The 10 Most Common Jobs in the US in 2024 — and How Much They Pay

Though some experts forecast a slowing of job growth until late 2025 in response to falling GDP growth, according to Morningstar, the job market has thus far in 2024 been pretty robust.  

If you’re looking for a new position or figuring out next steps in your career, you may be curious to know what the most common jobs in the U.S. in 2024 are, what they entail and how much they pay. GOBankingRates explored data from QR Code Generator, which analyzed 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and looked at the number of workers in over 830 roles across the nation to determine the most common jobs in the U.S. Then, GOBankingRates found out how much the jobs pay, on average. Here are the 10 most common jobs in the U.S. (listed from least to most common) this year and how much you can expect to make.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 2,496,370

An office clerk performs various office tasks, including but not limited to answering phone calls, inputting data and filing records. As of June 27, 2024, the average salary for an office clerk in the U.S. was $43,117, according to Salary.com.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 2,858,710

A customer service representative is the touchpoint between consumers and businesses. These frontline employees personally address a customer’s concerns, questions and needs. As of June 27, 2024, the average salary for a customer service representative in the U.S. was $38,838, according to Salary.com.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 2,872,680

According to Salary.com, as of June 27, 2024, the average salary for an order filler was $38,459. These professionals are responsible for a big aspect of a retailer’s business. They handle and organize merchandise, materials and more to fill store space as well as fulfill customers’ orders. They may also be in charge of putting up sales displays in stores.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,008,300

This is a job best suited for someone physically fit and strong. These pros manually move freight, stock, luggage and other materials. They may have to do other general labor tasks too. Laborers and freight, stock and material movers earn between $22,790 and $48,650 (averaging $35,720) based on their level of experience, according to Recruiter.com. 

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,175,390

Registered nurses (RNs) have been increasingly in demand over the past few years. The demand for these professionals is expected to grow even more as more of the population ages. RNs provide and coordinate patient care and education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for RNs in 2023 was $86,070 per year, or $41.38 per hour.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,298,660  

Cha-ching! Cashiers are responsible for scanning your in-store purchases and getting you checked out. These professionals earn an average salary of $30,456 as of June 27, 2024, according to Salary.com.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,507,810

A general operations manager oversees production, staffing, budgeting and other key aspects at a business. This professional is your point person for making sure the organization is running smoothly. They make great money too. According to Salary.com, the average general operations manager salary in the U.S. is $121,840 as of June 27, 2024.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,676,580

It’s safe to say that we are all acquainted with what fast-food and counter workers do, as we’ve all encountered them when ordering at, say, McDonald’s or Burger King. These professionals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, make a mean wage of $11.80 per hour, or $24,540 annually.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,684,740

A retail salesperson communicates with customers to help get them what they need or want when visiting a store. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, retail salespersons made a mean hourly wage of $17.64, or $36,690 annually.

• Total number of people employed in this role: 3,689,350

With an aging population, home health and personal care aides are increasingly in demand. These professionals, who provide essential caregiving services, earn an annual median wage $33,530 per year, or $16.12 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.