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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania for 2026
Reflecting on my high school days, I remember my time at the local cinema, earning minimum wage while enjoying free popcorn and movies. Back then, I was content with my $5.86 per hour, but today, it’s hard to imagine getting by on such a salary. This got me curious about which professions currently offer the lowest pay in Pennsylvania.
Building on our previous research regarding the highest paying jobs in Pennsylvania, we utilized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to pinpoint the lowest paying occupations in the state.
Our analysis revealed that Shampooers rank as the lowest compensated workers in Pennsylvania.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Pennsylvania:
- Shampooers
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Motion Picture Projectionists
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Gaming Dealers
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Dishwashers
For further insights into the earnings of the lowest paying jobs, continue reading or explore more about the job market in Pennsylvania:
- Best Companies to Work For in Philadelphia
- Top 20 Nonprofits to Work For in Philadelphia
- 10 Best Jobs in Pennsylvania for Recent College Graduates
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Pennsylvania
We examined the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ dataset, analyzing all job classifications in Pennsylvania to identify the lowest paying roles. This data will be updated annually as new information becomes available from the BLS.
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Pennsylvania
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shampooers | $19,630 |
| 2 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $20,210 |
| 3 | Motion Picture Projectionists | $20,310 |
| 4 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $20,320 |
| 5 | Cooks, Fast Food | $20,530 |
| 6 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $20,690 |
| 7 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $20,790 |
| 8 | Gaming Dealers | $20,910 |
| 9 | Amusement And Recreation Attendants | $20,980 |
| 10 | Dishwashers | $21,010 |
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.
