Farm laborers have traditionally been among the lowest-paid workers.
Low-income jobs have always been present and continue to be prevalent even in today's modern world. Jobs that were previously held by mainly young workers new to the workforce are increasingly being sought by those with previously established careers who because of a worsening economy have been forced to take any sort of job just to pay for food and shelter.
Laundry Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, laundry and dry-cleaning workers have a 2009 mean hourly range of $10, which results in a mean annual wage of $20,790. This makes laundry workers among the lowest-paid employees. However, many people hold these jobs as they require minimal education. There are about 200,000 laundry workers in the U.S.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers earn even less than laundry workers. Their earnings amount to a meager $8.81 an hour, or $18,330 a year, according to a 2009 estimate of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Almost half a million American toil at this uninspiring job. While a dishwasher's job is primarily to wash dishes and kitchen utensils, his work may also include duties such as sweeping floors, cleaning kitchen counters, emptying trash and other sanitizing tasks. There is minimal, if any, training for this position.
Cashiers
Those working as cashiers are typically trained on the job, though it is preferred that they have a high school diploma or equivalent, as this type of work does require some understanding of mathematics and other basic skills. Cashiers are among some of the lowest-paid workers and are the second largest workforce in the United States, with about 3.4 million people employed in grocery stores, department stores, gas stations and other stores. As of 2009, cashiers earn about $9.15 an hour, or $19,030 per annum.
Hosts and Hostesses
The hosts or hostesses' job is to greet customers, help people to their seats, request feedback and ensure that the quality of food and service is up to standard. Sometimes they also work as cashiers. A significant number of these jobs are part time. Hosts and hostesses earn as little as $9.23 per hour, or $19,190 for a year's work.
Amusement Park Attendants
Employees working as attendants in amusement parks must have good customer service skills, but apart from that, most training is done on the job. Their work includes collecting tickets, guiding visitors towards facilities and assisting attendees with equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that amusement and recreation attendants receive a remuneration of about $9.35 an hour -- an annual pay of $19,450.
Home Care Aides
Working as a home care aide is both an emotionally and physically demanding job. Home care aides look after patients who may have very challenging, uncooperative or irritable behavior. Some of the workers' tasks include emptying bedpans and changing soiled bed linens -- all for about $9.22 an hour as of 2008.
Farm Workers
Working on a farm involves using hand tools and machinery to plant and produce crops. Usually, there are no specific training or skill requirements, however, this occupation is very much a labor-intensive job and involves strenuous and sometimes dangerous work. In addition, because farm workers live at the farmers' premises, a portion of their wages goes to housing and feeding them. Farm workers, particularly day laborers, have traditionally been at the bottom of society in terms of their earnings. In 2008, agriculture workers earned an average of $13.02 an hour.
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