diff --git a/worker/lyra_worker/claim.py b/worker/lyra_worker/claim.py
index 10e21f6..788d128 100644
--- a/worker/lyra_worker/claim.py
+++ b/worker/lyra_worker/claim.py
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def claim_next(conn: psycopg.Connection) -> str | None:
         cur.execute(
             """
             SELECT id FROM "Job"
-            WHERE state = 'requested'
+            WHERE state = 'requested' AND NOT paused
             ORDER BY "createdAt" ASC
             FOR UPDATE SKIP LOCKED
             LIMIT 1
diff --git a/worker/tests/test_claim.py b/worker/tests/test_claim.py
index 4620247..ab05f9d 100644
--- a/worker/tests/test_claim.py
+++ b/worker/tests/test_claim.py
@@ -24,3 +24,17 @@ def test_claim_does_not_repick_claimed_job(conn):
     insert_request(conn)
     assert claim_next(conn) is not None
     assert claim_next(conn) is None
+
+
+def test_claim_skips_paused_jobs(conn):
+    paused_job = insert_request(conn, album="Paused Album")
+    with conn.cursor() as cur:
+        cur.execute('UPDATE "Job" SET paused = true WHERE id = %s', (paused_job,))
+    conn.commit()
+    unpaused_job = insert_request(conn, album="Live Album")
+
+    claimed = claim_next(conn)
+    assert claimed == unpaused_job  # the paused one is skipped
+
+    # With only the paused job left, nothing is claimable.
+    assert claim_next(conn) is None