The gap between those who can access and use digital technology and those who can't
Librarians top our list for the best work-life balance. They earn $64,370 per year, and you'll need a master’s degree to become one. They usually have stable hours in a quiet work environment.
Web developers earn $84,960 per year and need a bachelor’s degree. They design and maintain websites, with many enjoying remote work and flexible hours.
Earning about $96,370 per year, occupational therapists help patients regain essential life skills, often working in hospitals, schools, or private practices, which can allow for more control over their schedules. To be an occupational therapist, you'll need a master's degree.
Marketing managers enjoy strong salaries of $157,620 per year and require a bachelor’s degree. They oversee branding and advertising, with many companies offering remote work and flexible schedules for better work-life balance.
Social and community service managers earn $77,030 annually with a bachelor’s degree. They advocate for specific communities and typically have flexible work schedules.
IT managers rank high for flexibility, earning $169,510 per year with a bachelor’s degree. They oversee a company’s technology infrastructure and can often work remotely.
Speech-language pathologists make $89,290 per year and require a master’s degree. In their line of work, they treat speech and swallowing disorders, often finding work in private practices.
Dental hygienists need an associate degree and can earn $87,530 per year. They provide preventive dental care and often work part-time.
To be a physical therapist, you'll need a doctoral or professional degree and can earn $99,710 per year. It's their job to help patients improve mobility and manage pain.
Human resources managers earn $136,350 per year with a bachelor’s degree. They handle recruitment and employee relations.
Art directors oversee visual projects, usually in advertising and media. They often have more schedule flexibility when working freelance and can earn $100,090 per year with a bachelor's degree.
Actuaries analyze financial risk and usually work in insurance or finance. They earn $120,000 per year with a bachelor's degree.
Financial managers make $156,100 per year and require a bachelor’s degree. They handle budgeting and financial planning, with some companies offering remote work and structured schedules.
Optometrists make $131,860 annually and need a doctoral or professional degree. They diagnose and treat eye conditions.
Environmental engineers earn $100,090 per year and need a bachelor’s degree. They develop solutions to environmental problems.
Medical records technicians earn $48,780 per year and need a postsecondary nondegree award. They manage patient health information and often work remotely.
Massage therapists bring in $55,310 per year and need a postsecondary nondegree award. Massage therapists help clients manage their pain and stress.
Operations research analysts earn $83,640 per year with a bachelor’s degree. Their work requires that they use data to optimize business operations.
Psychologists make $117,750 annually with a master’s degree to provide mental health support. Those in private practice enjoy flexible schedules and a strong work-life balance.
Pharmacists make $136,030 annually and need a doctoral or professional degree. They dispense medications and provide patient education.
Time blocking can help to structure your day for different tasks. If you designate time for emails, meetings, deep-focus work, and relaxing time, then everything will have its place.
Try using productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, where you work in short bursts with small breaks in between.
Work has a sneaky habit of filling whatever time is available. Ensure you're setting a specific end time each day and stick to it.
Be sure to schedule leisure tasks alongside your work tasks so you have a better work-life balance.
Whether working remotely or in an office, stepping away for lunch and connecting with coworkers can recharge you. Changing environments briefly can help to boost mental well-being.
Don’t ignore the importance of sick days, personal time, and vacations. Pushing through without breaks can lead to burnout.
Mindfulness techniques, like meditation or breath awareness, help you tune into your physical and emotional states.
Try and see if your company will give you a business phone for during business hours. This way, you have your personal one separate for off-work hours. This can help deter distractions in both arenas.
A fulfilling hobby makes it easier to disconnect from work at the end of the day. Whether it’s exercise, art, or social activities, having a passion outside of work boosts your energy.
Sources: (U.S. News & World Report) (BetterUp)
See also: The best US cities for work-life balance
This list was curated using data from the US News 100 Best Jobs ranking and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 20 jobs that scored highest in work-life balance and flexibility, considering factors such as work hours, workload, pace of work, and remote work availability, were considered in the compilation of this list. These jobs offer structured schedules, reduced stress levels, and greater opportunities for personal time.
Most of us need to work in order to live. However, there are ways to achieve work-life balance so that you don't burn out. According to the US News & World Report, 20 jobs provide the best work-life balance. We've included them in this gallery alongside tips for a healthy, sustainable life.
Curious which jobs you should check out? Click through now for more information.
All figures in USD.
Careers with excellent work-life balance in 2025, and tips to protect your time
Finding balance is an art
LIFESTYLE Careers
Most of us need to work in order to live. However, there are ways to achieve work-life balance so that you don't burn out. According to the US News & World Report, 20 jobs provide the best work-life balance. We've included them in this gallery alongside tips for a healthy, sustainable life.
Curious which jobs you should check out? Click through now for more information.
All figures in USD.