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.
In March 2024, the nonfarm payroll gain was 315,000 and the 3-month moving average was 269,000. In April 2024, the nonfarm payroll gain was 175,000 and the 3-month moving average was 242,000. In May 2024, the nonfarm payroll was 272,000 and the 3-month moving average was 254,000.
In March 2024, the nonfarm payroll gain was 315,000 and the 3-month moving average was 269,000. In April 2024, the nonfarm payroll gain was 175,000 and the 3-month moving average was 242,000. In May 2024, the nonfarm payroll was 272,000 and the 3-month moving average was 254,000.
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.
At its peak in early 2022, US wage growth for advertised roles climbed to 9.3% year-over-year, according to Indeed data. It has fallen precipitously ever since, as demand for workers has slumped. By January 2024, it had plummeted to 3.6%. The downward trend continues, and it's unclear when it will reach the bottom.
According to the Future of Jobs Report, by 2025, humans and machines will work the same number of hours. Automation will eliminate approximately 85 million jobs, the most of which will be manual and repetitive, ranging from assembly factory workers to accountants.
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.
Managers are higher up the salary chain, which makes sense, with Computer and Information Systems Managers taking home the highest average salaries of all, right around $72/hour. The lowest job on the chart, technical support representative, makes $16.70/hour, a full 75% less.
Mississippi, Arkansas and West Virginia sit at the other end of the salary spectrum, with Mississippi reporting the lowest average salary across the U.S. at $45,180. Arkansas isn't too far ahead at $48,570, while West Virginia comes in at a slightly higher $49,170.
Employers looking to hire new talent may have to shell out more money than they have in years. 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.
“Good income is relative to the average household income in America, which is $78,000 right now.” Real median household income in the U.S. was $78,250 in 2019 and fell to $74,580 in 2022, according to the Census Bureau.
Are People Getting Hired in 2024? The simple answer is, yes. However, hiring is focused on several key industries where the demand remains high for qualified professionals. Job seekers experienced in the fields of technology, healthcare and green solutions are seeing most job opportunities.
In the US, talent scarcity is on the rise. As of 2024, US labor shortage currently sits at 70%, five percentage points below the global average. That means that 7 in 10 employers are unable to find suitable employees for their job vacancies.
SACRAMENTO – California's employers added 5,200 nonfarm payroll jobs1 in April 2024 and the unemployment rate remained unchanged for a third consecutive month holding steady at 5.3 percent2, according to data released by the Employment Development Department (EDD).
A March 2024 survey by RedBalloon in tandem with PublicSquare found that of business owners in the study, 68% said Gen Zers are the "least reliable" employees and 64% said Gen Zers are likely to cause division and toxicity in the workplace.
Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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