The Struggle Is Real For Lubbock’s Lowest-paid Workers

If you’ve ever walked out of a long restaurant shift thinking, “Man, my job stinks,��� here’s a little perspective: it could be worse. A lot worse.

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A new study just dropped a list of the 50 lowest-paying jobs in America (Lubbock included), and while servers didn’t exactly land in the “dream job” category, they came in at #50. Meaning, yep — there are 49 gigs around here that pay less than waiting tables.

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The report crunched the numbers for full-time workers, and most of these jobs fall somewhere between $30,000 and $34,000 a year. Here’s a look at the Top 10 lowest-paying jobs in the Hub City:

1. Shampooers

Yeah, really. Folks who work in salons but only wash hair. It’s usually the stepping stone job for people who eventually want to become stylists. Average pay? $30,830 a year.

2. Fast Food Cooks

These are the kitchen-only folks — no drive-thru, no register, just the fryers and the grill.

3. Amusement & Recreation Attendants

These folks will be in town for their yearly visit when the South Plains Fair arrives. Basically, the folks who run rides, games, or concession stands at carnivals and amusement spots. Or, as most of us call them: carnies.

4. Fast Food Counter Workers

They make a little more than the cooks because, let’s be honest, they also have to deal with people. And people aren’t always great.

5. Ushers, Lobby Attendants & Ticket Takers

Think theaters, concerts, and sports venues. Not exactly a big-money gig, but you do get to hear the music for free.

6. Cashiers

There are over three million cashiers nationwide, and the average take-home in Lubbock is around $31,810 a year.

7. Hosts & Hostesses

Restaurants and coffee shops rely on them to greet and seat, but they actually make about $6,000 less than servers.

8. Gambling & Sports Book Runners

Basically the people who help facilitate bets or run small games. Think of the people that keep those 'game rooms' you see everywhere in West Texas - SOMEBODY has to run all the errands!

9. Child Care Workers

Daycare staff, babysitters, and nannies. Easily one of the most important jobs in America, but the average pay sits around $33,140.

10. Dishwashers

Turns out, dishwashers edge out hosts and hostesses, making about $33,220 a year.

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So, the next time you’re stacking plates or running food in Lubbock and feel like your paycheck isn’t enough? Just remember — at least you’re not shampooing strangers’ heads all day for less. Or working in radio...