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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in California for 2026
Reflecting on my high school job at a local movie theater, where I earned minimum wage with the added perks of free popcorn and movies, I realize how far the job market has evolved. Back then, making $5.86 per hour felt adequate, but today, that wage is far from sustainable. This nostalgia prompts an important question: Who are the lowest earners in California in 2026?
To address this inquiry, we analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to uncover the lowest paying jobs in the state.
Our research indicates that Forest and Conservation Workers top the list as the lowest earners in California.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 lowest paying jobs in California:
- Forest and Conservation Workers
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Shampooers
- Gaming Dealers
- Dishwashers
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
- Manicurists and Pedicurists
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
To delve deeper into the earnings of these low-paying jobs, continue reading, or explore additional insights about the California job market:
- Best Companies to Work For in Los Angeles, CA
- 10 Best Startups to Work For in Los Angeles
- 10 Best Startups to Work For in San Mateo
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in California
We analyzed the BLS’s dataset for all job classifications in California to pinpoint those with the lowest compensation. The information presented here reflects the most recent data available.
For further insights, explore these articles:
- These Are The 10 Best Jobs in California For Recent College Grads
- These Are The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In California
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Anaheim
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in California
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forest And Conservation Workers | $24,720 |
| 2 | Graders And Sorters, Agricultural Products | $25,140 |
| 3 | Cooks, Fast Food | $25,330 |
| 4 | Shampooers | $25,510 |
| 5 | Gaming Dealers | $25,650 |
| 6 | Dishwashers | $25,650 |
| 7 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $26,080 |
| 8 | Farmworkers And Laborers, Crop, Nursery, And Greenhouse | $26,240 |
| 9 | Manicurists And Pedicurists | $26,260 |
| 10 | Food Preparation And Serving Related Workers, All Other | $26,500 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
