Best and Worst Paid Jobs

Low-paying jobs can be tough especially when the cost of living is high. While we all want to earn as much as we possibly can, some career paths are less financially rewarding than others.

Whether you're just starting out on your career or moving home to start a new one, storage company Pink Storage looked at some of the best and worst-paid jobs with and without a college degree in the U.S.A.

While it's thought that a college degree will lead to a higher salary, having one does not guarantee financial freedom.

The lowest-paid jobs requiring a bachelor's degree.

Having a degree doesn't guarantee a high-paying job, here are some of the lowest-paying jobs in the USA where a bachelor's degree is a requirement.

Teaching Assistants (Average Salary $31,400)

Teaching assistants support teachers in classrooms by helping with lessons, grading, and supervising students. They assist with managing behaviour, preparing materials, and providing one-on-one support for children needing extra help.

On average, teaching assistants earn around $31,400 annually.

Short-Term Substitute Teacher (Average Salary $31,765)

A short-term substitute teacher temporarily replaces a teacher and follows lesson plans and maintains classroom order. Responsibilities include teaching lessons, managing student behaviour, and ensuring continuity in education.

On average, those in this role can make approximately $31,765 a year.

Special Education Teacher (Average Salary $35,449)

A special education teacher will work with students with disabilities, tailoring lessons to individual needs. Duties include developing IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), teaching life skills, and collaborating with families and professionals.

The average salary for this role is $35,449 per year.

Credit Counsellors (Average Salary $42,972)

Credit counsellors advise clients on managing debt and improving credit scores. Responsibilities include creating budgets, negotiating with creditors, and educating clients about financial strategies. Credit counsellors typically earn an average of $42,972 annually.

Fine artists including painters, sculptors and illustrators (Average salary $44,682)

Fine artists create original artwork using various media. Responsibilities involve conceptualizing ideas, producing art, and managing exhibitions or sales to showcase their work.

Fine artists can expect to earn an average of $44,682 a year.

Coaches and Scouts (Average Salary $45,197)

Coaches and scouts train athletes to improve performance and identify talent for teams. Responsibilities include planning practices, analysing performance, and developing strategies to maximize potential. On average, individuals in this profession earn $45,197 annually.

Personal Financial Advisor (Average Salary $49,466)

A personal financial advisor helps clients manage finances, plan investments, and save for retirement. Duties include assessing financial situations, creating personalized strategies, and monitoring portfolio performance.

This role offers an average annual salary of $49,466.

Agricultural Inspectors (Average Salary $49,895)

Agricultural Inspectors ensure agricultural products meet quality and safety standards. Responsibilities include inspecting crops, livestock, and facilities for compliance with regulations.

Those in this field earn an average of $49,895 per year.

Loan Officers (Average Salary $49,901)

Loan officers assist clients in securing loans for personal or business needs.

Loan officer tasks include evaluating creditworthiness, explaining terms, and recommending suitable financial products. The average annual salary in the U.S. for loan officers is $49,901.

Museum technicians and Conservators (Average Salary $49,972)

Preserve and restore historical artefacts and artwork. Responsibilities include cataloguing items, conducting repairs, and maintaining exhibits to ensure public access and longevity.

On average, individuals in this role earn $49,972 a year.

The highest-paid jobs requiring a bachelor's degree.

While some jobs aren't as financially rewarding as others, earning a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the U.S. can set you up for a high salary, here is a list of the best-paid jobs requiring a minimum of a bachelor's degree.

Chief Executives (Average Salary $887,250)

Chief Executives lead organisations by setting strategic goals, managing operations, and ensuring profitability. They oversee company direction, collaborate with senior staff, and drive overall success.

On average, chief executives earn an impressive $887,250 annually.

Airline Pilots (Average Salary $199,801)

Airline Pilots operate and navigate aircraft, ensuring passenger and cargo safety during flights. Responsibilities include pre-flight checks, monitoring systems, and adhering to strict regulations.

Those in this role typically earn an average of $199,801 per year.

Architectural and Engineering Managers (Average Salary $160,847)

Architectural and Engineering Managers supervise teams of architects and engineers, managing projects from design to execution.

Tasks include planning, coordinating resources, and ensuring projects meet technical and budgetary standards. The average salary for this role is $160,847 annually.

Computer and information systems managers (Average Salary $158,036)

Computer systems managers oversee an organization’s IT systems, ensuring technology aligns with business goals. Duties include managing IT teams, setting up systems, and ensuring cybersecurity measures are in place.

Professionals in this field earn an average of $158,036 each year.

Administrative services managers (Average Salary $153,607)

Professionals in this field manage the daily operations of businesses, including facilities, records, and office logistics.

Their responsibilities involve coordinating resources, improving efficiency, and maintaining compliance.

On average, administrative services managers earn $153,607 annually.

Art directors (Average Salary $150,542)

Art Directors lead the visual direction of creative projects, such as advertisements, films, or publications. They develop concepts, guide design teams, and ensure artistic consistency.

Art directors typically enjoy an average annual income of $150,542.

Project management specialists (Average Salary $144,962)

Project management specialists coordinate and manage projects to ensure goals are met on time and within budget. Tasks include planning, risk management, and performance monitoring.

The average annual salary for this profession is $144,962.

Social Scientists (Average Salary $144,166)

Social Scientists conduct research and analysis to understand human behaviour, social patterns, and cultural phenomena. Responsibilities include collecting data, writing reports, and presenting findings.

Social scientists can expect an average salary of $144,166 per year.

Training and development managers (Average Salary $141,045)

Training and development managers design and implement programs to enhance employee skills and performance. They assess organisational needs, create training materials, and measure program effectiveness.

On average, individuals in this role earn $141,045 annually.

Emergency management directors (Average Salary $140,062)

Emergency management directors prepare for and respond to disasters by coordinating resources, creating emergency plans, and leading recovery efforts. They ensure public safety and minimise risks.

The average salary in this field is $140,062 annually.

Full list of the highest and lowest paid jobs in the U.S requiring a bachelors degree.

The highest and lowest paid jobs in the U.S. that don't require a degree.

With the cost of living and the cost of education increasing year by year, some may be put off going to college. In that case here are some of the best and worst paid jobs in the country that don't require a degree.

The lowest-paid jobs that don't require a degree.

Here are some of the lowest-paid jobs in the U.S.

Shampooers (Average Salary $17,951)

Shampooers assist clients in salons by washing and conditioning hair, and preparing it for styling by professional hairdressers. They ensure a relaxing experience for clients and maintain cleanliness in the work area. On average, shampooers earn $17,951 annually.

Waiters and waitresses ($22,401)

Waiters and waitresses serve food and beverages to customers in restaurants, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience. Their duties include taking orders, delivering meals, and addressing customer needs. The average salary for this role is $22,401 per year.

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers ($22,550)

Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers help guests at entertainment venues by providing tickets, guiding them to seats, and maintaining order. They ensure events run smoothly and guests have a positive experience.

These professionals typically earn $22,550 on average each year.

Food servers, nonrestaurant ($22,590)

Food servers in nonrestaurant settings deliver meals to clients in locations like hospitals, schools, or catering venues. Responsibilities include setting up meal areas, serving food, and clearing dishes. On average, they earn $22,590 annually.

Bartenders ($23,834)

Bartenders prepare and serve beverages, mixing drinks to customer preferences in bars, restaurants, and events. They also manage inventory and engage with patrons to create a welcoming atmosphere. This role offers an average salary of $23,834 per year.

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers ($23,882)

Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers assist in food service areas by clearing tables, refilling supplies, and supporting servers or bartenders. They help ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.

Individuals in this field typically earn $23,882 annually.

Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop ($25,150)

Hosts and hostesses in restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops greet customers, manage reservations, and coordinate seating arrangements to enhance the dining experience.

On average, hosts and hostesses earn $25,150 per year.

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment ($26,923)

Cleaners of vehicles and equipment wash, detail, and maintain various vehicles and machinery, ensuring they remain clean and operational. Their work often involves specialized tools and techniques.

The average salary for this role is $26,923 annually.

Fast food and counter workers ($27,412)

Fast food and counter workers take orders, prepare food, and serve customers quickly and efficiently in fast-paced environments. They maintain cleanliness and provide excellent service.

On average, these workers earn $27,412 per year.

Dishwashers ($27,417)

Dishwashers clean kitchenware, utensils, and cooking equipment, maintaining hygiene in food service establishments. They support kitchen operations by ensuring a steady supply of clean items.

The average annual salary for dishwashers is $27,417.

The highest-paid jobs that don't require a degree.

For those worried about their earnings but not wanting to go to college to study you will be pleased to know that you can still earn six figures in the right career. Here are some of the best-paid jobs in the U.S. that don't require a bachelor's degree.

Rotary drill operators, oil and gas (Average salary $119,632)

Rotary drill operators in oil and gas industries operate and maintain drilling machinery to extract oil and gas from underground reserves. They ensure safety and efficiency in drilling operations.

On average, individuals in this field earn $119,632 annually.

Door-to-door sales workers (Average salary $102,871)

Door-to-door sales workers, news and street vendors, and related workers sell products or services directly to customers in neighbourhoods or public areas. They use persuasion and interpersonal skills to engage buyers.

This role typically offers an average salary of $102,871 per year.

Parts salespersons (Average salary $100,707)

Parts salespersons assist customers in identifying and purchasing automotive or machinery parts, providing expert advice and maintaining inventory. Their role is essential in ensuring customers find the right components.

On average, these professionals earn $100,707 annually.

Farm labor contractors (Average salary $97,917)

Farm labor contractors manage agricultural labor needs, hiring and coordinating workers for tasks like planting, harvesting, and maintenance. They ensure compliance with labor laws and efficiency in operations. This job offers an average salary of $97,917 per year.

Continuous mining machine operators (Average salary $85,712)

Continuous mining machine operators handle machinery used to extract minerals from underground mines. They monitor equipment performance and ensure the safety of mining operations.

On average, individuals in this role earn $85,712 annually.

Paperhangers (Average salary $83,640)

Paperhangers apply wallpaper and other decorative wall coverings, ensuring precise installation and a polished finish. They prepare surfaces and often assist in creating aesthetically pleasing designs.

The average salary for this profession is $83,640 per year.

Dancers (Average salary $80,096)

Dancers perform in various settings, from theatrical productions to music videos, showcasing artistic and physical skill. They spend time rehearsing, learning choreography, and delivering captivating performances.

On average, dancers earn $80,096 annually.

Derrick operators, oil and gas (Average salary $75,500)

Derrick operators in the oil and gas sector set up and maintain equipment used to support drilling rigs, ensuring stability and safety during operations. Their technical skills are critical in this field, which pays an average of $75,500 per year.

Pipelayers (Average salary $74,649)

Pipelayers install and repair pipelines for water, gas, and other utilities, working with tools to ensure proper alignment and functionality. They play a vital role in infrastructure projects.

The average annual salary for pipelayers is $74,649.

Underground mining machine operators (Average salary $74,392)

Underground mining machine operators, specializing in other machinery, control equipment to extract resources efficiently and safely. They also monitor conditions and maintain equipment. This role typically offers an average annual salary of $74,392.

Full list of the highest and lowest paid jobs in the U.S that don't require a bachelors degree.

Is it worth getting a degree?

From the data collected higher paid jobs often require degrees or specialised training. Jobs like Chief Executives ($887,250), Architectural and Engineering Managers ($160,847), and Computer and Information Systems Managers ($158,036) usually require at least a bachelor's degree and extensive experience.

Lower-paid jobs tend to have little to no educational requirements. Roles such as Shampooers ($17,951), Dishwashers ($27,417), and Fast Food and Counter Workers ($27,412) typically require little to no formal education. Training is often provided on the job, and the tasks are more operational or service-based.

However, some higher-paid jobs such as Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas ($119,632), Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas ($75,500), and Pipelayers ($74,649) do not require a degree but generally require specialised skills and place the individual in physically demanding or high-risk environments.

If you don't have a degree and don't want to work in a high-risk environment but still want a large salary, a career in sales may be worth considering. Door-to-door sales Workers on average earn $102,871 whereas a parts salesperson can make up to $100,707.

A spokesperson from Pink Storage commented on the findings:

"People often uproot their lives, moving across the country for better job opportunities or to pursue higher education. This study looks at if that effort is really worth it. It’s not just about whether going to college pays off but also if certain degrees or career paths truly lead to the financial rewards we expect."

"I think the study may help those who are undecided if their chosen career path is worth it."

Methodology

The study looked at 273 different job roles within the U.S. from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the highest and lowest-paid jobs that do and don't require at least a bachelor's degree from college. The average salary was then calculated by using Salary.com salary-finding tool.

Data is correct as of 15/01/2025

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