Pilots and Professors Barely Scraping By? 9 Surprising Jobs That Pay a Pittance

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And yet, this fast-growing field pays an average of just $10.49 per hour, or $21,830 per year, according to BLS.

4. Ambulance Drivers and Attendants

They're first responders, with lives in their hands, and they make just $11.97 per hour, on average, according to BLS. One would think you wouldn't want the ambulance rushing you to the hospital to be driven by someone who has to work a second job to make ends meet, but that's often the case.

5. Veterinary Animal Caretakers

Sure, Fido is part of your family. His vet is pretty well paid, but the person who takes care of him when he disappears into the back of the vet's office? She's getting an average of $24,740 per year.

6. Childcare Workers

According to the shopworn cliché, our children are the future. And when we drop them off for childcare, we expect them to be well cared for, safe and un-molested. It's a lot to ask for an average of $10.25 an hour or $21,310 per year.

7. Cosmetologists for Dead People

This one pays a middle-class wage, although less than the median at $16.31 per hour, according to the Houston Chronicle. But it takes special skills, and one would think you'd need to pay folks a decent wage to deal with corpses all day. (The McJobs of the industry are funeral attendants, who make $24,250 per year, on average.)

8. Gambling Dealers

It seems like an exciting, high-paying job. And dealers at good casinos make good money in tips (or “tokes,” in gaming parlance) if they're at the right casino. But the best jobs are scarce, and those who don't see a lot in tips aren't getting rich. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dealers make an average of $22,410 per year in salary.

9. Models

Top fashion models like Naomi Campbell rake in millions. But most models aren't international superstars. According to BLS, the average wage for a model is just $12.55 per hour, or $26,110 per year.