Daniel Lee // Flickr

Lowest-paying jobs in Montgomery

Stacker collected information on the lowest-paying jobs in Montgomery, AL, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by average annual salary with information up to date as of May 2020. Job descriptions are from O*NET.

In Montgomery, the annual mean wage is $45,300 or 19.6% lower than national mean of $56,310, while the lowest-paying occupation makes $17,440. Read on to see which jobs make the list.

Canva

#50. Weighers, measurers, checkers, and samplers, recordkeeping

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,820
– #4 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 100

National
– Annual mean salary: $38,080
– Employment: 57,960
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Warner Robins, GA ($24,010)
— Gainesville, GA ($24,680)
— El Paso, TX ($26,200)
– Job description: Weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment for the purpose of keeping relevant records. Duties are primarily clerical by nature. Includes workers who collect and keep record of samples of products or materials.

Canva

#49. Tire repairers and changers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,780
– #40 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,790
– Employment: 98,560
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Monroe, LA ($20,890)
— Terre Haute, IN ($21,540)
— Champaign-Urbana, IL ($22,830)
– Job description: Repair and replace tires.

PxHere

#48. Library assistants, clerical

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,670
– #77 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,740
– Employment: 84,560
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Rocky Mount, NC ($20,080)
— Corpus Christi, TX ($20,520)
— Akron, OH ($20,530)
– Job description: Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.

antoniodiaz // Shutterstock

#47. Broadcast announcers and radio disc jockeys

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,550
– #4 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $57,300
– Employment: 27,290
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Fayetteville, NC ($20,480)
— Morgantown, WV ($24,890)
— San Angelo, TX ($25,560)
– Job description: Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

#46. Athletic trainers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,420
– #1 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $52,230
– Employment: 27,430
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Montgomery, AL ($26,420)
— Evansville, IN-KY ($29,620)
— Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV ($36,400)
– Job description: Evaluate and treat musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses. Provide preventive, therapeutic, emergency, and rehabilitative care.

Pixabay

#45. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,390
– #5 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 5,090

National
– Annual mean salary: $33,710
– Employment: 2,805,200
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($23,980)
— Homosassa Springs, FL ($24,680)
— Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($25,350)
– Job description: Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#44. Retail salespersons

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,300
– #32 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 4,550

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,940
– Employment: 3,659,670
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Albany, GA ($22,740)
— Hinesville, GA ($23,640)
— Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($23,660)
– Job description: Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock

#43. Office clerks, general

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,200
– #15 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,450

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,770
– Employment: 2,788,090
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Manhattan, KS ($20,320)
— Dothan, AL ($23,290)
— Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL ($23,570)
– Job description: Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.

GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

#42. Nursing assistants

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,180
– #43 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,310

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,050
– Employment: 1,371,050
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Monroe, LA ($21,840)
— Brunswick, GA ($22,370)
— Columbus, GA-AL ($22,540)
– Job description: Provide or assist with basic care or support under the direction of onsite licensed nursing staff. Perform duties such as monitoring of health status, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, or ambulation of patients in a health or nursing facility. May include medication administration and other health-related tasks. Includes nursing care attendants, nursing aides, and nursing attendants.

New Africa // Shutterstock

#41. Receptionists and information clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $26,110
– #23 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,040

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,410
– Employment: 968,420
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Gadsden, AL ($22,570)
— Killeen-Temple, TX ($22,770)
— Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($22,880)
– Job description: Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

UfaBizPhoto // Shutterstock

#40. Sewing machine operators

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $25,780
– #35 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,420
– Employment: 116,520
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— El Paso, TX ($18,940)
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($21,950)
— Wichita Falls, TX ($22,070)
– Job description: Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.

Unsplash

#39. Amusement and recreation attendants

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $25,420
– #226 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $25,610
– Employment: 248,190
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($18,040)
— Lynchburg, VA ($18,600)
— Auburn-Opelika, AL ($18,650)
– Job description: Perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facility. May schedule use of recreation facilities, maintain and provide equipment to participants of sporting events or recreational pursuits, or operate amusement concessions and rides.

ESB Basic // Shutterstock

#38. Switchboard operators, including answering service

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $25,270
– #11 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $33,980
– Employment: 59,270
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Alexandria, LA ($20,580)
— Lawton, OK ($21,710)
— Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL ($22,090)
– Job description: Operate telephone business systems equipment or switchboards to relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. May supply information to callers and record messages.

David Corby // Wikimedia Commons

#37. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $25,060
– #31 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 150

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,980
– Employment: 98,810
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Johnstown, PA ($19,580)
— Tyler, TX ($20,460)
— Cleveland, TN ($20,690)
– Job description: Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Vasin Lee // Shutterstock

#36. Residential advisors

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,920
– #20 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $33,430
– Employment: 102,450
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Gadsden, AL ($20,950)
— Jonesboro, AR ($20,980)
— Amarillo, TX ($21,360)
– Job description: Coordinate activities in resident facilities in secondary school and college dormitories, group homes, or similar establishments. Order supplies and determine need for maintenance, repairs, and furnishings. May maintain household records and assign rooms. May assist residents with problem solving or refer them to counseling resources.

Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos // Flickr

#35. Counter and rental clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,760
– #14 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

National
– Annual mean salary: $34,700
– Employment: 368,300
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Carbondale-Marion, IL ($21,980)
— Lawton, OK ($22,200)
— Parkersburg-Vienna, WV ($22,360)
– Job description: Receive orders, generally in person, for repairs, rentals, and services. May describe available options, compute cost, and accept payment.

Oksana Shufrych // Shutterstock

#34. Recreation workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,690
– #49 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,960
– Employment: 325,640
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Rocky Mount, NC ($20,040)
— Lake Charles, LA ($20,300)
— Monroe, LA ($21,000)
– Job description: Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.

Nejron Photo // Shutterstock

#33. Cleaners of vehicles and equipment

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,370
– #50 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 280

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,400
– Employment: 341,660
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL ($20,280)
— Albany, GA ($20,850)
— Dalton, GA ($20,890)
– Job description: Wash or otherwise clean vehicles, machinery, and other equipment. Use such materials as water, cleaning agents, brushes, cloths, and hoses.

Canva

#32. Helpers–production workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,290
– #8 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 670

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,000
– Employment: 239,340
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Auburn-Opelika, AL ($21,100)
— Topeka, KS ($21,280)
— Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($21,360)
– Job description: Help production workers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

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#31. Orderlies

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,280
– #7 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,780
– Employment: 43,570
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC ($22,440)
— Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($22,810)
— Jackson, MS ($22,850)
– Job description: Transport patients to areas such as operating rooms or x-ray rooms using wheelchairs, stretchers, or moveable beds. May maintain stocks of supplies or clean and transport equipment. Psychiatric orderlies are included in Psychiatric Aides.

Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Cooks, restaurant

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,210
– #49 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,120

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,530
– Employment: 1,109,650
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($20,590)
— Laredo, TX ($21,000)
— Gadsden, AL ($21,540)
– Job description: Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Unsplash

#29. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $24,190
– #35 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,290

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,410
– Employment: 1,990,510
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Monroe, LA ($21,200)
— Sumter, SC ($21,400)
— Dothan, AL ($21,670)
– Job description: Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform heavy cleaning duties, such as cleaning floors, shampooing rugs, washing walls and glass, and removing rubbish. Duties may include tending furnace and boiler, performing routine maintenance activities, notifying management of need for repairs, and cleaning snow or debris from sidewalk.

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#28. Automotive and watercraft service attendants

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $23,490
– #9 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $28,150
– Employment: 112,750
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Valdosta, GA ($21,570)
— Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA ($21,740)
— La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN ($21,950)
– Job description: Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.

Krakenimages.com // Shutterstock

#27. Childcare workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $23,170
– #142 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 500

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,790
– Employment: 494,360
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Rome, GA ($17,330)
— Dothan, AL ($18,370)
— Warner Robins, GA ($18,440)
– Job description: Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Dean Drobot // Shutterstock

#26. Cashiers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,730
– #99 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 4,170

National
– Annual mean salary: $25,710
– Employment: 3,333,100
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Hattiesburg, MS ($19,530)
— Monroe, LA ($19,780)
— Albany, GA ($20,320)
– Job description: Receive and disburse money in establishments other than financial institutions. May use electronic scanners, cash registers, or related equipment. May process credit or debit card transactions and validate checks.

VGstockstudio // Shutterstock

#25. Food servers, nonrestaurant

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,540
– #64 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $27,460
– Employment: 254,650
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($18,460)
— Enid, OK ($18,780)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($18,960)
– Job description: Serve food to individuals outside of a restaurant environment, such as in hotel rooms, hospital rooms, residential care facilities, or cars.

Pixabay

#24. Teaching assistants, postsecondary

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,510
– #6 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $39,460
– Employment: 138,740
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA ($20,090)
— Amarillo, TX ($20,400)
— Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($21,760)
– Job description: Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.

Pearl PhotoPix // Shutterstock

#23. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,320
– #15 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 470

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,740
– Employment: 302,410
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— San Angelo, TX ($18,370)
— Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL ($19,280)
— Bowling Green, KY ($19,460)
– Job description: Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

Jason Person // Shutterstock

#22. Cooks, short order

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $22,000
– #30 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $27,030
– Employment: 123,350
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Laredo, TX ($18,660)
— Gainesville, GA ($18,740)
— Mobile, AL ($18,820)
– Job description: Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.

Canva

#21. Food preparation workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,910
– #48 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,340

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,820
– Employment: 793,590
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Hammond, LA ($18,290)
— Morristown, TN ($18,550)
— Monroe, LA ($19,010)
– Job description: Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

Elliot Brown // Flickr

#19 (tie). Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,590
– #1 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 70

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,130
– Employment: 25,480
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Montgomery, AL ($21,590)
— Burlington, NC ($25,140)
— Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($27,700)
– Job description: Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.

Gabriel Georgescu // Shutterstock

#19 (tie). Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,590
– #59 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 390

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,900
– Employment: 222,550
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($18,020)
— Dalton, GA ($18,450)
— Monroe, LA ($18,500)
– Job description: Accommodate hotel, motel, and resort patrons by registering and assigning rooms to guests, issuing room keys or cards, transmitting and receiving messages, keeping records of occupied rooms and guests’ accounts, making and confirming reservations, and presenting statements to and collecting payments from departing guests.

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

#18. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,540
– #31 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,600
– Employment: 179,890
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Hattiesburg, MS ($18,060)
— Warner Robins, GA ($18,580)
— Rome, GA ($19,050)
– Job description: Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.

ProfDEH // Wikimedia Commons

#17. Couriers and messengers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,520
– #4 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 130

National
– Annual mean salary: $33,010
– Employment: 70,700
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Tuscaloosa, AL ($19,770)
— Monroe, LA ($21,160)
— Lawton, OK ($21,380)
– Job description: Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.

Ryan Everton // Unsplash

#16. Dishwashers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,290
– #83 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 310

National
– Annual mean salary: $25,600
– Employment: 395,660
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL ($17,490)
— Fond du Lac, WI ($18,400)
— Muncie, IN ($18,550)
– Job description: Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.

Paul.J.West // Shutterstock

#15. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $21,250
– #25 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,630
– Employment: 1,272,840
– Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Alexandria, LA ($17,810)
— Gadsden, AL ($18,110)
— Hammond, LA ($18,740)
– Job description: Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#14. Baggage porters and bellhops

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,960
– #9 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,060
– Employment: 28,440
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Greensboro-High Point, NC ($19,580)
— Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($19,920)
— Baton Rouge, LA ($19,940)
– Job description: Handle baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or for guests at hotels or similar establishments.

Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#12 (tie). Animal caretakers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,940
– #6 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 170

National
– Annual mean salary: $28,380
– Employment: 193,660
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Morristown, TN ($18,810)
— Greenville, NC ($20,320)
— Twin Falls, ID ($20,580)
– Job description: Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

#12 (tie). Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,940
– #31 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,110

National
– Annual mean salary: $28,010
– Employment: 795,590
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Monroe, LA ($18,460)
— Valdosta, GA ($18,730)
— Alexandria, LA ($19,070)
– Job description: Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner. Duties may include making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.

Crew // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Bartenders

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,470
– #37 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 180

National
– Annual mean salary: $28,910
– Employment: 486,720
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Gadsden, AL ($17,930)
— Decatur, AL ($17,950)
— Warner Robins, GA ($18,150)
– Job description: Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

Canva

#10. Physical therapist aides

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,390
– #3 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 40

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,110
– Employment: 45,790
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Fort Wayne, IN ($19,710)
— Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($20,200)
— Montgomery, AL ($20,390)
– Job description: Under close supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing the patient and the treatment area.

JOHANNES EISELE // Getty Images

#9. Passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,160
– #14 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 490

National
– Annual mean salary: $34,360
– Employment: 599,980
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($17,980)
— Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL ($18,250)
— Dothan, AL ($18,260)
– Job description: Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare.

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

#8. Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $20,030
– #53 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 340

National
– Annual mean salary: $24,800
– Employment: 316,700
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Decatur, AL ($17,940)
— Gadsden, AL ($18,150)
— New Bern, NC ($18,190)
– Job description: Welcome patrons, seat them at tables or in lounge, and help ensure quality of facilities and service.

Canva

#7. Cooks, institution and cafeteria

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $19,990
– #1 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 960

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,940
– Employment: 387,300
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Montgomery, AL ($19,990)
— Dothan, AL ($20,340)
— Decatur, AL ($20,520)
– Job description: Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

aboutsung // Shutterstock

#6. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $19,650
– #34 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 200

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,300
– Employment: 374,940
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Monroe, LA ($18,090)
— Houma-Thibodaux, LA ($18,100)
— McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX ($18,240)
– Job description: Facilitate food service. Clean tables; remove dirty dishes; replace soiled table linens; set tables; replenish supply of clean linens, silverware, glassware, and dishes; supply service bar with food; and serve items such as water, condiments, and coffee to patrons.

Daniel Lee // Flickr

#5. Cooks, fast food

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $19,300
– #33 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 840

National
– Annual mean salary: $24,300
– Employment: 544,420
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Altoona, PA ($17,660)
— Johnson City, TN ($17,700)
— Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL ($17,900)
– Job description: Prepare and cook food in a fast food restaurant with a limited menu. Duties of these cooks are limited to preparation of a few basic items and normally involve operating large-volume single-purpose cooking equipment.

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#4. Waiters and waitresses

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $19,070
– #21 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,190

National
– Annual mean salary: $27,470
– Employment: 1,944,240
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Brownsville-Harlingen, TX ($17,980)
— Decatur, AL ($17,980)
— Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($18,060)
– Job description: Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

Pxhere

#3. Fast food and counter workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $18,780
– #3 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,540

National
– Annual mean salary: $24,540
– Employment: 3,450,120
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Dothan, AL ($18,690)
— Mobile, AL ($18,750)
— Montgomery, AL ($18,780)
– Job description: Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages. Serve customers at counter or from a steam table. May take payment. May prepare food and beverages.

Education Images // Getty Images

#2. Substitute teachers, short-term

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $17,630
– #4 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $36,090
– Employment: 512,030
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($17,360)
— Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL ($17,470)
— Huntsville, AL ($17,470)
– Job description: Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher’s lesson plan.

Pixabay

#1. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers

Montgomery, AL
– Annual mean salary: $17,440
– #1 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 90

National
– Annual mean salary: $27,050
– Employment: 113,150
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Montgomery, AL ($17,440)
— Athens-Clarke County, GA ($17,790)
— Sheboygan, WI ($17,940)
– Job description: Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.