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:
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.
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.
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.
The national mean salary in the United States is $56,310 according to the National Compensation Survey. That works out to be $27 per hour. So in order to be above average, you have to earn more than $28 per hour. Why not be way above average and find a job that pays $30 more than the average hourly salary?
With the annual inflation rate for 2023 at 3.4% for the year — up from 3.1% previously — salaries aren't keeping up. A Smart Asset report based on MIT's Living Wage data found that the average salary required to live comfortably in the U.S. is $68,499 after taxes.
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.
The lowest-paying jobs, which pay $15 or less an hour, include fast food workers, restaurant servers and bartenders, child care workers, preschool teachers, hotel clerks, personal care and home health aides, grocery store cashiers, among others. (Currently, minimum wage in 20 states remains at $7.25 per hour.)
In 2023, the federal poverty level definition of low income for a single-person household is $14,580 annually. Each additional person in the household adds $5,140 to the total. For example, the poverty guideline is $30,000 per year for a family of four.
Key Findings. 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.
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.
Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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