25 Lowest Paying Jobs in America

The category of miscellaneous agricultural workers includes workers who help farmers grow crops and tend to their livestock. The job requires physical labor and, often, heavy machinery operation. The job does not typically have any formal education requirements. Over the next decade, the number of workers in this occupation will not likely change very much from current levels.

Unlike many of the lowest paying jobs in America, bakers are often required to have some additional education beyond high school, such as an apprenticeship or culinary school education. Still, many bakers learn their trade through extensive on-the-job training over a long period, rather than in a classroom. Employment of bakers is projected to grow about 8% by 2026, roughly in line with the average American job.

Though all 50 states require that barbers and cosmetologists obtain a license to work in that state, the profession is one of the lowest paying in the country, with median annual earnings of $28,340. Hair care is a necessary service for most people, so as the population grows, so will employment in the field. Cosmetology employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade, well ahead of the average job projected growth rate.

Vehicle and equipment cleaners are often employed by automotive care shops and car dealerships. The job, which has no educational requirements, is one of very few jobs in the United States in which the typical worker makes less than $28,000 per year.

Packaging and filling machine operators and tenders tend to work in factories that and package food and other consumer goods. Typically, this occupation requires a high school diploma, if that, as a minimum level of education. This job can be labor intensive and may require overnight and overtime shifts.