While thousands of people go to America seeking jobs that can lead to financial security, many do not achieve this. Many professions that are consistently vacant require long hours and offer low wages. Individuals in these roles are often left exhausted and unhappy after a long day. While every job comes with challenges, some professions are ranked the worst due to the misery they cause. The dissatisfaction stems from them being physically demanding, having poor working conditions, and inadequate pay.
Today, we will explore some of the worst jobs in America based on a recent survey by Stacker. This survey considers the job meaning (jobs that give workers a sense of purpose or fulfilment), median income, job satisfaction, and projected job growth. Stacker surveyed 500 jobs, using the data from PayScale and the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) to determine how much misery these jobs are likely to cause workers, which is referred to as the “misery score.”
1. Parking Lot Attendants
Ranking as the absolute worst jobs in America are parking lot attendants. These jobs are always hiring workers, but the conditions are not favourable. Workers are exposed to extreme weather, and there are no personal growth opportunities. The job is quite monotone with a median annual pay of $19,700. Additionally, only 5% of parking lot attendants find high meaning in their work.
2. Dishwashers
Dishwashers are critical for restaurants to operate properly, but they do not get paid much for their contribution to businesses. They are often undervalued, earning a median pay of $18,300. Dishwashers work long hours, and they do not get tips for ensuring things are spotless. They also do not get much recognition for their work and consistenly face challenges. The survey revealed that these professionals have a low job satisfaction of 40%, highlighting the difficulties individuals face in this field.
3. Dining Room Attendants and Bartender Helpers
Dining room attendants and bartenders play a significant role in the success of restaurants. They earn an average salary of $19,400 annually. Factors like the salary, physical demands of the job, and the customer interactions leave workers feeling unsatisfied with the work. The job satisfaction stands at 39%, while 33% of workers find high meaning in their jobs.
4. Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers have the risky job of working with chemicals that can cause severe health issues. These chemicals are linked to certain cancers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Despite the health risks they face on a daily basis and the physical demands of the job, they earn a median income of $18,700 annually. These factors, combined with the emotional toll of this job, contribute to most workers feeling unsatisfied in this field. The job satisfaction is at 39%, and only 35% of workers find meaning in their work.
5. Lathe and Machine Operators
As technology continues to advance, workers in manufacturing roles such as lathe and machine operators have fewer job opportunities. Automation and outsourcing have caused these jobs to consistently decline. Workers in the United States in these fields earn a median pay of $34,000. The hazardous nature of the work and low salary have also resulted in 32% of workers feeling their work has high meaning and 35% job satisfaction.
6. Counter and Rental Clerks
Counter and rental clerks deal with demanding customers and limited job prospects. While these professionals are always in demand, they typically do not stay very long in these roles. They earn an average salary of $26,500 annually. Not many workers feel fulfilled in these roles, as only 26% find high meaning in their jobs. Additionally, the job satisfaction is at 43%.
