To find jobs that allow you to maintain work-life balance but still get paid well, we analyzed US Census data for about 478 occupations distilled by the Minnesota Population Center's 2013 American Community Survey Integrated Public Use Microdata Series.
According to this data, the average working American logs about 39 hours a week, and the median earned income — a sum of wage, salary, and business income — across all occupations is $32,000.
While some may work more or less than the average depending on their employer or where they are in their career, people with the following professions report typically working an average of less than 40 hours a week and earning at least $50,000 a year.
13. Postal service clerks
1/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 39.32
Median earned income: $51,000
What they do: Perform any combination of tasks in a post office like receive letters and parcels; sell postage and revenue stamps, postal cards, and stamped envelopes; fill out and sell money orders; place mail in pigeon holes of mail racks or in bags; and examine mail for correct postage.
12. Speech-language pathologists
2/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 36.17
Median earned income: $54,000
What they do: Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.
11. Registered nurses
3/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 37.59
Median earned income: $56,000
What they do: Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing-care plans, and maintain medical records
10. Psychologists
4/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 36.75
Median earned income: $56,000
What they do: Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observations, interviews, and psychological tests and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
9. Chiropractors
5/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 39.75
Median earned income: $60,000
What they do: Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system.
8. Occupational therapists
6/13
Average hours typically worked a week: 36.02
Median earned income: $60,000
What they do: Provide rehabilitative treatments and procedures that help build or restore vocational, homemaking, and daily living skills.
