What are the  paying jobs? While your salary can vary widely, based on your geographic location, your level of experience, the company you work for, and the minimum wage in your city or state, there are a number of occupations that get consistently low salaries.

These jobs are very diverse, in fields ranging from entertainment to transportation to healthcare. However, although they are found in different industries, they have a number of similarities.

These jobs are usually paid by the hour. Many of these are service jobs that require a tip in order for the worker to receive a decent salary.

Most of these low-paying jobs require the applicant to have no more than a high school diploma, and many offer on-the-job training.

25 of the lowest paying jobs

Here are the top 25 lowest paying jobs in America, according to the May 2020 US Department of Labor Employment Survey.1 Keep in mind that this list does not include some occupations that generally do not work year-round or entirely. time, such as actors or musicians.

cooks

Chefs work in establishments ranging from cafeterias to fast food chains to upscale restaurants. They bring in, season and cook dishes and may help plan the menu with the chef. At the low end are the chefs working at fast food restaurants, who earned a median annual income of $24,300, while short order chefs earned a median annual income of $27,030.23.

what do basic industries jobs pay

In general, chefs in restaurants earn an average of $2,9530.2 annually. However, cooks and cooks in private homes can earn up to $46,810 per year or more.

shampoo

Massage shampoo, shampoo, conditioner, and rinse clients' hair before haircuts or styling. Some shampooers also train to become hairdressers or beauticians. Shampoo stylists earn an average annual income of $24,320.5

Fast food workers and counters

Fast food operators and operators engage in a variety of food preparation and serving tasks in fast food restaurants, cafeterias, food stalls, and coffee shops. The average annual compensation for these jobs is $24,540.6

flight attendants and flight attendants

Hosts and hostesses work in restaurants, lounges and cafes. They are responsible for welcoming customers, preparing them, and ensuring quality service. They may also be responsible for receiving and recording reservations and answering other calls. Hosts earn an average annual income of $2,480,7

dishwashers

Dishwashers are responsible for cleaning dishes, utensils, and food preparation equipment. They may work in a variety of food service establishments, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and cafeterias. Dishwashers have an average annual income of $25,600.8

Leisure and recreation facilities

Leisure and entertainment attendees may work in a variety of recreation facilities, such as amusement parks, ski resorts, sports complexes, or community centers. They perform a variety of duties related to the use of the facility.

They may operate amusement rides or concession stands, schedule use of the facility, and maintain and provide equipment for participants (particularly at amusement facilities). While salary varies by facility type, attendees earn an average annual income of $25,610.9

cashiers

Money changers receive and disburse money to customers who purchase goods and services. They usually work in retail stores. Most of them use equipment such as scanners and cash registers, and they also process payments. Tellers may work part-time or full-time, but full-time cashiers earn a median annual income of $25710.10.

Presses for textiles, clothing and related materials

Presses press or shape pieces of fabric to remove creases or stick items to the fabric. They may use a hand iron or other steam or hydraulic machines. Presses may also hang, fold, and pack finished items for delivery. They may work in laundries, dry cleaning stores, or larger industrial facilities. Journalists earn an average income of $26,050.11

gambling dealers

Gambling dealers run table games in casinos, card rooms, and other gaming venues. They may distribute cards or blocks to players, distribute winnings, or collect players' money or chips. Merchants earn an average annual income of $2610.12

Present in the dining room and cafeteria and assistant waiters

Attendants and waiter assistants keep dining rooms, restaurants, cafes, and bars stocked with supplies such as fresh linen, clean cups, silverware, and plates. They also remove soiled dishes and may offer water or coffee. The average annual wage for this job is $26,300.13

Guides, lobby monitors and ticket holders

Guides, lobby administrators, and ticket holders work in many entertainment establishments, such as cinemas, concert halls, and theatres. They perform duties such as collecting admission tickets, helping patrons find their seats, and directing patrons to facilities such as restrooms. The median annual income for these jobs is $26,390.14

Laundry and dry cleaning workers

Laundry and dry cleaning workers work or tend to washing and dry-cleaning machines. Workers may be employed at laundromats, dry-cleaning stores, or industrial washing sites that provide laundry services to larger institutions like hotels and hospitals. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers earn an average annual income of $26,600.15

Childcare Workers

Childcare workers are responsible for the well-being of children. They may be responsible for feeding and bathing children, overseeing play, and even helping older children with schoolwork.

Childcare workers may be employed at schools (as afters-chool or infantcare workers), at childcare centers, in their own homes, or at the homes of the children for whom they care. They may work full-time or part-time. The average full-time annual income for a childcare worker is $26,790.16

Food-Preparation Workers

Food-preparation workers do everything but cook. Depending on their job, they might slice meat, brew coffee, or even peel vegetables. They also clean work areas; With everything they do, it's important they adhere to food-safety standards. Food-prep workers earn an average annual income of $26,820.17

Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks

Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks serve patrons by registering and assigning rooms to guests. They perform a number of transactions, such as computing patrons' bills, balancing accounts, and collecting payments.

Clerks also accommodates patrons by addressing any questions and concerns regarding their stay. On average, they earn $26,900 annually.18

Recreational Protective Services (e.g., Lifeguards and Ski Patrol)

Recreational protective services personnel are responsible for monitoring recreational areas to provide protection and assistance to attendants. They may provide safety precaution information, monitor recreation areas, and be responsible for administering first aid to injured people. Recreational protective services workers may be stationed at pools or beaches as lifeguards, on ski slopes as ski patrollers, or in any other recreational area that requires protective services.

Some of these positions require special certifications, such as first aid or CPR training. Recreational protective services workers earn an average annual income of $27,050.19

Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners

Gambling and sports book writers and runners share information for people to place bets on various sporting events or races. They may record patrons' bets and be responsible for orchestrating any payouts. They may also work as operators for games such as bingo.

Those working in this type of position have an average income of $27,13020

Waiters and Waitresses

Waiters and waitresses, also known as "servers," take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons. They may work in restaurants, bars, hotels, or other food service establishments.

Waiters and waitresses may work part-time or full-time. A waiter's income greatly increases based on the type of establishment; most rely on tips to bolster their pay. The average annual salary for a full-time waiter or waitress is $27,470.21

Food servers in non-restaurant environments such as coffee shops average $27,460 annually.22

Parking Lot Attendants

Parking lotants park and deliver vehicles to customers in parking lots or garages. They may also be responsible for patrolling the garage to prevent property damage and/or theft. Attendants earn an average annual income of $27,910.23

Maids and Housekeepers

Maids and cleaners perform various cleaning duties, such as making beds, dusting and vacuuming, disinfecting counter spaces, and emptying trash and recycling baskets. They may work in private households or public establishments, such as hotels or nursing homes. Maids and cleaners earn an average annual income of $28,010.24

Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Home health and personal care aids assist the elderly, convalescents, or persons with disabilities with their daily living activities. These activities may include general housekeeping, preparing meals, and running errands. Aides may also assist patients with tasks such as exercising, eating, and bathing. Some aids also advise patients and their families with nutrition and household activities. These workers may be employed in a care facility or at a person's home.

While there are many similarities between a home health aid and a personal care aid, personal care aids typically provide less specified medical care. Personal care aides earn an average annual income of $28,060.25

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants

Service attendants examine and repair cars, trucks, boats, or other automotive or marine vehicles. Attendants may be responsible for filling vehicles with fuel, lubricating vehicles, changing oil, repairing tires, or repairing and replacing accessories (such as windshield wipers or fan belts).

Service attendants may work at gas stations, auto mechanic shops, marinas, or other places where customers bring in their vehicles for service. While compensation varies based on location and type of vehicles serviced, the average annual income for a service worker is $28,150.26

Non-farm Animal Caretakers

These animal caretakers tend to non-farm animals, including domestic animals like dogs, cats, fish, or, in some cases, zoo animals. They may work in pet stores, animal shelters, kennels, aquariums, zoos, or circuses. Animal caretakers may feed, water, groom, or medicate animals, as well as clean animals' quarters. These caretakers earn an average of $28,380 annually.27

Bartenders

Bartenders mix and serve drinks to patrons. In some cases, patrons may order directly from the bartender at the bar; In other cases, the drinks may be served by waitstaff. Bartenders might work in a bar or a restaurant or in a place that provides travel accommodations, such as a lounge.

Bartenders earn an average income of $28,910.28

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Manicurists and pedicurists clean, shape, polish, and decorate customers' fingernails and/or toenails. They may work independently or at a nail salon or spa. Based on salary and tips, manicurists and pedicurists earn an average income of $29,010