There are a variety of low-paying jobs in America. These positions offer little pay and often require long hours with little to no benefits. However, they can provide a way to get your foot in the door of a company or industry you're interested in pursuing.
Here are 10 of the lowest paying jobs in the US, along with some information about each.
List of Low-Paying Jobs in the US
1. Fast Food and Counter Workers
Mean hourly wage: $ 11.80
Mean annual wage: $ 24,540
Source: bls.gov
Considering all other jobs on this list, this one tops the list with the lowest mean wage per hour. However, considering the work nature, it is the most common part-time job for students.
If you are one such student or want to get hired fast as a fast food and counter worker, restaurants, food, and Beverage stores, and Elementary and Secondary schools are the places that offer most of these jobs.
If you are planning to consider it as a full-time job for a while, find these jobs in the lake water transportation industry, warehouse, and storage industry as they are the highest paying industries for this job.
2. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Mean hourly wage: $ 12.55
Mean annual wage: $ 26,110
Source: bls.gov
Amusement and recreation attendants usually are seen in amusement parks, arcades, ski centers, bowling alleys, historical centers, theme parks, and carnivals.
As the name goes, these attendants do the regular attending work as in any other industry.
They do a few regular things they organize, schedule, and manage tools and recreational or sports gear in their workplace. Also, they are seen helping beginners to get started with their suits.
Surprising fact: Offices of Physicians, General hospitals also have openings for this role and they are the best paying industry for this job.
3. Gambling Dealers
Mean hourly wage: $ 13.92
Mean annual wage: $ 28,960
Source: bls.gov
If you have ever been to brick and mortar casino, you might not need any intro to this job profile. They sit behind the tables operating cards and gaming equipment. Managing table games by distributing cards and settling chips accordingly with the game progression are a few basic tasks of this job.
Considering that it involves a lot of attention to detail and precision, seeing it in this low-paying jobs list is surprising.
Childcare Workers
Mean hourly wage: $ 13.31
Mean annual wage: $ 27,680
Source: bis.gov
Child care workers do important work, but their salaries are often low. They may work long hours, especially if they are caring for more than one child, and they may not have benefits like paid vacation time or sick days.
Daily tasks for a childcare worker can vary depending on the age of the children they are caring for, but may include things like changing diapers, feeding children, playing with them, and putting them down for naps. They may also have to clean up after the children, do laundry, and prepare meals.
Childcare worker job is for people who are patient and caring. They must be able to handle multiple tasks at once and be able to work with children who may be upset or crying.
Cooks, Short-Order
Mean hourly wage: $ 13.51
Mean annual wage: $ 28,110
Source: bis.gov
Short-order cooks are especially in high demand, as they can quickly prepare food to order in a busy setting. Prepare and serve a range of foods that require little preparation time. Short-order cooks at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, for example, prepare sandwiches, eggs, and fries on the go. Workers may advance to more prestigious kitchen occupations by enrolling in a culinary school and learning to cook more complicated recipes. Customers may place orders and have their meals served at counters or tables.
Cooks, Short-Order Job, is for you if you are looking for a job with a flexible schedule. This position offers a lot of hours and the ability to pick up shifts on short notice. The pay is not great, but it is an entry-level position that can lead to other opportunities in the culinary field. This could be a great option if you have a passion for cooking and want to learn more about the industry.
Food servers, non-restaurant
Mean hourly wage: $ 14.19
Mean annual wage: $ 29,500
Source: bis.gov
Food servers in non-restaurant settings typically do various tasks, such as taking orders, preparing food, cleaning work areas and dishes, and helping customers. They may also be responsible for collecting payments. These workers work in corporate cafeterias, hotel dining rooms, and institutional food service areas.
Most food servers in non-restaurant settings have little or no formal education beyond high school. However, some jobs may require certification in food safety. As a result, many of these workers learn their skills on the job.
Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Mean hourly wage: $ 14.22
Mean annual wage: $ 29,580
Source: bis.gov
Maids and housekeeping cleaners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of a residence. This may include cleaning all surfaces, vacuuming, dusting, and emptying trash cans. Some may also be responsible for laundry duties or preparing food.
This job is perfect for someone detail-oriented, able to work independently, and who has a strong work ethic. It can be physically demanding and time-consuming, so the individuals who enjoy working hard may like this job.
Bartenders
Mean hourly wage:$ 14.59
Mean annual wage: $ 30,340
Source: bis.gov
If you're looking for a fun, social job that pays well, bartending might be perfect. Bartenders are responsible for mixing drinks and serving them to customers. Bartenders work in restaurants, hotels, and other food services and drinking establishments. They often work late at night, on weekends, and on holidays. Therefore, they must be able to stay calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with ease.
This is an excellent job for people who enjoy interacting with others and have an opportunity to make new contacts and friends. Bartenders also have the chance to earn tips, which can add to their overall income.
Gambling change persons and booth cashiers
Mean hourly wage: $ 14.00
Mean annual wage: $ 29,130
Source: bis.gov
These positions involve keeping accurate records of monetary exchanges and authorization forms. You will also be responsible for exchanging money, credit, tickets, or casino chips and making changes for customers. This can be a fun and exciting job, but it is crucial to remember that it can also be stressful sometimes.
The greatest place to look for these opportunities is on the internet, where you may search for openings. You may also look through job databases or contact local casinos and gaming businesses to see if they have any open positions. This job is perfect for you if you're good with numbers, have a sharp eye, and can stay collected during hectic moments.
Sewing machine operators
Mean hourly wage: $ 14.85
Mean annual wage: $ 30,880
Source: bis.gov
Sewing machine operators use sewing machines to stitch together fabric and other materials, such as leather and vinyl. They may also perform tasks such as attaching zippers, buttons, or sequins. Some operators work with specialized equipment to create products such as aeroplane parts or surgical gowns. However, most sewing machine operators learn their trade through on-the-job training.
Sewing machine operators can be found in many factories throughout the United States. They may also be employed by companies that make speciality items, such as sports equipment or costumes. This job is suitable for mechanically inclined who have good fine motor skills.
Bottom Line
The content above mentions just a few of the lowest salary jobs in the US. Other jobs offer lower wages, including door-to-door sales, news and street vendors, and fast food and counter workers. However, these jobs often require little to no education and offer entry-level pay. If you're looking for a well-paid job, you'll likely need to invest in training or education first. But if you're looking for a job to get by, any of the jobs on this list could be a good fit.
These lowest paying jobs in the US offer little in terms of pay and prospects. However, they can provide a way to get your foot in the door of a particular industry or company. With some hard work and dedication, you may be able to move up the ladder and earn more money.
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