(STACKER) – Stacker collected information on the lowest-paying jobs in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC, 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 Virginia Beach, the annual mean wage is $52,170 or 7.4% lower than national mean of $56,310, while the lowest-paying occupation makes $20,730. Read on to see which jobs make the list.

#50. Receptionists and information clerks

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $29,260
– #162 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 6,240

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.

#49. Cleaners of vehicles and equipment

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $29,250
– #242 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,070

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.

#48. Sewing machine operators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $29,220
– #112 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

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.

#47. Driver/sales workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $29,080
– #123 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,950

National
– Annual mean salary: $31,870
– Employment: 420,890
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY ($19,230)
— Sumter, SC ($19,740)
— Dalton, GA ($21,020)
– Job description: Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.

#46. Automotive and watercraft service attendants

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $29,030
– #196 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 320

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.

#45. Helpers–carpenters

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,980
– #20 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 460

National
– Annual mean salary: $35,360
– Employment: 30,900
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC ($21,250)
— Sioux Falls, SD ($23,260)
— Tallahassee, FL ($24,740)
– Job description: Help carpenters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

#44. Telemarketers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,930
– #51 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 940

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,930
– Employment: 117,610
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Charleston-North Charleston, SC ($19,280)
— Erie, PA ($19,760)
— Logan, UT-ID ($21,130)
– Job description: Solicit donations or orders for goods or services over the telephone.

#43. Helpers–brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,900
– #6 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 270

National
– Annual mean salary: $40,190
– Employment: 21,410
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Columbia, SC ($23,320)
— Homosassa Springs, FL ($25,620)
— Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL ($26,420)
– Job description: Help brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, or tile and marble setters by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

#42. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,820
– #227 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 6,930

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.

#41. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,680
– #116 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 740

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.

#40. Recreation workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,560
– #164 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,560

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.

#39. Helpers–roofers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,500
– #3 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $35,080
– Employment: 8,390
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($26,230)
— Monroe, LA ($26,710)
— Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($28,500)
– Job description: Help roofers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

#38. Helpers–pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,430
– #25 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 510

National
– Annual mean salary: $34,990
– Employment: 55,740
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Staunton-Waynesboro, VA ($20,210)
— Charlottesville, VA ($22,530)
— Tuscaloosa, AL ($23,080)
– Job description: Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

#37. Physical therapist aides

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,340
– #80 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 310

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.

#36. Library assistants, clerical

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,170
– #112 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 680

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.

#35. Teaching assistants, postsecondary

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,040
– #15 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

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.

#34. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $28,020
– #120 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 350

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,390
– Employment: 95,600
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Tulsa, OK ($18,650)
— Appleton, WI ($18,760)
— Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC ($18,930)
– Job description: Assist patrons at entertainment events by performing duties, such as collecting admission tickets and passes from patrons, assisting in finding seats, searching for lost articles, and helping patrons locate such facilities as restrooms and telephones.

#33. Cooks, restaurant

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $27,510
– #199 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 5,240

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.

#32. Retail salespersons

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,510
– #42 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 20,330

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.

#31. Manicurists and pedicurists

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,490
– #45 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,010
– Employment: 73,010
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— York-Hanover, PA ($18,440)
— Fort Wayne, IN ($18,880)
— Akron, OH ($19,540)
– Job description: Clean and shape customers’ fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

#30. Tire repairers and changers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,240
– #29 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 450

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.

#29. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,090
– #76 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,600

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.

#28. Floral designers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,070
– #31 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 230

National
– Annual mean salary: $30,670
– Employment: 36,810
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($19,290)
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($21,560)
— Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA ($22,530)
– Job description: Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.

#27. Packers and packagers, hand

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $26,060
– #126 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,300

National
– Annual mean salary: $29,270
– Employment: 599,270
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Wichita Falls, TX ($18,740)
— Casper, WY ($19,850)
— Johnstown, PA ($19,920)
– Job description: Pack or package by hand a wide variety of products and materials.

#26. Medical transcriptionists

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,830
– #7 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 620

National
– Annual mean salary: $37,310
– Employment: 49,530
– Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($24,320)
— Saginaw, MI ($24,540)
— Gadsden, AL ($25,240)
– Job description: Transcribe medical reports recorded by physicians and other healthcare practitioners using various electronic devices, covering office visits, emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging studies, operations, chart reviews, and final summaries. Transcribe dictated reports and translate abbreviations into fully understandable form. Edit as necessary and return reports in either printed or electronic form for review and signature, or correction.

#25. Substitute teachers, short-term

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,780
– #61 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,930

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.

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,610
– #77 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 9,980

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.

#23. Pharmacy aides

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,560
– #35 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: data not available

National
– Annual mean salary: $32,250
– Employment: 38,900
– Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($20,300)
— Shreveport-Bossier City, LA ($21,220)
— Grand Island, NE ($21,360)
– Job description: Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.

#21 (tie). Parking attendants

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,430
– #81 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 670

National
– Annual mean salary: $27,910
– Employment: 123,790
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Lake Charles, LA ($19,840)
— Huntsville, AL ($19,910)
— Auburn-Opelika, AL ($20,000)
– Job description: Park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage. May park or tend vehicles in environments such as a car dealership or rental car facility. May collect fee.

#21 (tie). Maids and housekeeping cleaners

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,430
– #214 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 4,280

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.

#20. Food preparation workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,160
– #185 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 3,170

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.

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $25,100
– #118 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 880

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.

#18. Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $24,540
– #190 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,230

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.

#17. Waiters and waitresses

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $24,110
– #182 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 11,420

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.

#16. Bartenders

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $24,050
– #157 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,040

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.

#15. Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,860
– #34 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 260

National
– Annual mean salary: $26,050
– Employment: 31,980
– Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Raleigh, NC ($18,320)
— Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($19,670)
— Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($19,930)
– Job description: Press or shape articles by hand or machine.

#14. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,850
– #110 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 760

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.

#13. Cooks, short order

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,840
– #68 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 290

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.

#12. Animal caretakers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,820
– #70 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,280

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.

#11. Baggage porters and bellhops

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,730
– #24 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 110

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.

#10. Cashiers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $23,160
– #133 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 18,660

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.

#9. Legislators

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $22,910
– #14 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 50

National
– Annual mean salary: $53,560
– Employment: 51,290
– Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
– Metros with lowest average pay:
— Florence, SC ($18,230)
— Warner Robins, GA ($19,630)
— Birmingham-Hoover, AL ($19,690)
– Job description: Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

#8. Fast food and counter workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $22,750
– #204 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 24,630

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.

#7. Food servers, non-restaurant

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $22,690
– #68 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,370

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.

#6. Childcare workers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $22,050
– #97 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 2,290

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.

#5. Amusement and recreation attendants

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $21,670
– #99 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,760

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.

#4. Dishwashers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $21,450
– #92 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,930

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.

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

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $21,180
– #119 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,440

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.

#2. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $21,080
– #90 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,990

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.

#1. Cooks, fast food

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
– Annual mean salary: $20,730
– #86 lowest pay among all metros
– Employment: 1,310

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.