ALL >> Career >> View Article
25 Lowest Paying Jobs In America

Whenever someone first enters the workforce, that first paycheck is anxiously awaited. Whether it's a teenager working for spending money or a recent college grad waiting for that first professional paycheck, simply put, getting paid for the first time is a great experience.
For some, however, the allure of that paycheck wears off once it's initially received, especially when the earnings are not what was expected. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the 25 lowest paying jobs in the United States. Though some, such as waitress and bartender, are jobs where tips factor in heavily, deeming the reported hourly and yearly earnings incomplete and inaccurate, many of the following jobs are not tip-based and the figures are accurate.
1. Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers,
Average hourly pay: $7.66
Average annual earnings: $15,930
2. Cooks, Fast Food
Average hourly pay: $7.67
Average annual earnings: $15,960
3. Dishwashers
Average hourly pay: $7.78
Average annual earnings: $16,190
4. Dining Room/Cafeteria Attendants/Bartender Helpers
Average ...
... hourly pay: $7.84
Average annual earnings: $16,320
5. Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Average hourly pay: $8.10
Average annual earnings: $16,860
6. Counter Attendants
Average hourly pay: $8.15
Average annual earnings: $16,950
7. Gaming Dealers
Average hourly pay: $8.18
Average annual earnings: $17,010
8. Shampooers
Average hourly pay: $8.20
Average annual earnings: $17,050
9. Waiters and Waitresses
Average hourly pay: $8.27
Average annual earnings: $17,190
10. Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
Average hourly pay: $8.41
Average annual earnings: $17,500
11. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Average hourly pay: $8.43
Average annual earnings: $17,530
12. Farm Workers and Laborers
Average hourly pay: $8.48
Average annual earnings: $17,630
13. Cashiers
Average hourly pay: $8.62
Average annual earnings: $17,930
14. Personal and Home Care Aides
Average hourly pay: $8.74
Average annual earnings: $18,180
15. Lifeguards
Average hourly pay: $8.85
Average annual earnings: $18,410
16. Parking Lot Attendants
Average hourly pay: $8.87
Average annual earnings: $18,450
17. Food Preparation Workers
Average hourly pay: $8.88
Average annual earnings: $18,480
18. Pressers, Textile, Garment and Related Materials
Average hourly pay: $8.88
Average annual earnings: $18,470
19. Bartenders
Average hourly pay: $8.91
Average annual earnings: $18,540
20. Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
Average hourly pay: $8.95
Average annual earnings: $18,610
21. Cooks, Short Order
Average hourly pay: $8.99
Average annual earnings: $18,710
22. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Average hourly pay: $8.99
Average annual earnings: $18,700
23. Child Care Workers
Average hourly pay: $9.05
Average annual earnings: $18,820
24. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Average hourly pay: $9.08
Average annual earnings: $18,890
25. Service Station Attendants
Average hourly pay: $9.21
Average annual earnings: $19,150
Add Comment
Career Articles
1. Stem-xpert Stuns At Web Summit Qatar 2025, Revealing Global-class Innovations On Global PlatformAuthor: stem-xpert
2. Stem-xpert Charting The Path For Global Innovation: Pitching At Embassy Of India, Qatar!
Author: stem-xpert
3. India's Innovation Drive At Web Summit Qatar 2025: Stem-xpert's Global Footprint
Author: stem-xpert
4. Starting A New Job Remotely: What You Need To Know
Author: Anna Paquin
5. Empowering Educators: How Stem Facilitator Courses Power Education To The Future
Author: stem-xpert
6. Secure Job Opportunities In Europe With Santa Maria International’s Trusted Support
Author: raseenadm
7. Gain Cultural Exposure And Career Growth Through Santa Maria’s German Au Pair Program
Author: raseenadm
8. Find An Affordable Way To Work And Live In Europe With Germany’s Opportunity Card Program
Author: raseenadm
9. Why Consider Hiring A Recruitment Agency?
Author: Gopal
10. 21st Century Skills: Critical Competencies For Success
Author: stem-xpert
11. Importance Of Re-skilling - Stem Facilitators For School Teachers Need To Upgrade Themselves
Author: stem-xpert
12. From Entry-level To Executive: How Jobeze Supports Career Growth At Every Stage
Author: Karan Choudhary
13. Best Recruitment Agencies In Bangalore For Freshers & Experienced Professionals
Author: S K Gupta
14. Mbbs Admission Process In Kazakhstan For Indian Students
Author: Stdyhub
15. Top-rated Daycare And Chinese Schools For Kids In Middle Village & Forest Hill
Author: John