How Much the Most Common Jobs in the U.S. Pay

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or considering a career change, it’s important to know what type of salary you can expect to earn. Unfortunately, few Americans are qualified to become basketball players earning $20 million per year, so it’s best to consider more practical career paths. We looked at a list of the most common jobs in the U.S., as well as the national average salary for those roles. Of course, it’s important to note that exact salaries vary based on each individual employer as well as state by state and that this list examines more general countrywide trends. Here are 10 of the most popular careers in the United States and what each of those jobs pays annually.

10. Bartender – $39,458

Americans love their local drinking holes, so it should come as no surprise that being a bartender is the 10th most common gig in the U.S. Per the national average, bartenders make just under $40k in annual salary, though they can also expect to earn an average of $150 in tips for each day that they work.

9. Medical Assistant – $36,584

“Medical assistant” is a catch-all term for anyone who lends a hand in the day-to-day operations of a hospital or doctor’s office. Duties can include scheduling appointments, taking blood samples, and checking a patient’s vital signs, just to name a few. Average medical assistants earn roughly $36,584 annually.

8. Server – $32,845

While servers often work hand-in-hand with bartenders at a restaurant or pub, they usually take home about $7k less each year. The main duties of a server include taking orders, bringing food from the kitchen to the dining area, and cleaning up after diners. In addition to their salaries, servers generally earn around $100 in tips every shift.

7. Bookkeeper – $50,820

Bookkeepers are essential to the financial operations of any business, as they’re tasked with recording transactions, paying bills, producing balance sheets, and other matters of accounting. Bookkeepers are also responsible for staying on top of employee salaries, including their own annual salary, which is, on average, just over $50k.

6. Construction Worker – $49,871

Being a construction worker is one of the more popular jobs in this country that requires manual labor. This can be a highly specialized role, as it may necessitate special training in order to operate heavy machinery and perform other potentially dangerous tasks. The average construction worker in the United States earns just under 50 grand per year.

5. Janitor – $39,110

Janitors are essential hires at schools, office buildings, and anywhere else that requires keeping things tidy in a heavily trafficked environment. People in this profession earn a bit under $40k every year, though depending on the employer, there may be additional medical and retirement benefits as well.

4. Laborer – $45,580

Laborers are a less specialized version of the standard construction worker, as they often perform physical tasks that don’t require the operation of any heavy machinery. This job is a physically demanding role as it could mean anything from carrying heavy materials to wielding a large hammer. The average laborer earns an annual salary of $45,580.

3. Stocking Associate – $27,320

Stocking associates are tasked with unpacking warehouse merchandise, inspecting the contents for any damage, and maintaining accurate records of in-house inventory. This is the third most common job in the country, with the average stocking associate earning about $27k every single year.

2. Food Preparation Worker – $31,931

The average food prep worker takes home about $32k in annual salary from fast-food restaurants to fine dining establishments. Food prep workers act in a supporting role for the chef, by measuring and cutting ingredients before actual food service begins. They’re also responsible for ensuring that all food is stored properly and at safe temperatures.

1. Cashier – $24,193

The most common job in the United States is being a cashier. This is an important role anywhere money is exchanged, especially in large retail environments. The average cashier takes home just under $25k in annual salary.