What are the lowest paying jobs opportunities? There are many occupations that consistently earn low salaries, but your pay can vary depending on where you live, what your experience is the company you work for, and the minimum wage in your state.
These lowest paying jobs can be found in many industries, from entertainment to transport to healthcare. They share many similarities, even though they work in different industries.
These jobs usually pay per hour. Many service jobs require tipping to earn a decent wage.
25 Best Lowest Paying Jobs
These are the 25 lowest paying jobs in America according to an Employment Survey from the U.S. Department of Labor in May 2021.1 Keep in mind This list does not include occupations that don’t typically work full-time or year-round.
Shampooers
Before haircuts and stylings, shampooers condition, shampoo, and rinse the hair of customers. Some shampooers are also trained to be hairstylists and cosmetologists. On average, shampooers make $25,160 annually.
Cooks
They work in a variety of establishments, from fast-food chains to fine-dining restaurants to cafeterias. Cooks prepare, season, and cook meals and can help the chef plan the menu. The lowest paying jobs are those who work in fast-food restaurants and earn an average annual income of $25,490. Short-order cooks make an average yearly income of $28,110.
The average annual salary of a restaurant cook is $31,630. Private chefs and household cooks can make as much as $43,260 per year.
Hosts and Hostesses
Hostesses and hosts work in restaurants, coffee shops, and lounges. They are responsible to welcome customers, seat them and ensure quality service. They might also be responsible to receive and record reservations, as well as answering calls. Hosts have an average annual income of $26,000.
Fast-Food and Counter Workers
Counter and fast-food workers perform a wide range of tasks, including food preparation and service, in restaurants, cafeterias, and a food concession stand as well as coffee shops. These positions pay an average of $26,060 annually.
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Recreation attendants can work in many recreation facilities such as amusement parks and ski resorts. They can perform many duties that are related to the use and maintenance of the facility.
They can operate concession stands or amusement rides, schedule the use of the facility and maintain and provide equipment for participants (especially at recreation facilities). The average attendant earns $26,110 annually, although pay can vary depending on the facility.
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Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
At various entertainment venues, such as theaters, concert halls, and cinemas, ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers are needed. These people are responsible for collecting tickets and helping patrons find their seats. They also guide patrons to restrooms. These positions have an average annual income of $26,390
Cashiers
Cashiers are responsible for receiving and disbursing money to customers who purchase goods and services. Cashiers work in retail shops. They use scanners and cash registers to process payments and most of them also use this equipment. Part-time and full-time cashiers can work, but full-time cashiers make an average of $26,770 annually.
Recreational Protective Services (e.g. Ski Patrol and Lifeguards)
The responsibility of Recreational Protective Services personnel is to monitor recreational areas and provide assistance to attendants. They can provide safety precautions, monitor recreation areas, or administer first aid to those injured. They may be stationed on beaches or pools as lifeguards or ski patrollers or anywhere else that requires protection.
These positions may require certifications such as CPR or first aid training.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and other food preparation equipment. Dishwashers can work in a variety of restaurants, cafeterias, and coffee shops. The average annual income for dishwashers is $27,350
Childcare Workers
Childcare workers are responsible to ensure the health and well-being of children. They can be responsible for bathing and feeding children as well as supervising play and helping older children with their schoolwork.
Children care workers can be found in schools as after-school workers or infant care workers, at childcare centers, at their homes, or at the homes of the children they care for. They can work part-time or full-time. A childcare worker can earn an average of $27,680 annually.
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Bartenders and attendants keep bars, restaurants, cafes, or cafes stocked with fresh linen, clean glasses, silverware, and dishes. They may also clean dishes and serve coffee or water. This job earns an average of $27,690 annually.
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Laundry and dry cleaning workers tend to dry-clean and wash machines. Laundromats, dry cleaning stores, or industrial washing stations may employ workers. These sites provide laundry services for larger institutions such as hospitals and hotels. On average, dry-cleaning and laundry workers make $27 830 annually.
Hotel, Motel, or Resort Desk Clerks
The hotel, motel, or resort desk clerks register and assign rooms to guests. They can perform many transactions such as computing patrons’ bills, balancing accounts, and collecting payments.
Clerks can also assist patrons with any queries or concerns they may have regarding their stay. They earn an average of $28,040 per year.
Pressers for Textiles, Garments, and Related Materials
To remove wrinkles and patch pieces onto fabric, press shape or press fabric articles. They can use a steam iron, a hand iron, or another hydraulic or steam machine. They may also fold and package items for shipment. They can work in laundromats or dry-cleaning shops, as well as larger industrial facilities. The average income for pressers is $28,110
Food-Preparation Workers
Food-preparation workers can do anything, except cook. They may slice meat, make coffee or peel vegetables depending on the job they do. They clean their work areas. It’s crucial that they follow food safety standards in everything they do. The average annual income for food-prep workers is $29,450.
Gambling Dealers
Gambling dealers are able to operate tables at card rooms and casinos. Dealers may give out cards or blocks to players, collect money from players, or cash winnings. An average dealer earns $28,960 annually.
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Waiters and Waitresses
Waiters and waitresses are also known as servers. They take orders and serve food to customers. They can work in bars, restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.
Part-time and full-time work is possible for waiters and waitresses. The income of a waiter varies depending on the establishment. Most waiters rely on tips to supplement their earnings. A full-time waiter/waitress earns an average salary of $29,010.
The average annual salary for food servers in non-restaurant settings such as coffee shops is $29,500
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners
For people who wish to place bets on different sporting events or races, the runners and writers of sports books and gambling share information. They can record the bets of patrons and manage any payouts. They might also be operators of games like bingo. This type of job earns an average of $29,110.
Gambling Change Persons & Booth Cashiers
These are the people responsible for managing the money at a casino or other gambling venue. They may sell chips and tokens, and they might pay customers out while getting their signatures on receipts.
A booth cashier may be employed in the area of the slot machines. Provide cash banks to other workers at the beginning of each shift or count and audit money in drawers. They earn an average annual salary of $29 130.
Parking Lot Attendants
In parking lots and garages, attendants are responsible for parking vehicles and delivering them to customers. They might also be responsible to patrol the garage for theft prevention and property damage. The average annual income for attendants is $27,210.
Personal and Home Health Aides
Convalescents, the elderly, and persons with disabilities can get help with daily living tasks with the assistance of home health and personal care aides. This could include housekeeping, cooking meals, or running errands. Patients may also be assisted by aides with things like bathing, exercising, eating, or even bathing. Aides may also provide advice to patients and their families on nutrition and household activities. These workers can be found in a home or in a care facility.
Although there are many similarities between personal care aides and home health aides, personal care aids usually provide more specific medical care. The average annual income for home health and personal care assistants is $29,260.
Non-Farm Animal Caretakers
These animal caretakers tend not to take care of animals that Include domestic animals such as dogs, cats, fish, and, in certain cases, zoo animals. They could work in animal shelters, pet shops, kennels, or aquariums. Animal caretakers can feed, water, groom, or treat animals. these are the include lowest paying jobs. They also clean their quarters. They earn an average of $29,520 per year.
Housekeepers and Maids
Maids and cleaners are responsible for cleaning a variety of areas, including making beds, vacuuming and dusting, disinfecting counter space, emptying trash and recycling bins, and cleaning up after them. You can find them working in hotels and nursing homes, as well as private households. The average annual income for maids and cleaners is $29,580.
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers
This category includes those who offer service at other venues, such as fitness or recreation centers or spectator sports events. Their average annual income is $29,680.
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Shoe machine operators and tenders can use a variety of machines to attach, decorate, reinforce or finish shoes and parts. They can work for shoe wholesalers or in footwear manufacturing. They earn an average of $29,920 annually as shoe industry workers.
