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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs In Virginia 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 movies. It was a simpler time, but the thought of living on $5.86 an hour today is unimaginable. This nostalgia leads me to wonder: who are the individuals earning the least in Virginia in 2026?
In conjunction with our research into the highest paying jobs in Virginia, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to uncover the current lowest paying jobs. The landscape of employment has evolved, particularly with the recent shifts in workplace dynamics and compensation trends.
Our findings indicate that, as of 2026, Cooks, Fast Food continue to hold the title for the lowest paid position in Virginia.
Here’s a quick overview of the 10 lowest paying jobs in Virginia:
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
- Dishwashers
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Personal Care Aides
- Shampooers
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
For more details on the compensation for these low-paying jobs, continue reading or explore other resources related to the Virginia job market:
- These Are The 10 Best Jobs In Virginia For Recent College Grads
- These Are The 10 Fastest Growing Jobs In Virginia For 2026
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Virginia
How We Determined the Lowest Paid Jobs in Virginia
We examined the BLS data set for all job classifications in Virginia to identify those with the lowest wages. This analysis helps shed light on the challenges faced by workers in lower-paying sectors, especially as the job market continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities.
We will continue to update this data annually as new information becomes available from the BLS to reflect the most current job market conditions.
For further reading, check out:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Virginia Beach
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Virginia
Detailed List Of The Lowest Paying Jobs In Virginia
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cooks, Fast Food | $20,320 |
| 2 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $20,860 |
| 3 | Dishwashers | $20,910 |
| 4 | Ushers, Lobby Attendants, And Ticket Takers | $20,930 |
| 5 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $21,180 |
| 6 | Personal Care Aides | $21,240 |
| 7 | Shampooers | $21,350 |
| 8 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, And Related Materials | $21,560 |
| 9 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $21,640 |
| 10 | Locker Room, Coatroom, And Dressing Room Attendants | $21,670 |
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.
