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Many of the best jobs for work-life balance have a few key features in common, including the ability to work part time and make your own schedule. Even those that don’t allow for such freedoms don’t typically involve working outside of a normal schedule.
If you’re looking to get a new job to restore work-life balance, consider the following professions.
Here is an overview of the best jobs for work-life balance in the U.S. in 2025. Also read, Top 10 Countries with the Best Work-Life Balance
1. Fitness Instructor
- Median salary: $66,327
What’s better than making time for your own well-being and helping others strive for the same? Knowing you have one of the best jobs for work-life balance, offering a flexible schedule, and often, free gym memberships.
According to the Department of Labor, you might have to work nights, weekends, or even holidays to lead a group fitness class or a personal trainer session. Working independently can give you more choices. You can also choose to work just part-time in the field, only committing to what you want to take on.
2. Cosmetology
- Hairstylist median salary: $55,647
- Manicurist median salary: $64,660
As anyone can attest, a really good haircut can make you feel great about yourself. Helping others look their best, from hair to nails, also happens to offer a balanced lifestyle.
Although these professionals can work nights and weekends, schedules depend on the business and clientele. If you’re working at a salon that serves the after-hours business crowd, then expect your schedule to mirror that. If your salon’s primary customers are stay-at-home moms or work-from-home professionals, however, the daytime could be your busiest.
Some cosmetologists skip conventional careers in a salon and aim for their posts on YouTube and Instagram to make money for them.
3. Office and Administrative Support
- Median salary: $52,240
The office and administrative support industry includes many professions, such as information clerks, receptionists, and secretaries. Generally, these individuals can find a reasonable work-life balance. Some jobs are more conducive to flexible hours and remote-work arrangements than others, according to Good. It all depends on the particular business and type of position.
However, if you want to maximize your work-life balance, Good recommends temporary and part-time administrative positions, which can offer flexibility in your start and end times and project length.
4. Education
- Elementary and middle school teachers median salary: $75,249
Who wouldn’t want to take summers off? When you’re in education, you can expect to be at school mostly when students are present, although you might have to grade papers or make lesson plans at night or on weekends.
Of course, you’ll still have the teacher workdays or the occasional parent-teacher meetings to attend — and, according to PayScale, summers often fill up with professional development, supplementary employment, and preparations for the following school year. But during the academic year, you can expect the same schedule from day to day.
For those looking for the most flexibility, consider substitute teaching, which allows you to work when you want and make your own schedule. The trade-off, of course, would be salary.
5. Logistician
- Median salary: $75,935
Supply-chain management, which entails the oversight of bringing products or services to a customer, can offer work-life flexibility. Evans Distribution Systems, a supply chain company in Michigan, states that “high pay, purposeful work, and mobility” are some of the major perks of this career path. According to the Department of Labor, individuals typically enjoy normal business hours, although overtime might be required occasionally to meet demands.
If you want a bit more control over your schedule, consider becoming a management analyst, which entails consulting businesses on ways to improve their efficiency. According to the Department of Labor, these professionals can decide when, where, and how much they work.
6. Finance and Accounting
Being an accountant might sound like a boring job, but it pays well — and it’s one of the best jobs for work-life balance.
Robert Half Management Resources found in its research that the majority of finance and accounting professionals are satisfied with their work-life balance. Many of the factions of these industries have implemented changes in recent years to support their employees’ efforts to achieve greater balance, Good said.
Still, the world of finance and accounting is not perfect. Typically, these professionals experience spikes in work level, especially around tax season, which could lean a little bit on the ‘work’ part of the work-life balance.
7. Real Estate Agent
- Median salary: $152,144
It’s possible to have it all as a real estate agent. You can plan your schedule around your schedule. Although you might have to work the occasional evenings and weekends for showings, you generally have a say in when you work.
According to the Department of Labor, many of these professionals are self-employed. If you want to go all in, you could have long workdays, however.
When it comes to big real estate companies, consider Coldwell Banker. The company has been ranked as one of the best companies for work-life balance, according to Forbes.
8. Engineer
- Research engineer median salary: $135,039
- Electrical engineer median salary: $107,813
- Materials engineer median salary: $102,278
If you’re looking for an occupation that delivers on pay and quality of life, consider one in the engineering field. Research engineer, in particular, made Glassdoor’s list of best work-life balance jobs, scoring a 3.9 rating. These individuals generally work in an office or laboratory, analyzing processes and conducting experiments.
According to ENGINEERING, a website for engineering news, many engineers have lives outside of work and are well-rounded individuals.
9. Human Resources / Recruiter
- Median salary: $66,119
If there’s one thing human resources professionals should get right, it’s work-life balance. After all, they’re the ones at the forefront of introducing and updating policies and benefits that impact work-life balance and should set an example, according to Good.
Given technological advances, recruiters can work from nearly anywhere and at any time. If you’re a people person, this career could be for you.
10. Technology
- Mobile developer median salary: $97,200
With employment estimated to grow much faster than average and one of the best work-life balance scenarios, working in the tech industry can be your best bet. According to Good, many technology professionals can see benefits when it comes to work-life balance, especially as it relates to flexible arrangements.
There are roles, though, that require an office presence, so not all tech jobs are created equal, said Good. He suggests positions in development, such as web and mobile development, which tend to allow for more flexibility.
Here’s a clear table highlighting some of the best jobs for maintaining work–life balance:
| Job Title | Why It’s Good for Work-Life Balance | Typical Flexibility | Average Salary Range (USD) |
| Data Analyst | Often project-based, remote-friendly, flexible schedules | Remote / Hybrid | $60,000 – $90,000 |
| UX Designer | Creative work, emphasis on output vs. hours worked | Remote / Flexible | $75,000 – $110,000 |
| Librarian | Stable hours, minimal overtime | On-site, fixed shifts | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Project Manager | Clear deliverables, remote opportunities in tech & services | Remote / Hybrid | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| Content Writer / Editor | Freelance/remote opportunities, control over workload | Remote / Freelance | $45,000 – $80,000 |
| Software Developer | High demand allows flexible schedules and remote work | Remote / Hybrid | $80,000 – $130,000 |
| Marketing Specialist | Creativity-driven role with many remote opportunities | Remote / Hybrid | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| Human Resources Specialist | Predictable hours, strong boundaries on overtime | Hybrid / On-site | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| Occupational Therapist | Client-based scheduling allows flexibility | On-site / Part-time options | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| College Professor | Flexible teaching schedules, research freedom | On-site / Hybrid | $70,000 – $120,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of jobs typically offer the best work–life balance?
2. Do high-paying jobs also allow good work–life balance?
3. Are remote jobs better for work–life balance?
4. Which jobs are best if I want predictable, fixed hours?
