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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Connecticut for 2026
Reflecting on my high school days, I remember my job at the local movie theater, where I earned minimum wage, enjoyed free popcorn, and got to watch movies for free. Back then, making $5.86 an hour felt acceptable, but today, it’s hard to imagine living on such a low wage.
This nostalgia led me to explore who currently earns the least in Connecticut.
Building on our previous research into the highest paying jobs in Connecticut, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to pinpoint the lowest paying jobs as of 2026.
Our findings indicate that Gaming Dealers continue to hold the position of the lowest paid workers in Connecticut.
Below is a look at the 10 lowest paying jobs in Connecticut:
- Gaming Dealers
- Dishwashers
- Manicurists and Pedicurists
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops
- Cashiers
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
For further insights into the lowest paying jobs, continue reading below, or explore additional resources on Connecticut’s job landscape:
- These Are The 10 Best Places In Connecticut To Get A Job
- These Are The 10 Best Jobs In Connecticut For Recent College Grads
- These Are The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In Connecticut
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Connecticut
We analyzed the BLS’s data set for all job classifications in Connecticut to identify the positions that offer the lowest wages.
We will continue to update this data annually as new information from the BLS becomes available. The most recent data is as of May 2026.
For more information, check out:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Connecticut
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Connecticut
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Connecticut
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaming Dealers | $22,050 |
| 2 | Dishwashers | $24,790 |
| 3 | Manicurists And Pedicurists | $24,910 |
| 4 | Baggage Porters And Bellhops | $25,000 |
| 5 | Cashiers | $25,290 |
| 6 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $25,520 |
| 7 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $25,650 |
| 8 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $25,700 |
| 9 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $25,860 |
| 10 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $25,860 |
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.
