Hailey
Despite economic challenges and political uncertainties, the U.S. job market continues to reflect signs of stability. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in May 2025, consistent with the trend observed over the previous 12 months.
This stable rate typically indicates a healthy labor market. In parallel, average weekly earnings have seen a 3.9% rise year-over-year, bringing the figure to $1,243.03 as of May 2025.
Economic Shifts on the Horizon
While employment data suggests positive growth, the broader economy may face disruptions. The federal budget cuts under the Trump administration have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.
Additionally, the unpredictable nature of import tariffs has made it challenging for businesses to effectively plan and manage their workforce.
These developments are particularly troubling for those in minimum-wage or low-income roles, where financial security is increasingly difficult to achieve.
The Harsh Reality of Low Wages
As of 2025, earning the federal minimum wage—currently $7.25 per hour—is not sufficient to keep full-time workers above the poverty line, according to the Economic Policy Institute. While individual states are allowed to set higher wage floors, 20 states still operate at or below the federal minimum.
Wage disparities are also heavily influenced by gender, race, and education. A March 2025 report from the Pew Research Center revealed that women earn about 85% of what men make, and they continue to dominate many of the lowest-paid occupations.
Similarly, April 2025 BLS statistics indicate that Hispanic workers earn less than most other racial and ethnic groups. Furthermore, individuals who have not completed high school earn the lowest wages among full-time workers.
Understanding the Motivation Behind Low-Wage Employment
It’s essential to recognize that low income does not necessarily mean low satisfaction. Many individuals in these roles may be driven by passion for their work, preference for a particular work environment, or a desire for a better work-life balance. For some, these factors outweigh the financial drawbacks.
Wichita’s Lowest-Paying Jobs: A Closer Look
To better understand the employment landscape in Wichita, Stacker analyzed BLS wage data to identify the lowest-paying occupations in the city. These roles were ranked based on median annual earnings as of May 2024. Jobs that did not have available annual wage figures were not considered in the analysis.
The findings provide a detailed picture of which jobs offer the least compensation in Wichita, reflecting broader trends across sectors and demographic groups.
These positions span various industries, including hospitality, food service, retail, and personal care—sectors that often employ entry-level workers or those without higher educational qualifications.
- Food preparation workers – $28,960
- Home health & personal care aides – $28,900
- Pressers (textiles, garment, related materials) – $28,220
- Veterinary assistants & laboratory animal caretakers – $28,110
- Animal caretakers – $27,980
- Recreation workers – $27,820
- Childcare workers – $27,570
- Bartenders – $29,000
- Amusement and recreation attendants – approx. mid-$20K
- Hosts & hostesses (restaurant) – around $20K–$23K
- Dishwashers – roughly $20K–$23K
- Fast food & counter workers – roughly $20K–$23K
- Cooks (restaurant) – roughly $23K–$24K
- Cashiers – roughly $20K–$23K
- Dining room & cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers – approx. $20K–$23K
- Laundry & dry-cleaning workers – similar low-$20K range
- Maids & housekeeping cleaners – similar low-$20K range
- Concierges & front desk clerks – similar low-$20K range
- Order clerks – similar low-$20K range
- Receptionists & information clerks – median in high-$20Ks
The economic and political changes unfolding across the country have a direct impact on wage trends, especially in cities like Wichita. While the overall job market appears stable, low-wage workers continue to face significant financial challenges.
Persistent inequalities based on gender, race, and education further deepen the wage gap. Yet, for many, job satisfaction, passion, or lifestyle considerations still play a major role in career choices.
Understanding which jobs in Wichita offer the lowest median pay can help both policymakers and jobseekers make more informed decisions in this evolving employment environment.