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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Texas for 2026
Reflecting on my high school job at the local movie theater—where I earned minimum wage, enjoyed free popcorn, and watched movies—makes me realize how much the job landscape has changed. Back then, making $5.86 an hour felt adequate, but today, that wage is far from sustainable. This nostalgic look back got me thinking: who earns the least in Texas today?
Building on our previous research into the highest paying jobs in Texas, we turned to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify the lowest paying jobs in the state.
Our analysis reveals that Personal Care Aides continue to rank as the lowest paid workers in Texas.
Here’s a snapshot of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Texas for 2026:
- Personal Care Aides
- Shampooers
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
For further insights into the financial aspects of these low-paying jobs, continue reading or explore more about the Texas job market:
- Best Companies to Work For In Houston
- These Are The 10 Best Healthcare Companies To Work For In Dallas
- These Are The 10 Best Healthcare Companies To Work For In Houston
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Texas
We analyzed the BLS’s comprehensive dataset for all job classifications in Texas to pinpoint those with the lowest earnings. This research is updated annually as new data becomes available from the BLS, with the most recent figures reflecting trends as of May 2025.
For additional reading, explore:
- These Are The 10 Best Places In Texas To Get A Job
- These Are The 10 Best Small Companies To Work For In McKinney
- Top 11 Best Start-Ups to Work For in Austin, TX
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Texas
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personal Care Aides | $19,960 |
| 2 | Shampooers | $20,660 |
| 3 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $20,720 |
| 4 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $20,880 |
| 5 | Cooks, Fast Food | $21,000 |
| 6 | Transportation Attendants, Except Flight Attendants | $21,070 |
| 7 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $21,140 |
| 8 | Food Servers, Nonrestaurant | $21,170 |
| 9 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $21,220 |
| 10 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, And Related Materials | $21,270 |
In conclusion, understanding the economic landscape of Texas’s job market highlights the challenges faced by individuals in lower-paying roles. It’s essential to recognize the value of these jobs while advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions. For a deeper dive into career opportunities and resources in Texas, stay informed with our updated articles and job listings.
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.
