupational health nursing jobs are projected to grow by 12%, producing over 371,500 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2026 and 2036, according to the BLS.

    Occupational health nurses work in business settings, focusing on employee health and safety, which allows for more predictable hours and less stress than hospital environments.

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What Makes Nursing So Stressful?

Pursuing a nursing career is not for everyone. The nursing field presents various challenges that can lead to significant stress. Understanding these stressors is crucial before committing to a nursing path.

• Long Shifts: Nursing often requires long shifts, typically 12 hours, which can be exhausting.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Nurses operate in high-stress, fast-paced settings where quick decision-making is critical for patient outcomes.

• Strict Scheduling: Flexibility is essential, as nurses often work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet healthcare demands.

• Work-Related Risks: Nurses face exposure to various health risks and must manage potentially dangerous situations, especially in surgical settings.

• High-Pressure Care Decisions: Nurses are frequently required to make tough decisions regarding patient care, which can lead to emotional strain.

These factors contribute to the significant stress experienced by nurses. It’s essential to recognize the nuances of this career before embarking on a nursing education and selecting a specialty.

Low-Stress Nursing Jobs FAQ

1. Is there really such a thing as a low-stress nursing job?

   While no nursing job is entirely stress-free, some roles are less demanding than others. Stress levels can vary based on personal preferences and the specific nature of the nursing role.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.