Low-paid workers are seen as a relevant target group for public policies in industrialized countries. Despite the importance of low wages in developing countries, the issue has not been deeply investigated yet. This study aims at analyzing empirically the trends, profile and mobility of low-paid workers in Brazilian metropolitan areas, using Monthly Employment Research (PME/IBGE) data from 2002 to 2009. Results indicate that 21.5% of workers in metropolitan areas are considered low pay, i.e., earn less than two thirds of the median hourly wage, in 2009. In spite of the reduction in Brazilian income inequality between 2002 and 2009, the proportion of employees considered to be low paid remained relatively stable during the period, presenting a downward trend after 2005. Female, non white, younger and less educated workers are more exposed to low paid employment. This kind of employment has more instability and risk of unemployment and inactivity. The mobility analysis shows that the chance of leaving low pay to unemployment or inactivity reduces with job duration, while probability to improve in the employment increases with time spent in low paid jobs.