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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Missouri for 2026
Reflecting on my high school days, I remember the joy of working at the local movie theater, earning minimum wage while enjoying free popcorn and films. Back then, making $5.86 an hour felt like a victory. However, in today’s economy, it’s hard to imagine sustaining a living on such a low wage.
This nostalgia got me curious: who earns the least in Missouri today?
Building on our previous exploration of the highest paying jobs in Missouri, we analyzed the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify the bottom tier of earners in the state.
Our research shows that as of 2026, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers hold the title for the lowest-paid positions in Missouri.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Missouri:
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Dishwashers
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
For more detailed insights into earnings for the lowest paying jobs, continue reading or explore other informative articles about Missouri’s job market:
- Discover the 10 Best Jobs in Missouri for Recent College Graduates
- Explore the 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in Missouri
- Uncover the 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Kansas City
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Missouri
We analyzed the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) dataset for all job classifications in Missouri to identify those with the lowest average salaries. This data is regularly updated to reflect the most current labor market trends.
For additional reading, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in St. Louis
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Missouri
- The 100 Largest Companies in Missouri
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Missouri
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $19,280 |
| 2 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $19,980 |
| 3 | Cooks, Fast Food | $20,800 |
| 4 | Dishwashers | $21,100 |
| 5 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $21,110 |
| 6 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $21,300 |
| 7 | Waiters And Waitresses | $21,420 |
| 8 | Amusement And Recreation Attendants | $21,520 |
| 9 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $21,810 |
| 10 | Laundry And Dry-Cleaning Workers | $21,920 |
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.
