9 Jobs That Shockingly Pay Under $45k

Not every job is going to make your bank account grow. One reason for this is inflation: Prices go up over time, but the purchasing power of money decreases, so you need more money to buy the same stuff you used to get for less.

Inflation over the past 10 years has been 31%, a 40-year high. And while wages overall have been outpacing inflation, that isn’t the case for every career. There are a lot of full-time jobs that keep workers living from paycheck to paycheck.

According to a recent FinanceBuzz study that looked at salaries and inflation, the nine jobs listed here have increased by as much as 75%, yet they still pay under $45,000.

Editor's note: All data per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Security guards are there to keep you and property safe, but, somewhat ironically, they aren’t paid much to do so. They work in industrial settings, retail stores, and office buildings. Gambling surveillance officers — another side to this — mainly work in casinos. Due to 24-hour operations, they often work around the clock.

2023 median pay: $40,440 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 47%

On-the-job training: Varies

This is arguably the most shameful entry on the list. They take care of your kids, keep them safe, and clean up after them, try to help them grow… and they make less than $15 an hour.

2023 median pay: $32,070 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 49%

Training: Short-term on-the-job training

Everyone has met a cashier. They take care of all the goods in your cart. But as necessary as they can be for ensuring a smooth transition from the aisle to the door, they aren’t paid very well.

2023 median pay: $30,710 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 50%

Training: Short-term on-the-job training

When you think of a cook, you might envision Gordon Ramsay or “The Bear” or some other well-known chef. But the fact of the matter is there are a lot of people involved in making your grub — and they’re not nearly famous.

2023 median pay: $34,360 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 53%

Training: Usually on-the-job training

Who doesn’t want their home spic-and-span? Well, it’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it. The downside is that you’re going to be cleaning in homes or commercial spaces, like hotels and hospitals. Plus you’ll be making beds, replenishing linens, cleaning rooms and halls, and vacuuming.

2023 median pay: $34,650 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 57%

On-the-job training: None

Fast food might hit the sweet spot for those ordering it, but the people who have to prepare it aren’t compensated very well.

2023 median pay: $29,710

Salary increase since 2013: 59%

Training: Short-term on-the-job training

We all want food on the table. In fact, we need food on the table. But farmers don't exactly get their crop of cash when it comes to lining their own pockets. They are paid a pittance — and they’re the ones who feed us.

2023 median pay: $37,370 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 69%

Training: Usually on-the-job training

Sweet libations! Getting a trendy drink from your neighborhood bartender is always a good idea (within limits). What might not be readily apparent is that your bartender isn’t particularly well paid for what they do.

2023 median pay: $37,090 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 70%

Training: Short-term on-the-job training

You want your food? Well, that’s why servers exist. Pursuant to the underpaid cooks mentioned before, waiters and waitresses similarly clock in at under $45,000. They take your orders and serve food and drinks, but they don’t make a heck of a lot.

2023 median pay: $36,530 per year

Salary increase since 2013: 75%

On-the-job training: None

Not all jobs offer high salaries, partly due to inflation, where rising prices reduce money's purchasing power. While overall wages may outpace inflation, not every career sees this benefit.

Many of the jobs listed here could be good part-time jobs if you need to earn more money for a specific goal or to pay down debt.

The best thing you can do when choosing a career, as cliché as it might sound, is what’s right for you: Does it fit your economic position and lifestyle? You may want to follow your passion, but you should understand what the salary limits might be.