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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in South Carolina for 2026
Reflecting on my high school days, I remember my first job at a local movie theater, earning minimum wage while enjoying free popcorn and movies. Back then, making $5.86 an hour felt acceptable, but in today’s economy, it’s hard to imagine living on such a low wage.
This nostalgia led me to explore the current job market in South Carolina. Who, in 2026, are the individuals earning the least?
To complement our analysis of the highest paying jobs in South Carolina, we utilized the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to pinpoint the lowest paying jobs in the region.
According to our findings, the position of Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, including Fast Food, ranks as the lowest paying job in South Carolina.
Here’s a quick overview of the 10 lowest paying jobs in the state:
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Dishwashers
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Cashiers
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
For further insights into the salaries of these low-paying jobs, continue reading, or check out additional resources on the South Carolina job market:
- Explore the 10 Best Jobs in South Carolina for Recent College Graduates
- Discover the 10 Fastest Growing Jobs in South Carolina
- View the 100 Highest Paying Jobs in South Carolina
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in South Carolina
We analyzed the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ dataset covering all job classifications in South Carolina to identify those with the lowest salaries. The data has been updated to reflect the most recent figures as of May 2026.
For additional reading, check out:
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in South Carolina
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $18,910 |
| 2 | Ushers, Lobby Attendants, And Ticket Takers | $19,630 |
| 3 | Baggage Porters And Bellhops | $19,770 |
| 4 | Cooks, Fast Food | $19,810 |
| 5 | Dishwashers | $19,980 |
| 6 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $20,010 |
| 7 | Cashiers | $20,160 |
| 8 | Waiters And Waitresses | $20,290 |
| 9 | Food Preparation And Serving Related Workers, All Other | $20,400 |
| 10 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $20,460 |
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.
