Not all jobs pay equally, and a number of the hardest, most important roles are shockingly underpaid. Whereas we regularly affiliate demanding work with increased compensation, that’s not at all times the case. On this article, we’ll take a better have a look at 12 jobs which may shock you with how little they really pay, regardless of the abilities, effort, or dangers concerned.
1. Academics
Chances are you’ll suppose that academics receives a commission nicely for educating our youth, however that isn’t at all times true. Relying on what state you reside in, academics could also be underpaid. The nationwide common pay is slightly below $70,000. However adjusted for inflation, on common, academics are making 5% lower than they did 10 years in the past. West Virginia, South Dakota, and Florida all pay their academics simply over $50,000.
2. Dwelling Well being Aide
The nationwide common annual wage for a Dwelling Well being Aide (HHA) is round $33,000. This quantity can fluctuate primarily based on location and expertise. Nonetheless, contemplating how demanding this job might be many HHAs are underpaid.
3. Retail Affiliate
Retailer staff have a really bodily job the place they’re on their ft for lengthy intervals of time. Along with the bodily calls for of the job, retail associates usually have a demanding schedule together with weekends and holidays. Some retail jobs solely pay minimal wage. Different roles use a fee construction. However as brick-and-mortar retailer gross sales have decreased, many retail staff on fee make a lot much less cash than they used to.
4. Janitor
Whereas ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as excessive as $23.76 and as little as $9.92 for janitors. Janitors usually work night time shifts and have very bodily demanding jobs.
5. Chef
Chances are you’ll suppose that every one cooks receives a commission nicely, however some kitchen jobs are underpaid. Line cooks for instance make round $35,000 per yr. Line cooks in some elements of California take advantage of cash, whereas line cooks in small cities or rural areas make the least.
6. Waiter
Since waiters depend on ideas, some are very underpaid. The nationwide common wage for waiters and waitresses in the US is round $32,000. This consists of each the bottom wage and ideas.
7. Journalist
You’ll suppose that since many journalists have school or grasp’s levels that they’d be paid nicely. In actuality, many journalists battle to make a dwelling wage. Smaller market areas normally pay lower than larger cities. Nonetheless, getting a job in a bigger market or for a nationwide publication may be very aggressive. The nationwide common wage is round $60,000, however entry-level journalists make round $38,000.
8. Buyer Service Agent
A customer support agent makes about $20 per hour. Brokers normally have a annoying job and should cope with many sad prospects a day. Contemplating how essential their job is to supply a great buyer expertise, this position is normally underpaid.
9. Firefighter
Firefighters danger their lives for his or her job and but many are underpaid. In some areas, firefighters are solely volunteers. The common nationwide wage for a firefighter in 2025 is round $59,000. In Florida, firefighters solely make $44,000 per yr.
10. Corrections Officer
The nationwide common wage for correctional officers was $54,000 in April 2025 in line with ZipRecruiter. Contemplating the riskiness of this job, some would say that it’s underpaid.
11. Housekeeper
The nationwide common wage for a housekeeper in the US is round $33,000 per yr. Many housekeepers should buy their very own provides and their work may be very taxing.
12. Mayors
Whereas mayors of bigger cities sometimes receives a commission nicely, small-town mayors usually don’t obtain a wage. Some solely make a small stipend for the yr. Since they nonetheless should make robust choices for his or her city, this position could also be underpaid in some communities.
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Teri Monroe
Teri Monroe began her profession in communications working for native authorities and nonprofits. At the moment, she is a contract finance and way of life author and small enterprise proprietor. In her spare time, she loves {golfing} together with her husband, taking her canine Milo on lengthy walks, and enjoying pickleball with mates.
