In several nations across the world including the United States, the people who are employed in customer service oriented jobs, are among the lowest paid workers. Experts reveal that this is possibly due to the fact that the job itself often requires little or no skill at all, and mostly lays an emphasis on physical endurance. And what’s intriguing is the fact that nearly 40% of the American workforce is toiling away in such lower-wage, lower-skilled jobs. Here is a list of America’s lowest paying jobs.
Navigation Menu of the Top 10 Lowest Paying Jobs
1. Fast Food Cooks
2. Dishwashers
3. Shampooers
4. Bartender Helpers
5. Concession Stand and Cafeteria Counter Attendants
6. Cashiers
7. Hosts and Hostesses
8. Recreation and Amusement Attendants
9. Ticket Takers, Lobby Attendants and Ushers
10. Farm Workers and Laborers
1. Fast Food Cooks & Food Preparation Workers
Cooks employed at diners and fast food joints are paid an average wage of $8.76 an hour, that is $18, 230 per year, and are at the bottom of the list of wage earners. Food preparation workers are also called on to serve in addition to their duty of preparing meals quickly for the waiting customers. In small delis, they also receive payment, prepare drinks, wash utensils and clean the kitchen area. Food preparation workers include salad counter attendants, caterers and deli clerks. People in these jobs make additional money through the tips they receive from satisfied customers.
Workers employed for washing dishes and other kitchen utensils draw a wage of $8.81 per hour, that is $18, 390 a year. Their work involves emptying trash cans, cleaning the kitchen counters and surrounding area, storing supplies and sweeping floors. They also receive supplies and account for them. They are also known as kitchen helpers, tray line workers, bus persons and dish stackers.
An average shampooer at a local salon earns around $9 an hour and $18, 890 a year. They shampoo and wash customers’ hair, and handle dryers and infrared equipment. As they are familiar with different hair types, they often advise their customers on reliable shampoo and conditioner brands. In case a shampooer works for a scalp treatment specialist, he/she also maintain treatment records. Shampooers do not require any specific training, but preference is given to those who are qualified beauticians. Nearly 48% of shampooers work independently.
4. Bartender Helpers and Dining Room Attendants
Earning an hourly income of $9.13 and $18,900 per year, bartender helpers and dining room attendants clear away and clean tables after meals, and set tables with clean plates, cutlery and linen. Many students who choose to work part-time at cafeterias and cafes are often found employed in these positions. These workers include silver steward, kitchen aide, barmaid, bus boy, club attendant and carry out clerk. There is no requirement of prior work experience or any training for this job.
5. Concession Stand and Cafeteria Counter Attendants
Coffee shop and cafeteria attendants earn $9.13 an hour, that is $18,990 a year. Their main job is to note down meal orders and serve food to customers. Similar to ticket takers and lobby attendants, these workers are largely employed on a part-time basis with a large number of young people opting for this job. These positions include cafe workers, canteen operators, snack bar attendants and steam table workers. These employees are not required to possess any prior experience and are trained on the job.
Employees operating the cash register at grocery stores, gas stations, department and clothing stores earn an average $9.15 per hour and $19,000 per year. They are not to be confused with cashiers at financial firms and banks, who require qualification and industry experience. These cashiers receive payments and return change during transactions. They also scan products to generate bills. Ticket agents at theaters, checkout operators, casino change attendants are few of the different kinds of cashiers.
There are an estimated 350,000 hosts and hostesses who are paid approximately $9.23 per hour and earn an annual income of around $19,200. At coffee shops, lounges and restaurants, these workers greet guests, assign seats, request feedback and ensure quality of food and service. A large number of these jobs are part-time, with nearly a fourth of the workers being in the age group of 16-19 years. Hospitality coordinator, maitre d’, dining room supervisor and host coordinator are some of the employees who come under this segment.
8. Recreation and Amusement Attendants
With an hourly wage of $9.35, these attendants assist at recreation and amusement centers like theme parks, fairs and sporting events. They earn an annual income of around $19, 450. They assist attendees and visitors by handing them equipment, guiding them towards different stalls and recreational facilities. These include workers like miniature train drivers, parking attendants, ball boys, pony ride operators, carnival workers and ski lift operators.
9. Ticket Takers, Lobby Attendants and Ushers
It is estimated that there are at least 100,000 lobby attendants, ushers and ticket takers in the United States. They earn around $9.43 per hour and approximately $19,610 a year. Their job consists of duties like helping customers at events to find their seats, directing them to facilities like the pay phone or rest room, collecting entry passes and distributing program schedules. Some of the workers who are employed in these kinds of positions are tour guides, visitor service associates, door captains, gate tenders, cashiers and program attendants.
Workers in greenhouses, farms and nurseries earn an average hourly income of $9.51, with their annual income seldom goes over $19,800. Their work involves using hand tools and handling machinery to plant and cultivate crops. They are often employed as odd-job men to fix, fetch and tend for a small sum on a daily basis. Laborers and farm workers do not require any specific training or skill except in rare cases.
These jobs are some of the lowest paid occupations in the United States. Experts advise that employers need to offer incentives to workers who start on small initiatives and improve the quality of service in their own area of work. Employers of blue collar workers should encourage them and give them scope to outperform in their jobs. Some thought to how these employees can grow in their career would help motivate such workers.
