1

Essential Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LAUNDRY PERSONNEL (72815)

Frisco, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Previous experience preferable but not essential. * Worker receives on the job training with supervision * Must have an understanding of standard procedures used in laundry services for patients and ...

LAUNDRY PERSONNEL (72559)

Frisco, TX · On-site

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Previous experience preferable but not essential. * Worker receives on the job training with supervision * Must have an understanding of standard procedures used in laundry services for patients and ...

LAUNDRY PERSONNEL (72689)

Cedar Hill, TX · On-site

$11.75 - $14.25/hr

Previous experience preferable but not essential. * Worker receives on the job training with supervision * Must have an understanding of standard procedures used in laundry services for patients and ...

The Youth Essential Coordinator (YEC) plays a vital role in implementing REAP's core youth ... Ability to exercise tact and judgement in working with a broad variety of people. Strong cross ...

General Cleaner

Norwich, CT · On-site

$16.94/hr

Janitorial Services shift is 3pm to 11 pm Monday through Friday and possible weekends The pay rate is $16.94 per hour You'll be a frontline ESSENTIAL WORKER, trained and ready to tackle a variety of ...

Have you thought about being an essential worker? Addus HomeCare can help make this happen. Contact us immediately to learn more about our Caregiver and Certified Nurse Aides (CNA) opportunities.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Essential Worker information

See salary details

$12

$23

$31

How much do essential worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for essential worker in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an essential worker?

Essential workers are individuals whose jobs are considered critical to the functioning of society, especially during emergencies or crises such as pandemics. These roles include healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store employees, public transportation workers, and others who provide vital services. Essential workers often continue their duties during times when non-essential operations are suspended to ensure public safety, health, and access to necessary goods and services. Their work helps maintain infrastructure and meet basic needs in challenging circumstances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an essential worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Essential Worker, you need reliability, physical stamina, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or relevant experience, depending on the specific field. Familiarity with safety protocols, workplace-specific equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA are important for performing tasks safely and efficiently. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help essential workers manage high-pressure situations and support their colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial because essential workers maintain critical operations and public safety, especially during emergencies or disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by essential workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Essential workers often encounter challenges such as long or irregular shifts, high-stress environments, and direct interactions with the public or vulnerable populations. These factors can contribute to fatigue and emotional strain. Effective management includes practicing self-care, utilizing available wellness resources, and maintaining open communication with supervisors and team members. Many employers also offer support programs or flexible scheduling to help essential workers maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What cities are hiring for Essential Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Essential Worker job openings:

What states have the most Essential Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Essential Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Essential Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,095 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Food Services Worker - Residential Colleges

The University of Oklahoma

Norman, OK • On-site

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


University Of Oklahoma rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Food Services Worker - Residential Colleges
Job no: 493690
Work type: Service/Maintenance
Location: Norman
Categories: Food Services
Pay Range: Target hourly pay up to $13.00, based on experience.
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Work Schedule: Varies based on business needs. Essential worker and may be required to work during inclement weather or campus closures.
Travel: May be required
Position Introduction:
Position's primary focus will be to wash dishes, pots and pans. May also properly and safely measures, weighs and combines ingredients for quantity preparation of simple menu items. Utilizes various kitchen utensils, appliances, and heavy/industrial equipment in food preparation (ovens, knives, peelers, dicers, slicers, mixers, industrial dish machines, recycling, stoves, etc.). Serves food in a courteous and respectful manner, with proper portion control and knowledge of menu items. Washes, sanitizes, and stores pots, pans and kitchen utensils in designated areas. Scrapes dishes and cleans tables, serving areas. Cleans counters and floors. Follows proper kitchen standards when cleaning/sanitizing the work area (floors, food carts, cabinets, tables, kitchen utensils and equipment, dishes, and tableware, etc.). Assists with special events across the University. Assists other food services staff when necessary and voluntarily as much as possible. The functions described here are not all-encompassing of those an employee may encounter while on the job.
  • Required to secure Food Handlers Card within 30-days of employment if hired.
  • Hepatitis A vaccine required or annual testing if hired.

View full job description
Required Education and Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes
Advertised: 03 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 01 Nov 2026 Central Standard Time
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What University Of Oklahoma employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Oklahoma logo

About University of Oklahoma

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Oklahoma is a prominent educational institution positioned in Norman, Oklahoma, US. Established in 1890, the university stakes a claim within the higher education industry and has a storied history of excellence in academics and research. Serving over 20,000 students, the university offers a wide range of programs across fields such as arts and sciences, business, engineering, international studies, and more. Emphasizing a dedication to unlocking potential, OU's mission is to provide the best possible educational experience to students through excellence in teaching, research, and creative activity. Notably, the institution has made significant strides in research with a focus on areas such as cancer, aerospace, and energy among others.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Norman, OK, US

Year founded

1890