The United States may be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t financial strain throughout the country. Thankfully, Augusta isn’t one of the most expensive places to live, but with rising inflation, it’s hard not to feel some financial stress. And of course, the financial burden can be easier, depending on your job. Stacker did the research and uncovered the lowest paying jobs in Augusta. We’ll take a look at the top 10 below.
During their research, Stacker found what we already somewhat knew… the middle class is shrinking. As of 2021, they discovered around half of adults lived in a middle-income household. That’s a pretty significant drop from 61% back in the 1970s.
Now, that change in percentage isn’t all bad. Some of those middle-class adults have risen into a higher income bracket. But, of course, some went the other direction. The percentage of low-income households in 2021 rose to 29%, compared to 25% in 1971.
With income levels, you have to also look at wages. From research, it seems the income for the rich grew 69% with higher bumps in wages. Low incomes grew by just 45%.
Overall, Stacker looked at the difference between the highest and the lowest paying jobs. And the results are astounding. You’ve got a wide range… from around $28,000 for entertainment attendants to over $251,000 for physicians.
And I’m sure this won’t be extremely surprising… but the lowest paying jobs tend to be in food and recreation – think fast food, pools, amusement parks, etc.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Stacker put together a list of the 50 lowest paying jobs in Augusta. These are ranked by their median annual pay as of May 2022. (Jobs without annual compensation figures available were excluded.)
Here Are The Top 10 Lowest Paying Jobs In Augusta
10. Childcare Workers
It’s really sad that those who take care of our children are among the lowest paid workers in the area. But many childcare workers know this, and they aren’t in it for the money.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $22,040
– Median hourly wage: $10.59
– Total employment: 890 people (3.92 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)9. Fast Food and Counter Workers
This one isn’t extremely surprising. When I think of fast food workers, I often think of younger people using it as a part-time jobs while in school, or really anyone in general using it for additional income.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $21,620
– Median hourly wage: $10.39
– Total employment: 6,180 people (27.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)8. Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers
Similar to fast food workers, this one isn’t extremely surprising.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $21,590
– Median hourly wage: $10.38
– Total employment: 500 people (2.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)7. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
While it doesn’t detail which job this includes, we can only imagine it includes workers at places like arcades, putt putt golf, amusement parks, etc.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $21,240
– Median hourly wage: $10.21
– Total employment: 450 people (1.97 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)6. Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
I think of this as another part time job for most people. Something teens and college students often do to earn a little cash.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $21,170
– Median hourly wage: $10.18
– Total employment: 590 people (2.59 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)5. Manicurists and Pedicurists
Honestly, a bit surprised by this. But this is a job where the person often receive tips in addition to their hourly pay, which isn’t accounted for in this study.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $21,110
– Median hourly wage: $10.15
– Total employment: 50 people (0.21 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)4. Waiters and Waitresses
Another job that relies heavily (if not primarily) on tips. As a former server, I know they don’t make much at all. But this also depends on what type of restaurant too.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $20,850
– Median hourly wage: $10.02
– Total employment: 3,420 people (15.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)3. Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
It’s sad that people who are meant to protect and save us are among some of the lowest paid workers. Especially when these type of jobs often require certain certifications.
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $20,790
– Median hourly wage: $10.00
– Total employment: 140 people (0.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)2. Driver/Sales Workers
Not quite sure what type of driver Stacker is referring to, but possibly rideshare drivers or delivery?
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $20,190
– Median hourly wage: $9.71
– Total employment: 600 people (2.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)1. Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
And the lowest paying job goes to those in our entertainment venues and museums. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers are making less than $10 an hour! But perhaps the job itself makes it worth it?
According to Stacker:
– Median annual wage: $20,060
– Median hourly wage: $9.64
– Total employment: 110 people (0.47 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)
