What are the lowest paid jobs in the US in 2024? (2024)
Just because a job doesn’t pay much doesn’t make it any less important. Generally, the lowest paid jobs are entry-level positions where one can get hands-on experience to work there way up to higher paying positions.
Because they don’t require much if any training, nor specific level of education, these jobs can be a great way to pick up some extra cash on the side while working toward gaining the skills for a future career.
Many of the lowest paid jobs are in the hospitality industry like working in restaurants and hotels or the leisure industry at recreational and amusem*nt locations as well as entertainment venues.
But not all. Take for example shampooers. This job can be a good way to enter the field of health and beauty services. Or for those who want to work with children, they can get an introduction to the field as a child care worker. Here’s a look at the ten lowest-paying jobs in the US according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics based on their most recent data for all occupations:
Profession
Median annual salary
Shampooers
$27,870
Cooks, Fast Food
$27,920
Fast Food and Counter Workers
$28,130
Amusem*nt and Recreation Attendants
$28,350
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
$28,370
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
While not unimportant, since there are so many people who can perform them, wages are depressed. In fact, the median annual salary of the ten lowest paid jobs in the US is less than half that of the national median of $59,540. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the end of 2023, the median weekly salary in the US was $1,145 accross all occupations.
For those who take on one of the above jobs full-time and need to make ends meet, you can always consider a side hustle to bring in some more money.
As well, if you are looking to get ahead financially, you should consider taking training courses in your desired field so that you can switch up in the future. It’s important to think about what professions will be in demand down the road as well as which ones will pay the best once you’ve attained the proper skills.
The lowest job on the chart, technical support representative, makes $16.70/hour, a full 75% less. That's still not bad money when you consider that federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour.
The lowest average pay that people would be willing to accept to take a new job—also known as the reservation wage—has jumped significantly over the past year, reaching $81,822 as of March.
Many of the lowest paid jobs are in the hospitality industry like working in restaurants and hotels or the leisure industry at recreational and amusem*nt locations as well as entertainment venues. While not unimportant, since there are so many people who can perform them, wages are depressed.
On average, an individual needs $96,500 for sustainable comfort in a major U.S. city. This includes being able to pay off debt and invest for the future.
What do studies say about money and happiness? Purdue University found the ideal average income for people worldwide is $95,000 and $105,000 in the U.S. Beyond that, satisfaction with life deteriorates, it said.
Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Two states, Georgia and Wyoming, have a minimum wage below $7.25 per hour. In all seven of these states, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.
The federal minimum wages in USA is $7.25 (~₹599) per hour. However, the basic salary in the United States varies from state to state. Washington has the highest minimum wage in USA, which is $15.74 (~₹1,301), followed by California with $15.50 (~₹1,281) per hour.
Unsurprisingly, physicians, surgeons and psychiatrists rank near the top of the list. But chief executives, airline pilots and athletes also rank high. Many of the highest-paying occupations in America are also among the fastest-growing jobs.
Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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