x
Breaking News
More () »

Here are Portland's 39 lowest-paying professions

Lifeguards, slaughterhouse workers and childcare specialists are among the region's lowest-paid employees.

There seems to be a direct correlation between low salaries and demanding types of work.

For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in the Portland, Hillsboro and Vancouver metro area, such roles as lifeguards, slaughterhouse workers and childcare specialists are among the region's lowest-paid employees.

SLIDESHOW: The lowest-paid professions in the region

What's more, the lowest-paid profession, as revealed on a list of 39 such vocations, pays less than 10 percent as the highest-paid jobs, which are held by obstetricians and gynecologists.

We've distilled BLS data into a list of the Portland area's lowest-salaried workers. The roster is yin to the yang story we ran earlier this week on the area's highest-paying jobs.

The BLS data indicates:

  • The 50 lowest-paid professions, as revealed by available BLS data, make about $26,500 a year, a full $33,000 less than the average annual salary in Oregon.
  • That figure is also 44 percent of the $134,081 average earned by those employed in Oregon's 50 highest-paid professions.
  • Five of the positions on the list — which offers details on the state's 39 lowest-paying positions — fall into the manufacturing category.
  • Those in the lowest-paid profession on our list have to wear uniforms. They also earn only about 70 percent more than the state's $10.25 minimum wage (but, for that matter, receive a healthy share of tips).

This is the second year we've taken a look at the lower runs of the salary ladder. This year, we're not including food service workers on the roster for a few reasons. The positions, as the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association points out, are frequently seasonal, part-time and, in some cases, attract those looking for more flexibility in their work schedule.

As such, we've tried to choose positions within the Bureau of Labor Statistics data that are less volatile and itinerant. In so doing, we think we've found a balanced examination of jobs that probably don't pay as well as they should.

One other thing to note about our list: We've also only included occupations for which annual wages are collected by the BLS. That means actors, dancers and musicians, among others, aren't included.

Click here for a glimpse at the Portland metro area's lowest-paying professions.

The Portland Business Journal is a KGW News partner.

Before You Leave, Check This Out