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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs In Ohio for 2026
Reflecting on my high school job at the local movie theater, where I earned minimum wage along with free popcorn and movies, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come. Back then, my wage of $5.86/hr felt sufficient, but in today’s economy, it’s an unthinkable amount to live on.
This nostalgia sparked my curiosity about the current lowest paying jobs in Ohio.
In our efforts to provide the most relevant information, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to uncover the jobs that currently offer the lowest pay in the state.
Our research shows that Shampooers rank as the lowest paid workers in Ohio.
Here’s a concise overview of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Ohio:
- Shampooers
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Dishwashers
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops
- Cooks, Fast Food
For further details on the earnings of these low-paying jobs, continue reading, or explore more about the job market in Ohio:
- Top 10 Best Places to Get a Job in Ohio
- Best Jobs in Ohio for Recent College Graduates
- Fastest Growing Jobs in Ohio
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Ohio
To identify the lowest paying jobs in Ohio, we analyzed the BLS’s comprehensive dataset, which includes over 700 job classifications in the state.
We will continue to update this data annually as new information becomes available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Detailed List Of The Lowest Paying Jobs In Ohio
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shampooers | $20,360 |
| 2 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $20,390 |
| 3 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $20,490 |
| 4 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $20,570 |
| 5 | Ushers, Lobby Attendants, And Ticket Takers | $20,870 |
| 6 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $20,910 |
| 7 | Amusement And Recreation Attendants | $21,020 |
| 8 | Dishwashers | $21,140 |
| 9 | Baggage Porters And Bellhops | $21,520 |
| 10 | Cooks, Fast Food | $21,630 |
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.
