25 Lowest Paying Jobs In America

By Author: MS
Total Articles: 3
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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