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The Lowest Paying Job in America Is “Shampooer”?

The Lowest Paying Job in America Is “Shampooer”?

Cortlyn McCarthyBerry Interesting8 months ago

Think your job stinks? It could be worse. It turns out the lowest paying job in America is… one you probably didn’t even know exists.

Our friends over at Stacker.com did a deep dive to rank the lowest paying full-time jobs in the United States, and servers can breathe a sigh of relief. Waiting tables barely made the cut, landing at #50 on the list. That means there are at least 49 gigs that pay even less. Here are the Top 10, and what the average full-time worker makes in a year.

1. Shampooer ($30,830)

Yep, it’s a real job title. They’re the folks who wash your hair at salons before the stylist takes over. It’s often an entry-level job for people who want to become stylists but don’t have enough experience yet.

2. Fast food cook ($31,140)

If you’re behind the fryer but never at the counter, this is you. It doesn’t pay great, but there are some perks… like constant grease burns and getting to smell like French fries after every shift.

3. Amusement and recreation attendant ($31,350)

Think carnival workers, ride operators, and concession stand staff. Basically, anyone handing you cotton candy or buckling you into a ride you’re not 100% sure you’ll survive.

4. Fast food counter worker ($31,350)

They earn a little more than the cooks, mostly because they deal with customers. And let’s face it, customers can be tougher than the deep fryer.

5. Usher, lobby attendant, or ticket taker ($31,770)

Those smiling faces at theaters and concert venues? Spoiler alert: they’re probably making less than the price of your ticket.

6. Cashier ($31,810)

One of the most common jobs in America with more than 3 million people scanning barcodes and making change. If their attitude isn’t great, now you know why.

7. Host or hostess ($32,030)

The folks who deal with the riffraff out front earn about $6,000 less per year than the servers who take your order and bring your food.

8. Gambling and sports book writer/runner ($32,570)

They help facilitate bets at casinos and racetracks, or run games like keno. The house always wins, but the workers definitely don’t.

9. Child care worker ($33,140)

Babysitters, daycare staff, and nannies have some of the most important jobs in the world – if only they got paid like it.

10. Dishwasher ($33,220)

Closing out the Top 10 is that guy in the kitchen doing the dirty work – to the tune of about $1,500 more per year than the smiling hostess out front. (And $80 more than the person watching your toddler all day!)