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100 least popular jobs in America


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100 least popular jobs in America

A woman works on a math problem.

Pinpointing which jobs are the country’s least popular can tell you something about the direction an economy is going.

That’s because industries that once thrived might have lost ground to technological or other advances and have few job openings. Others with many opportunities for employment might be growing.

Of course, jobs can be unpopular or uncommon for many reasons. On the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” host Mike Rowe is seen farming deer for urine and relocating beavers—clearly, employment that’s not for everyone.

Other jobs might require years of education or training or be limited to certain geographical areas.

Stacker ranked the 100 least popular jobs in America, based on their total employment and using May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Only detailed job categories were included in the analysis. Every position’s number of total workers in the United States is listed alongside its average annual wage and average hourly wage.

Read on to see if you hold one of the least popular jobs in the country.



Stokkete // Shutterstock

#100. Archivists

A woman pulls out documents in a file cabinet.

– Total nationwide employment: 7,230
– Median hourly wage: $28.19
– Median annual wage: $58,640



Kzenon // Shutterstock

#99. Helpers–extraction workers

Heavy machinery workers in a discussion.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,910
– Median hourly wage: $20.73
– Median annual wage: $43,110



Glen Jones // Shutterstock

#98. Layout workers, metal and plastic

A worker uses a welding torch on a piece of metal.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,890
– Median hourly wage: $28.01
– Median annual wage: $58,260



APChanel // Shutterstock

#97. Signal and track switch repairers

Railroad workers check the track for repairs.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,880
– Median hourly wage: $39.09
– Median annual wage: $81,300



Golubovy // Shutterstock

#96. Statistical assistants

Two colleagues look at a statistical analysis.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,710
– Median hourly wage: $23.50
– Median annual wage: $48,880



Brian Goodman // Shutterstock

#95. Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders

A worker dyes some fabric blue.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,640
– Median hourly wage: $15.71
– Median annual wage: $32,680



Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock

#94. Exercise physiologists

A man on a treadmill is monitored by a doctor.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,580
– Median hourly wage: $24.69
– Median annual wage: $51,350



GOLFX // Shutterstock

#93. Desktop publishers

A woman at a desk works on a computer.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,560
– Median hourly wage: $23.04
– Median annual wage: $47,910



ZikG // Shutterstock

#92. Fish and game wardens

A California Fish & Wildlife badge on the side of a car.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,530
– Median hourly wage: $28.61
– Median annual wage: $59,500



Pixel B // Shutterstock

#91. Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Workers bore a hole in a metal piece.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,470
– Median hourly wage: $20.41
– Median annual wage: $42,450



Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#89. Architecture teachers, postsecondary

Two men work on an architectural model of a house.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,420
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $93,220



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#89. Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders

A technician works on a furnace blower fan.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,420
– Median hourly wage: $20.62
– Median annual wage: $42,890



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#88. Musical instrument repairers and tuners

A man uses a tool to tune a piano.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,330
– Median hourly wage: $18.34
– Median annual wage: $38,150



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#87. Orthodontists

A patient waits for a dental procedure.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,310
– Median hourly wage: $83.83
– Median annual wage: $174,360



LaKirr // Shutterstock

#86. Extraction workers, all other

Workers at an oil drilling site.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,290
– Median hourly wage: $24.81
– Median annual wage: $51,600



Patrizio Martorana // Shutterstock

#85. Hydrologists

A hydrologist takes a water sample.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,270
– Median hourly wage: $41.34
– Median annual wage: $85,990



Syda Productions // Shutterstock

#84. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers

A farm worker checks on cows eating food.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,250
– Median hourly wage: $36.42
– Median annual wage: $75,760



I. Noyan Yilmaz // // Shutterstock

#83. Environmental science teachers, postsecondary

Researchers examine a tide pool.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,240
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $83,040



Canva

#82. Agricultural workers, all other

An agricultural worker in a wheat field.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,100
– Median hourly wage: $17.17
– Median annual wage: $35,720



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#81. Forest and conservation workers

A forest worker looks at a tree while holding a chainsaw.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,080
– Median hourly wage: $15.51
– Median annual wage: $32,270



Max Mark Agnor // Shutterstock

#80. Pourers and casters, metal

Molten metal being poured into a casting.

– Total nationwide employment: 6,070
– Median hourly wage: $21.67
– Median annual wage: $45,070



Krysja // Shutterstock

#79. Nuclear technicians

A worker getting gear checked for radioactivity.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,880
– Median hourly wage: $48.28
– Median annual wage: $100,420



Canva

#78. Helpers–roofers

Workers installing clay tiles on a roof.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,790
– Median hourly wage: $17.80
– Median annual wage: $37,020



Linda Zupanc // Shutterstock

#77. Costume attendants

Colorful costumes on hangars.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,730
– Median hourly wage: $23.30
– Median annual wage: $48,470



Desizned // Shutterstock

#76. Political scientists

Three people on large stairway outside a building.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,660
– Median hourly wage: $61.55
– Median annual wage: $128,020



viktoriia varvashchenko // Shutterstock

#75. Disc jockeys, except radio

A DJ uses a digital turntable.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,640
– Median hourly wage: $21.34
– Median annual wage: Not available



Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#74. Nuclear power reactor operators

A woman with a headset in front of a computer.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,450
– Median hourly wage: $55.71
– Median annual wage: $115,870



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#73. Choreographers

A ballet instructor works with students.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,400
– Median hourly wage: $24.52
– Median annual wage: $50,990



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#72. Photographic process workers and processing machine operators

Photography equipment on a wood table.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,380
– Median hourly wage: $17.44
– Median annual wage: $36,280



Canva

#71. Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners

A woman sharpens a tool.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,320
– Median hourly wage: $20.16
– Median annual wage: $41,940



Canva

#70. Dentists, all other specialists

A patient in a chair getting dental work.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,250
– Median hourly wage: $102.28
– Median annual wage: $212,740



Canva

#69. Loading and moving machine operators, underground mining

A wheel loader works in a mine.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,210
– Median hourly wage: $30.73
– Median annual wage: $63,920



Canva

#68. Proofreaders and copy markers

A proofreader works on documents.

– Total nationwide employment: 5,120
– Median hourly wage: $21.83
– Median annual wage: $45,410



Canva

#67. Correspondence clerks

A woman writes in a notebook.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,970
– Median hourly wage: $18.61
– Median annual wage: $38,700



Jacob Lund // Shutterstock

#65. Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary

A teacher helps a student with a laptop.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,930
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $85,000



ALPA PROD // Shutterstock

#65. Entertainment attendants and related workers, all other

A man gives a ticket to an entertainment attendant.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,930
– Median hourly wage: $13.11
– Median annual wage: $27,260



HannaTor // Shutterstock

#64. Gambling managers

A view of the casino floor at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,800
– Median hourly wage: $38.80
– Median annual wage: $80,710



Robilad Co // Shutterstock

#63. Craft artists

A craft artist works on a piece of jewelry.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,760
– Median hourly wage: $18.34
– Median annual wage: $38,150



Fortish // Shutterstock

#62. Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters

Part of a building is imploded by explosives.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,710
– Median hourly wage: $27.24
– Median annual wage: $56,670



Yulyazolotko // Shutterstock

#61. Fallers

A logging worker cuts up a tree.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,530
– Median hourly wage: $23.64
– Median annual wage: $49,160



Canva

#60. Library science teachers, postsecondary

A librarian helps a customer.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,330
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $76,370



Canva

#59. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

An oral surgeon works on a patient.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,290
– Median hourly wage: #
– Median annual wage: #



Canva

#58. Floor sanders and finishers

A sander being used on a wood floor.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,270
– Median hourly wage: $22.14
– Median annual wage: $46,060



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#57. Telephone operators

A woman on a headset talking with a customer.

– Total nationwide employment: 4,030
– Median hourly wage: $18.43
– Median annual wage: $38,330



NKM999 // Shutterstock

#55. Embalmers

A casket sits with flowers on it.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,950
– Median hourly wage: $23.99
– Median annual wage: $49,910



TFoxFoto // Shutterstock

#55. Log graders and scalers

A log grader at work in a log yard.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,950
– Median hourly wage: $20.37
– Median annual wage: $42,370



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#54. Rock splitters, quarry

A rock splitter works at a quarry.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,910
– Median hourly wage: $22.12
– Median annual wage: $46,010



Aniwat phromrungsee // Shutterstock

#53. Commercial divers

A commercial diver works on a project.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,860
– Median hourly wage: $32.84
– Median annual wage: $68,300



Erickson Stock // Shutterstock

#52. Mathematical science occupations, all other

A woman works on a math problem.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,840
– Median hourly wage: $34.47
– Median annual wage: $71,700



Canva

#51. Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators

A gas compressor operator checks the system.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,740
– Median hourly wage: $28.84
– Median annual wage: $59,990



Canva

#50. Occupational therapy aides

A therapy aid works with a child.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,710
– Median hourly wage: $17.82
– Median annual wage: $37,060



Denys Yelmanov // Shutterstock

#49. Bridge and lock tenders

A marine worker looks through binoculars.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,690
– Median hourly wage: $22.73
– Median annual wage: $47,280



indykb // Shutterstock

#48. Manufactured building and mobile home installers

A flat bed hauler carries a manufactured home.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,630
– Median hourly wage: $17.70
– Median annual wage: $36,820



Canva

#47. Logging workers, all other

A pile of logs await processing.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,490
– Median hourly wage: $22.65
– Median annual wage: $47,110



Canva

#46. Sewers, hand

A piece of fabric being sewed by hand.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,440
– Median hourly wage: $15.16
– Median annual wage: $31,530



JL IMAGES // Shutterstock

#45. Transit and railroad police

A parked transit police vehicle.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,370
– Median hourly wage: $33.25
– Median annual wage: $69,150



Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#44. Model makers, metal and plastic

Two people discuss a model of a car.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,350
– Median hourly wage: $27.70
– Median annual wage: $57,620



GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock

#43. Geography teachers, postsecondary

A geography teacher points to Africa on a map.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,340
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $81,920



Canva

#42. Pile driver operators

A heavy machine drives a pile at a construction site.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,290
– Median hourly wage: $30.92
– Median annual wage: $64,310



Canva

#41. Genetic counselors

A fertility doctor consults with a couple.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,220
– Median hourly wage: $43.26
– Median annual wage: $89,990



Mark_Kostich // Shutterstock

#40. Medical dosimetrists

A dosimetrist gives radiation treatment to a patient.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,190
– Median hourly wage: $62.01
– Median annual wage: $128,970



Agenturfotografin // Shutterstock

#39. Historians

A woman with a laptop sits in front of a bookcase.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,120
– Median hourly wage: $31.03
– Median annual wage: $64,540



Dmitry Dven // Shutterstock

#38. Motorboat operators

A motorboat operator steers his watercraft.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,110
– Median hourly wage: $19.92
– Median annual wage: $41,430



Sergii Kovalov // Shutterstock

#37. Fabric and apparel patternmakers

An apparel patternmaker measures some fabric.

– Total nationwide employment: 3,070
– Median hourly wage: $29.00
– Median annual wage: $60,320



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#36. Sociologists

An overhead view of a professional meeting.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,980
– Median hourly wage: $47.40
– Median annual wage: $98,590



Kokulina // Shutterstock

#35. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance

A makeup artist gets a performer ready.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,970
– Median hourly wage: $46.33
– Median annual wage: $96,370



Olaf Speier // Shutterstock

#34. Shoe machine operators and tenders

A worker repairs a shoe.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,960
– Median hourly wage: $15.89
– Median annual wage: $33,060



SimonTheSorcerer // Shutterstock

#33. Crematory operators

Decorative urns sit on display.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,930
– Median hourly wage: $19.40
– Median annual wage: $40,360



Photodiem // Shutterstock

#32. Hydrologic technicians

A hydrologic technician writes in a notebook.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,920
– Median hourly wage: $28.06
– Median annual wage: $58,360



APChanel // Shutterstock

#31. Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers

A rail worker walks on rail station platform.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,680
– Median hourly wage: $27.09
– Median annual wage: $56,340



Pressmaster // Shutterstock

#30. Animal scientists

Farmers in a conversation near some cows.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,520
– Median hourly wage: $33.36
– Median annual wage: $69,390



Canva

#29. Hoist and winch operators

A worker guides a hoist and winch operator.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,440
– Median hourly wage: $28.34
– Median annual wage: $58,950



Canva

#28. Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary

A man teaches a class with students.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,420
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $76,440



NancyS // Shutterstock

#27. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists

Workers clear limbs and debris in the forest.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,290
– Median hourly wage: $23.13
– Median annual wage: $48,110



Peruphotart // Shutterstock

#26. Underground mining machine operators, all other

Workers operate heavy machinery in a mine.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,270
– Median hourly wage: $30.86
– Median annual wage: $64,180



Canva

#25. Rail transportation workers, all other

A worker fixes a stretch of rail.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,240
– Median hourly wage: $20.33
– Median annual wage: $42,280



Funtay // Shutterstock

#24. Patternmakers, metal and plastic

A worker pours molten metal into a cast.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,230
– Median hourly wage: $26.43
– Median annual wage: $54,970



Canva

#23. Paperhangers

Two men hanging wallpaper.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,220
– Median hourly wage: $21.60
– Median annual wage: $44,930



abriendomundo // Shutterstock

#22. Astronomers

A man sets up a high-powered telescope.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,160
– Median hourly wage: $61.70
– Median annual wage: $128,330



Sergey Ryzhov // Shutterstock

#21. Camera and photographic equipment repairers

A worker repairs a digital camera.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,120
– Median hourly wage: $21.18
– Median annual wage: $44,060



Kenishirotie //Shutterstock

#19. Mathematicians

Parts of a math problem appear on a piece of paper.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,070
– Median hourly wage: $53.90
– Median annual wage: $112,110



Canva

#19. Models

A model with a hat poses for a photo.

– Total nationwide employment: 2,070
– Median hourly wage: $20.73
– Median annual wage: $43,130



Canva

#18. Motion picture projectionists

A projectionist at work in a theater.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,900
– Median hourly wage: $16.04
– Median annual wage: $33,360



Canva

#17. Watch and clock repairers

A wristwatch being fixed.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,880
– Median hourly wage: $23.25
– Median annual wage: $48,370



Causeway // Shutterstock

#16. Roof bolters, mining

A heavy machine attaches large bolts the ceiling of a mine.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,700
– Median hourly wage: $28.95
– Median annual wage: $60,210



Budimir Jevtic // Shutterstock

#15. Agricultural engineers

An agricultural worker checks soil makeup.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,500
– Median hourly wage: $40.03
– Median annual wage: $83,260



Bannafarsai_Stock // Shutterstock

#14. Terrazzo workers and finishers

Workers polish a floor.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,460
– Median hourly wage: $25.16
– Median annual wage: $52,330



Adwo // Shutterstock

#13. Geographers

A man looks at a rock in a desolate landscape.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,360
– Median hourly wage: $42.74
– Median annual wage: $88,900



fizkes // Shutterstock

#12. Industrial-organizational psychologists

Workers listen to a coworker at a meeting.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,280
– Median hourly wage: $66.96
– Median annual wage: $139,280



Robert Kneschke // Shutterstock

#10. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary

Students examine soil and plant life.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,270
– Median hourly wage: Not available
– Median annual wage: $96,500



goodluz // Shutterstock

#10. Animal breeders

A worker feeds milk to a baby goat.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,270
– Median hourly wage: $21.79
– Median annual wage: $45,320



Canva

#9. Communications equipment operators, all other

A woman with a headset sits in front of a computer.

– Total nationwide employment: 1,240
– Median hourly wage: $22.20
– Median annual wage: $46,180



motodan // Shutterstock

#8. Dredge operators

Heavy machinery doing dredging work in a river.

– Total nationwide employment: 940
– Median hourly wage: $22.64
– Median annual wage: $47,090



beerkoff // Shutterstock

#7. Pediatric surgeons

A pediatric surgeon at work.

– Total nationwide employment: 780
– Median hourly wage: #
– Median annual wage: #



Canva

#6. Model makers, wood

A worker makes a model out of wood.

– Total nationwide employment: 720
– Median hourly wage: $22.57
– Median annual wage: $46,940



carlesmiro // Shutterstock

#5. Cooks, private household

A chef prepares a dish to serve.

– Total nationwide employment: 610
– Median hourly wage: $18.54
– Median annual wage: $38,570



Canva

#4. Refractory materials repairers, except brick masons

Heated refractory material at foundry.

– Total nationwide employment: 580
– Median hourly wage: $24.30
– Median annual wage: $50,550



Canva

#3. Farm labor contractors

Farm laborers working in a field.

– Total nationwide employment: 550
– Median hourly wage: $23.72
– Median annual wage: $49,330



PRESSLAB // Shutterstock

#2. Timing device assemblers and adjusters

A man assembles a timing device.

– Total nationwide employment: 370
– Median hourly wage: $20.33
– Median annual wage: $42,290



Dusan Petkovic // Shutterstock

#1. Patternmakers, wood

A worker makes a measurement on a piece of wood.

– Total nationwide employment: 330
– Median hourly wage: $21.29
– Median annual wage: $44,290

Data reporting by Paxtyn Merten. Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. 


Article Topic Follows: Life

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