SFGate/SFChronicle (Amy Bell, Monday, May 10, 2010) includes Civil Engineering on the short-list of high-paying, low-stress jobs.

Civil engineers design and build our nation's infrastructure, from public buildings and roads to water supply and pollution control systems. Obviously, these projects aren't pressure-free, but civil engineers generally work in teams, which helps alleviate some of the stress. As a bonus, these experts also enjoy long deadlines. As a matter of fact, most engineers have a few years to design and plan out a project before the construction company even breaks ground.

Even less stressful? Civil engineers don't have to work too hard to hunt down jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers are expected to see a 24% spike in employment growth over the next 10 years -- well above average for all U.S. occupations. Civil engineers bring home a respectable $50,000-115,000 a year.