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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Idaho for 2026
Reflecting on my high school job at the local movie theater, where I earned minimum wage with perks like free popcorn and movies, I realize how times have changed. Back then, I was content with my $5.86 per hour, but today, it’s nearly impossible to make ends meet on such a wage.
This brings me to a pressing question: who currently earns the least in Idaho?
Building on our previous research into the highest paying jobs in Idaho, we utilized the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to pinpoint the lowest paying jobs in the state as of 2026.
After extensive analysis, we found that Parking Lot Attendants remain the lowest paid workers in Idaho.
Here’s a concise overview of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Idaho:
- Parking Lot Attendants
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Dishwashers
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
For further insights into the earnings of the lowest paying jobs, continue reading or explore other articles about Idaho’s job landscape:
- These Are The 10 Best Places in Idaho To Get A Job
- These Are The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In Idaho
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Idaho
How We Identified the Lowest Paying Jobs in Idaho
We analyzed the BLS data set encompassing all job classifications in Idaho to determine which positions offer the lowest salaries. Our findings are based on the most recent data available as of May 2026, ensuring up-to-date relevance.
For additional reading, consider:
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Idaho
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parking Lot Attendants | $19,320 |
| 2 | Cooks, Fast Food | $19,360 |
| 3 | Dishwashers | $19,590 |
| 4 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $19,820 |
| 5 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $19,870 |
| 6 | Ushers, Lobby Attendants, And Ticket Takers | $20,350 |
| 7 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $20,410 |
| 8 | Waiters And Waitresses | $20,780 |
| 9 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $21,040 |
| 10 | Amusement And Recreation Attendants | $21,050 |
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.
