Chart: The annual earnings for food service workers and paraprofessionals are less than half that of the median U.S. worker: Median annual wage and salary income for all workers, K–12 education workers, and education support workers | Economic Policy Institute

Figure G

The annual earnings for food service workers and paraprofessionals are less than half that of the median U.S. worker: Median annual wage and salary income for all workers, K–12 education workers, and education support workers

Occupation category	Median annual wage and salary income
All U.S. workers	$49,713
All K–12 workers	$50,802

Food service	$21,337
Janitor and custodian	$35,015
Office and administration	$34,920
Paraprofessional	$24,496
School bus driver	$27,382

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Note: Values in 2023 dollars.

Source: EPI analysis of 2022–2023 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement data.

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Summer unemployment benefits could increase K–12 support staff incomes by $1.2 billion nationwide

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