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Lowest-paying jobs in Hagerstown

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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
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Uncertainty clouds the current job market. On one hand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports unemployment rates at 4.2% as of May 2025—and that hasn't changed much in the past year, a typical indicator of a positive economy. At the same time, average weekly earnings have increased by 3.9% over the 12 months ending May 2025 to reach $1,243.03.

However, the American economy may soon shift. The Trump administration's federal budget cuts have eliminated tens of thousands of jobs, and constant changes in import tariffs leave companies unable to plan for their future employment needs.

With these factors in mind, minimum or low-wage jobs are increasingly unsustainable for most. In 2025, a full-time job at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour puts a worker under the poverty threshold, according to the Economic Policy Institute. While states can opt to have higher minimum wages, 20 states are at or below the federal minimum as of 2025.

Salaries can also vary by gender, race, and educational attainment. According to a March 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, women's earnings are about 85% of men's, and women also remain overrepresented in low-paying jobs. Meanwhile, April 2025 BLS data shows that Hispanic workers' median earnings lag behind those of other race and ethnicity groups, and full-time workers without a high school diploma earned the least compared to their more educated counterparts.

It's important to note, though, that low pay doesn't always equal low job satisfaction. Some people feel drawn to a particular field, seek a certain work environment, or aim for work-life balance. No matter the reason, Stacker used BLS data to find the 50 lowest-paying jobs in Hagerstown. Jobs are ranked by their median annual pay as of May 2024, so any jobs without annual compensation figures available were excluded from this analysis.

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#50. Receptionists and information clerks

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1 / 50

#50. Receptionists and information clerks

- Median annual wage: $35,410
- Median hourly wage: $17.02
- Total employment: 680 people (6.42 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#49. Bakers

Nomad_Soul // Shutterstock

2 / 50

#49. Bakers

- Median annual wage: $35,370
- Median hourly wage: $17.01
- Total employment: 60 people (0.56 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#47. Data entry keyers (tie)

Undrey // Shutterstock

3 / 50

#47. Data entry keyers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $35,360
- Median hourly wage: $17.00
- Total employment: 60 people (0.56 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#47. Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers (tie)

worradirek // Shutterstock

4 / 50

#47. Helpers--installation, maintenance, and repair workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $35,360
- Median hourly wage: $17.00
- Total employment: 80 people (0.72 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#46. Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

5 / 50

#46. Helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

- Median annual wage: $35,350
- Median hourly wage: $16.99
- Total employment: 30 people (0.31 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#45. Residential advisors

Vasin Lee // Shutterstock

6 / 50

#45. Residential advisors

- Median annual wage: $35,240
- Median hourly wage: $16.94
- Total employment: 190 people (1.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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

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7 / 50

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

- Median annual wage: $35,000
- Median hourly wage: $16.83
- Total employment: 1,220 people (11.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#43. Security guards

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

8 / 50

#43. Security guards

- Median annual wage: $34,690
- Median hourly wage: $16.68
- Total employment: 730 people (6.9 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#42. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Pearl PhotoPix // Shutterstock

9 / 50

#42. Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

- Median annual wage: $34,580
- Median hourly wage: $16.62
- Total employment: 260 people (2.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#41. Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse

MAVV // Shutterstock

10 / 50

#41. Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse

- Median annual wage: $34,340
- Median hourly wage: $16.51
- Total employment: 110 people (1.06 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#40. Butchers and meat cutters

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11 / 50

#40. Butchers and meat cutters

- Median annual wage: $34,240
- Median hourly wage: $16.46
- Total employment: 90 people (0.82 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#38. Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals (tie)

encierro // Shutterstock

12 / 50

#38. Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals (tie)

- Median annual wage: $33,070
- Median hourly wage: $15.90
- Total employment: 50 people (0.44 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#38. Recreation workers (tie)

Oksana Shufrych // Shutterstock

13 / 50

#38. Recreation workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $33,070
- Median hourly wage: $15.90
- Total employment: 180 people (1.68 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#37. Food preparation and serving related workers, all other

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14 / 50

#37. Food preparation and serving related workers, all other

- Median annual wage: $33,060
- Median hourly wage: $15.89
- Total employment: 100 people (0.91 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#35. Couriers and messengers (tie)

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15 / 50

#35. Couriers and messengers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $32,890
- Median hourly wage: $15.81
- Total employment: 130 people (1.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#35. Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs (tie)

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16 / 50

#35. Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs (tie)

- Median annual wage: $32,890
- Median hourly wage: $15.81
- Total employment: 150 people (1.41 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#34. Library assistants, clerical

Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock

17 / 50

#34. Library assistants, clerical

- Median annual wage: $32,760
- Median hourly wage: $15.75
- Total employment: 60 people (0.58 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#33. Cooks, short order

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18 / 50

#33. Cooks, short order

- Median annual wage: $32,280
- Median hourly wage: $15.52
- Total employment: 100 people (0.91 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#32. Personal care and service workers, all other

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19 / 50

#32. Personal care and service workers, all other

- Median annual wage: $32,220
- Median hourly wage: $15.49
- Total employment: 50 people (0.49 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#31. Cooks, restaurant

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20 / 50

#31. Cooks, restaurant

- Median annual wage: $31,980
- Median hourly wage: $15.38
- Total employment: 830 people (7.8 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#30. Cleaners of vehicles and equipment

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21 / 50

#30. Cleaners of vehicles and equipment

- Median annual wage: $31,830
- Median hourly wage: $15.30
- Total employment: 150 people (1.37 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#29. Cooks, institution and cafeteria

Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock

22 / 50

#29. Cooks, institution and cafeteria

- Median annual wage: $31,610
- Median hourly wage: $15.20
- Total employment: 440 people (4.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#28. Library technicians

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23 / 50

#28. Library technicians

- Median annual wage: $31,560
- Median hourly wage: $15.17
- Total employment: 30 people (0.3 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Retail salespersons (tie)

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24 / 50

#2. Retail salespersons (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 3,300 people (31.13 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Driver/sales workers (tie)

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

26 / 50

#2. Driver/sales workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 460 people (4.38 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary (tie)

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27 / 50

#2. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: Not available
- Total employment: 1,020 people (9.66 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers (tie)

Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock

28 / 50

#2. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 80 people (0.73 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Sales and related workers, all other (tie)

Lucky Business // Shutterstock

29 / 50

#2. Sales and related workers, all other (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 50 people (0.46 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Counter and rental clerks (tie)

Standret // Shutterstock

30 / 50

#2. Counter and rental clerks (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 220 people (2.04 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#2. Cashiers (tie)

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31 / 50

#2. Cashiers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 2,670 people (25.17 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Crossing guards and flaggers (tie)

Roman Korotkov // Shutterstock

32 / 50

#2. Crossing guards and flaggers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 230 people (2.17 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Childcare workers (tie)

Krakenimages.com // Shutterstock

33 / 50

#2. Childcare workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 240 people (2.27 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Amusement and recreation attendants (tie)

Alexander Oganezov // Shutterstock

34 / 50

#2. Amusement and recreation attendants (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 130 people (1.25 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers (tie)

Tyler Olson // Shutterstock

35 / 50

#2. Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 80 people (0.78 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#2. Animal caretakers (tie)

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36 / 50

#2. Animal caretakers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 230 people (2.15 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Maids and housekeeping cleaners (tie)

Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock

37 / 50

#2. Maids and housekeeping cleaners (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 500 people (4.69 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop (tie)

Dragon Images // Shutterstock

38 / 50

#2. Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 200 people (1.88 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Dishwashers (tie)

wavebreakmedia // Shutterstock

39 / 50

#2. Dishwashers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 310 people (2.95 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers (tie)

aboutsung // Shutterstock

40 / 50

#2. Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 330 people (3.1 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#2. Food servers, nonrestaurant (tie)

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41 / 50

#2. Food servers, nonrestaurant (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 160 people (1.55 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Waiters and waitresses (tie)

Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

42 / 50

#2. Waiters and waitresses (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 1,390 people (13.11 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Fast food and counter workers (tie)

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43 / 50

#2. Fast food and counter workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 1,930 people (18.18 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Bartenders (tie)

santypan // Shutterstock

44 / 50

#2. Bartenders (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 690 people (6.52 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Food preparation workers (tie)

DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock

45 / 50

#2. Food preparation workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 560 people (5.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

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#2. Cooks, all other (tie)

Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

46 / 50

#2. Cooks, all other (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: Not available

#2. Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks (tie)

Gabriel Georgescu // Shutterstock

47 / 50

#2. Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 230 people (2.14 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Home health and personal care aides (tie)

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48 / 50

#2. Home health and personal care aides (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 2,100 people (19.85 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#2. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers (tie)

Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock

49 / 50

#2. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers (tie)

- Median annual wage: $31,200
- Median hourly wage: $15.00
- Total employment: 60 people (0.61 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

#1. Cooks, fast food

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50 / 50

#1. Cooks, fast food

- Median annual wage: $27,510
- Median hourly wage: $13.23
- Total employment: 1,400 people (13.2 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 364 metros.

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