Those who love the stability of a steady paycheck might want to avoid working in a few specific job fields.
These industries are notorious for offering pay that varies throughout the year. Workers might feast on higher earnings one month and starve on meager income the next.
For the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s latest annual Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households report — 11,000 adults living in the U.S. were asked about whether their income varied at least occasionally from month to month.
More than one-quarter — 28% — said they sometimes experience such a financial roller-coaster ride.
Here are the job fields where workers are most likely to report that pay sometimes varies, according to the Federal Reserve’s analysis of U.S. family finances. You might want to avoid these job fields if you love a steady paycheck.
1. Construction
Respondents working in this industry who said their monthly income varied at least occasionally in 2023: 47%
The construction industry as a whole is very cyclical. The need for workers booms when the economy expands and shrinks when the economy contracts.
Construction work can also be seasonal, which means workers might earn a lot more cash in some months than in others.
2. Leisure and hospitality
Respondents working in this industry who said their monthly income varied at least occasionally in 2023: 44%
The leisure and hospitality industry — which includes tourism-oriented products and services such as lodging, food services, event planning, theme parks and transportation — is highly seasonal.
In addition, overall economic conditions can play a big role in how much demand there is for these for these products and services.
3. Natural resources and mining
Respondents working in this industry who said their monthly income varied at least occasionally in 2023: 42%
According to the federal government, the natural resources and mining sector of the economy includes both agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, as well as mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction.
Many of the jobs in this industry have a seasonal component, which likely explains why income sometimes varies.
Other industries with variable income
Here are a few more industries in which workers say their monthly income fluctuates at least occasionally:
- Transportation and utilities: 41%
- Wholesale and retail trade: 38%
- Education and health services: 29%
- Public administration: 27%
- Financial activities: 26%
- Manufacturing: 25%
- Information: 23%
- Professional and business service: 22%
- Armed forces: 21%
