The lowest-paying jobs in America reveal a side of the labor market where wages often struggle to keep up with the cost of living. While salaries depend on location, experience, company policies, and minimum wage laws, certain occupations consistently fall at the bottom of the pay scale.
Many of these roles belong to the service sector, where income depends heavily on tipping or part-time work.
Although spread across different industries—such as food service, hospitality, entertainment, and personal care—these jobs share common traits: they often require little to no formal education, rely on on-the-job training, and are typically hourly wage positions.
Still, they are essential for the economy, as they provide services that millions of people depend on daily.
Characteristics of low-paying jobs
Jobs with low wages in America often share several common traits that shape the work experience and career prospects for those employed in these roles.
Most of these positions are entry-level, requiring minimal education—usually a high school diploma or less—and often rely on on-the-job training rather than formal qualifications. They typically involve routine or manual tasks, such as preparing food, cleaning, cashiering, operating amusement rides, or assisting customers in service settings.
These roles generally offer low hourly pay, often under $15 per hour, which translates to annual incomes between $24,000 and $34,000 for full-time work. Additionally, many positions provide few or no benefits, limited job security, and irregular or part-time schedules. The work can also be physically demanding or repetitive, adding to the challenges faced by employees.
Even jobs requiring specialized skills or responsibility—like childcare workers, paramedics, or certain educational and religious roles—can offer low compensation relative to their workload and societal importance. Furthermore, high turnover rates and minimal opportunities for career advancement are common in these roles, especially in industries such as hospitality, retail, amusement, and food service.
Despite these challenges, workers in low-paying jobs perform essential functions that support everyday life and the broader economy, highlighting the tension between the importance of their work and the limited financial rewards.
Examples of the lowest-paying jobs
Below is a selection of the lowest-paying occupations in America, based on U.S. Department of Labor data (2025).
1. Shampooers
Shampooers work in hair salons, assisting clients by washing, conditioning, and massaging hair before stylists cut or style it. They ensure that clients are comfortable and maintain cleanliness standards in the salon.
Many shampooers use this position as a stepping stone to become licensed hairstylists or cosmetologists, gaining valuable experience in hair care techniques. The role requires attention to detail and excellent customer service skills, even though formal education is typically minimal.
Average annual income: $22,260.
2. Fast-food cooks
Fast-food cooks are responsible for preparing meals quickly and accurately in fast-paced restaurant environments. They follow standardized recipes, monitor cooking times, and maintain food safety standards.
The job often involves long hours on one’s feet, dealing with peak-hour rushes, and ensuring customer satisfaction. While the work is repetitive, it teaches time management, multitasking, and teamwork skills.
Average annual income: $29,760.
3. Short-order cooks
Short-order cooks specialize in preparing meals that are simple and quick to cook, typically in diners, cafés, or small restaurants. They often handle multiple orders simultaneously and adjust recipes on the fly.
In addition to cooking, they may clean kitchen areas, restock ingredients, and assist with food prep tasks. This job requires efficiency, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
Average annual income: $33,920.
4. Restaurant cooks
Restaurant cooks handle a wider variety of food preparation in sit-down establishments, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
They may assist with menu planning, ingredient selection, and quality control to ensure consistency across dishes. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work as part of a kitchen team are essential.
The role often requires physical stamina and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Average annual income: $36,060.
5. Private chefs
Private chefs prepare customized meals for households, catering to specific dietary needs and personal preferences. They are responsible for meal planning, grocery shopping, food storage, and kitchen management. In addition to cooking, they maintain cleanliness, organize the kitchen, and sometimes train household staff.
This role can offer higher wages than typical cooking positions, but it often comes with long hours and high expectations for precision and creativity.
Average annual income: $49,790.
6. Hosts and hostesses
Hosts and hostesses greet and welcome customers, manage reservations, and guide patrons to their tables in restaurants, cafes, or lounges. They play a key role in creating a positive first impression and ensuring smooth service flow.
The job requires excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills. Hosts may also coordinate waitlists, handle special requests, and assist with seating large parties.
Average annual income: $30,750.
7. Fast-food and counter workers
Fast-food and counter workers perform a combination of food preparation and customer service tasks in cafeterias, concession stands, and fast-food restaurants. They take orders, serve food, handle payments, and ensure that the dining area is clean.
This position often requires flexibility, teamwork, and the ability to work under fast-paced conditions. Employees may also rotate between kitchen and counter duties as needed.
Average annual income: $30,110.
8. Amusement and recreation attendants
These attendants work in amusement parks, sports facilities, or recreational centers, assisting guests with rides, equipment, or activity areas. They ensure safety procedures are followed, maintain equipment, and provide customer guidance.
The role often involves standing for long periods and dealing with large crowds. Attendants gain experience in customer service, problem-solving, and operational support.
Average annual income: $30,240.
9. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers guide patrons in theaters, concert halls, and cinemas. They check tickets, direct guests to their seats, and provide assistance with facilities like restrooms or concessions.
This role requires strong interpersonal skills, attentiveness, and the ability to handle crowds efficiently. Employees may also help manage lines and resolve conflicts calmly and professionally.
Average annual income: $30,520.
10. Cashiers
Cashiers handle sales transactions, process payments, and issue receipts in retail stores, grocery shops, or service businesses. They operate registers, scanners, and other payment devices while maintaining accuracy in cash handling.
Many cashiers work part-time, and the position requires strong customer service skills, patience, and attention to detail. Responsibilities may also include bagging items, assisting customers, and organizing merchandise.
Average annual income: $30,710.
11. Lifeguards and ski patrol
Lifeguards and ski patrol workers are responsible for ensuring the safety of visitors at pools, beaches, water parks, and ski slopes. Their duties include monitoring activities to prevent accidents, enforcing safety rules, and responding quickly to emergencies.
Many positions require CPR, first aid, or other safety certifications, as they may need to administer emergency care. They often interact directly with the public, providing guidance on proper use of facilities and equipment. This role demands vigilance, quick decision-making, and strong communication skills.
Average annual income: $31,340.
12. Dishwashers
Dishwashers play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in kitchens, working in restaurants, cafeterias, and catering facilities. They wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and other kitchen tools, often using industrial washing machines and cleaning chemicals safely.
Dishwashers also help keep the kitchen organized by disposing of waste and keeping work areas sanitary. While the job is physically demanding, it serves as an entry point into the food service industry, where experience can lead to roles like line cook or kitchen assistant.
Average annual income: $31,650.
13. Childcare workers
Childcare workers are responsible for the well-being, supervision, and development of children in schools, daycare centers, or private homes. Their tasks include feeding, bathing, guiding educational activities, and monitoring playtime to ensure safety.
They also help children develop social and emotional skills while assisting with homework and creative activities. This role requires patience, empathy, and effective communication with both children and parents. Many positions provide on-the-job training for those without formal education in early childhood development.
Average annual income: $32,070.
14. Dining room and cafeteria attendants, bartender helpers
These workers support the smooth operation of restaurants, cafeterias, and bars by clearing tables, replenishing supplies, and serving beverages like water, coffee, or soft drinks. They may also assist bartenders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure that dining areas remain presentable for patrons.
This job requires teamwork, efficiency, and attentiveness, as workers must coordinate with cooks and servers. Although often entry-level, it provides exposure to the food and beverage industry, which can lead to higher-paying roles in hospitality.
Average annual income: $32,730.
15. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers operate machines and handle garments or linens for commercial and residential clients. Responsibilities include sorting clothing, loading washers and dryers, applying cleaning agents, and ensuring items are stain-free and properly folded or pressed.
They may work in laundromats, hotels, hospitals, or industrial settings.
Attention to detail and knowledge of fabric care and cleaning techniques are essential to avoid damage. The role can also involve minor repairs, such as sewing loose buttons or fixing small tears.
Average annual income: $31,880.
16. Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks
Desk clerks are the first point of contact for guests in hotels, motels, and resorts, handling check-ins, room assignments, billing, and reservations. They provide customer service by answering questions, resolving complaints, and offering local information.
Clerks may also manage phone calls, maintain occupancy records, and coordinate with housekeeping and maintenance staff. Strong communication and organizational skills are critical, as clerks must balance guest needs with operational efficiency. This position often allows workers to advance to management roles within hospitality.
Average annual income: $32,570.
17. Pressers of textiles and garments
Pressers remove wrinkles, shape fabrics, and prepare clothing or textiles for sale, delivery, or personal use. They may use steam irons, hydraulic presses, or hand tools, ensuring garments look polished and professionally finished. Attention to detail is essential, as improperly pressed fabrics can affect presentation and customer satisfaction.
Pressers often work in dry-cleaning shops, laundries, or clothing manufacturing facilities. The job requires manual dexterity, stamina, and adherence to workplace safety standards.
Average annual income: $32,340.
18. Food-preparation workers
Food-preparation workers support kitchen staff by washing, peeling, chopping, and portioning ingredients, ensuring a smooth workflow for cooks and chefs. They may also handle simple cooking tasks, maintain cleanliness, and organize storage areas.
This role requires attention to hygiene, consistency, and speed, as it often involves working under time constraints during busy hours. It serves as a stepping stone in the culinary industry, offering practical experience for those interested in becoming line cooks or chefs.
Average annual income: $32,960.
19. Hand sewers
Hand sewers stitch, reinforce, or finish garments, textiles, or other manufactured items using needles and thread. They may work in clothing factories, repair shops, or artisan workshops, ensuring products meet quality standards. The role requires precision, patience, and a steady hand, as mistakes can damage materials.
While physically demanding, this position provides valuable skills for careers in textile production, fashion, or custom tailoring. Workers may advance by learning machine sewing or supervisory responsibilities.
Average annual income: $40,030.
20. Waiters and waitresses
Waiters and waitresses take orders, serve food and drinks, and ensure a positive dining experience for patrons in restaurants, hotels, and bars. They often rely on tips in addition to base wages, which can make income variable. Responsibilities include setting tables, delivering meals, addressing complaints, and providing recommendations.
This role requires excellent communication skills, multitasking, and patience, especially during busy periods. Experience as a server can open doors to higher-paying hospitality positions such as bartending, management, or catering.
Average annual income: $36,530.
21. Gambling and sports book writers and runners
These workers assist customers at casinos, racetracks, and sports betting establishments in placing wagers on games, races, or events. They record bets, calculate odds, and ensure payouts are accurate according to winning outcomes.
In addition to handling money, they often provide information and answer questions about betting rules and procedures.
Some positions may require quick math skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Attention to detail is essential to prevent errors in transactions.
Average annual income: $32,030.
22. Gambling change persons and booth cashiers
Gambling change persons and booth cashiers manage the exchange of cash, chips, tokens, and other forms of currency in gaming facilities. They verify transactions, track payouts, and ensure customers receive the correct amounts for winnings or exchanges.
These workers may also balance cash drawers and maintain accurate records of daily transactions.
A high level of attention to detail and integrity is required due to the handling of large amounts of money. Customer interaction is frequent, so strong communication skills are important.
Average annual income: $36,030.
23. Parking lot attendants
Parking lot attendants are responsible for parking, retrieving, and sometimes guarding customers’ vehicles in parking lots or garages. They may issue tickets, monitor lot security, and assist patrons with directions or special requests.
Some attendants also maintain the cleanliness of the parking area or perform basic vehicle inspections.
The role requires good driving skills, attentiveness, and the ability to manage multiple cars efficiently during busy periods. These jobs often involve long hours outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Average annual income: $32,700.
24. Home health and personal care aides
Home health and personal care aides assist elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
They also provide companionship, monitor health conditions, and report any changes to supervisors or family members.
These aides may work in private homes, assisted living facilities, or nursing centers. The role requires empathy, patience, and strong interpersonal skills to build trust with clients. Some positions require certifications in CPR or first aid.
Average annual income: $33,380.
25. Non-farm animal caretakers
Non-farm animal caretakers care for animals in facilities such as shelters, zoos, aquariums, or veterinary clinics. Their responsibilities include feeding, grooming, monitoring health, cleaning enclosures, and providing exercise or enrichment activities.
They may also assist veterinarians during medical treatments or procedures. A strong knowledge of animal behavior, patience, and attention to detail is essential for ensuring animal welfare and safety. Many roles also require physical stamina due to the demands of handling animals.
Average annual income: $33,530.
26. Maids and housekeepers
Maids and housekeepers perform cleaning and maintenance duties in homes, hotels, hospitals, or other facilities. Tasks include dusting, vacuuming, laundry, replenishing supplies, and sanitizing bathrooms or kitchens. Some roles may involve minor repairs or monitoring inventory for cleaning materials.
This job requires efficiency, reliability, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to follow safety and hygiene standards. Experience in housekeeping or customer service can improve opportunities for advancement.
Average annual income: $34,650.
27. Entertainment attendants and related workers
Entertainment attendants work at venues such as stadiums, concert halls, amusement parks, or fitness centers, assisting visitors and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. They may guide guests, explain rules, operate equipment, or provide emergency support.
These positions often require strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle large crowds.
Employees must remain vigilant to maintain safety standards and handle unexpected situations calmly. Some roles may include ticketing or minor maintenance tasks.
Average annual income: $34,670.
28. Shoe machine operators and tenders
Shoe machine operators and tenders work in footwear manufacturing facilities, using specialized machinery to assemble, finish, or reinforce shoes. They ensure products meet quality standards by inspecting materials, performing adjustments, and maintaining machinery.
This role requires technical skill, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a production line environment. Workers must also follow safety protocols to prevent accidents when operating industrial equipment. Experience or vocational training may improve job prospects.
Average annual income: $36,570.
29. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Teaching assistants support classroom teachers in elementary, middle, or high schools by helping with lesson preparation, supervising students, grading assignments, and managing classroom materials.
They often work with small groups or individual students to provide additional instruction and guidance. Communication skills, patience, and an understanding of educational techniques are essential.
While postsecondary education is generally not required, completion of some college coursework or specialized training can enhance advancement opportunities.
Average annual income: $35,960.
30. Funeral attendants
Funeral attendants assist with funeral services by preparing facilities, setting up equipment, and supporting mourners during ceremonies. They may handle tasks such as arranging flowers, preparing caskets, or transporting equipment. This position requires sensitivity, professionalism, and the ability to manage emotionally charged situations.
Training often includes on-the-job instruction, and workers may advance by obtaining additional certifications or studying mortuary science. Reliability and attention to detail are crucial for maintaining dignity and respect for grieving families.
Average annual income: $35,900.
Conclusion
The lowest-paying jobs in America may not offer high wages, but they play a critical role in the economy. They provide essential services in industries like hospitality, childcare, healthcare, and food service, supporting daily life for millions of people.
While these positions can be financially challenging, they often provide a starting point for workers looking to gain experience, develop skills, or transition into higher-paying careers. Recognizing their importance highlights the need for ongoing discussions about wage growth, fair compensation, and career mobility in the modern workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the lowest salary in the U.S. per month?
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest average annual salary for a full-time position in the U.S. is $29,260, which translates to about $2,438 per month. This figure comes from the reported earnings of a shampooer in 2023. Keep in mind that wages can vary widely, and some workers may earn less than this average.
What is the lowest-paying job that requires a degree?
Even with a college degree, certain jobs offer relatively low salaries. One example is preschool teachers, who typically earn an average of $41,410 per year. These roles often require at least an associate’s degree and specialized training.
What are some other low-paying professions?
Jobs that usually require degrees or specialized skills but tend to have modest salaries include museum curators and graphic designers. While these careers can be fulfilling, they are often not the most lucrative.
What are some of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S.?
Healthcare professions dominate the top-paying roles. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, and internal medicine physicians consistently earn six-figure salaries. However, these careers demand many years of education, training, and often significant student debt.
What is the return on investment (ROI) of a college degree?
Studies by the Education Data Initiative show that the lifetime median ROI for a bachelor’s degree is about 681.95%. However, the first decade after graduation may see a negative ROI of -4.09%. Professional degrees offer higher returns, sometimes exceeding 2,249%. While the financial benefits may take years to materialize, a college degree generally provides strong long-term value relative to the time invested.
