Dishwasher Career Guide

We prepared this guide to show you what to expect when working as a Dishwasher. Here, we discuss responsibilities, salaries, work conditions and ways to grow your career.

What Is a Dishwasher?

A Dishwasher cleans dishes and other kitchenware used for food service. They work with dishwashing equipment and cleaning agents to ensure sparkling clean dishes are ready for the next meal.

Dishwashers play an important role in maintaining a sanitary kitchen and keeping things in order for everyone else.

What Does a Dishwasher Do?

A Dishwasher’s daily responsibilities can include:

• Cleaning dishes, utensils and cookware thoroughly to ensure hygiene standards
• Efficiently loading and unloading the dishwasher to optimize space and prevent breakage
• Washing various kitchen equipment to maintain cleanliness and prolong their life span
• Keeping the kitchen floors shining with regular sweeping and mopping
• Jumping in to help with tasks like chopping veggies or prepping ingredients
• Assisting with additional kitchen tasks as necessary to support the team’s operations

How To Become a Dishwasher

Many people start as Dishwashers and then move up to other roles, such as Servers and Hosts. They then move on to more management-level positions like Assistant Restaurant Manager.

To get started, here are some steps to take to grow as a Dishwasher.

Get a high school diploma

According to CareerOneStop, 45% of current Dishwashers had a high school diploma upon getting hired. Even though dishwashing is fairly an easy task, having at least a high school diploma may increase your chances of getting hired in some establishments.

However, keep in mind that what restaurants and other establishments value most are dependable and hardworking individuals.

Showcase your skills and professionalism

When applying for Dishwasher positions, mention instances where you displayed your ability to work in a team, whether in a previous job or at school. This can demonstrate your interpersonal and communication skills, as well as your professionalism.

You can also mention how you manage your time and keep yourself organized throughout the day, which can demonstrate qualities necessary for the role.

During the interview, present yourself professionally, arrive on time and express your enthusiasm for working in a kitchen environment.

Embrace on-the-job training

Most Dishwasher training is conducted in the workplace. Training will most likely cover dishwashing procedures and the establishment’s standards of cleanliness.

Dishwasher Salary in the US

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the average base salary for Dishwashers in the United States (U.S.) is $31,650 per year or $2,638 a month. This is the highest it has been for the past five years, increasing by almost 30% since 2019.

[Source: BLS]
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Dishwasher Employment Trends in 2024

As of 2023, there are about 463,940 Dishwashers across the U.S. This makes a 23% increase in employment compared to the drop in 2021, when only 377,040 Dishwashers were employed.

[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.

However, recent data also shows that the number of Dishwasher jobs is expected to decline by 2% over the next 10 years. This means that certain industries (such as restaurant and hospitality)  may face challenges maintaining current employment levels for Dishwashers.

Which Industries Employ the Most Dishwashers?

The Dishwasher role is in high demand in the following industries:

• Restaurants and food service establishments: This category includes everything from casual diners and cafes to fast-food chains. Dishwashers mainly wash dishes, utensils and cookware for food services.
• Special food services: This category includes food trucks, delivery services and catering companies that offer specialized menu items. Dishwashers in special food services keep mobile kitchens or unique prep areas clean and sanitary.

• Traveler accommodation: Hotels and resorts rely on Dishwashers to maintain clean kitchen areas. This includes washing dishes utilized in lodging areas, catering events and room service. Dishwashers can also do other tasks that go beyond dishwashing, such as washing sheets, towels and linens.
• Amusement and recreation venues: Theme parks, stadiums, arenas and entertainment complexes often employ Dishwashers. In these settings, Dishwashers clean dishes used in concession stands, restaurants, VIP lounges and catering services for events held within the venue.
• Institutional settings (hospitals, schools, nursing homes): Dishwashers play a vital role in hospitals, schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They guarantee the sanitation of dishes, utensils and plates utilized by patients, understudies, residents and staff by following strict cleanliness and sanitation protocols.

[Source: BLS]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data. 

Food Service Training for Dishwashers

There are usually minimal to no requirements to be a Dishwasher. Most of the time, it’s an entry-level role for other higher-level positions.

Job seekers or Dishwashers can get these certifications if they wish to advance their careers. Meanwhile, employers can specify these certifications in their job descriptions if they’re looking for people with specializations.

Food Handler’s Permit

Many states in the U.S. require food service workers to hold a Food Handler’s Permit. Training courses cover safe food handling practices and other topics related to kitchen work.

Dishwashers can consider acquiring a Food Handler’s Permit, especially if they want to work towards becoming a Prep Cook or perform other food service roles.

First Aid and CPR Certification

First aid and CPR certifications can be valuable in any industry. Being trained to respond appropriately to kitchen accidents can help you bring more value to the team.

Professional Kitchen Training Courses

There are many online and in-person courses out there related to kitchen work that you can take as a Dishwasher. Choose from different topics such as kitchen safety, equipment operation, food preparation techniques and more to help you advance beyond dishwashing duties and into other higher-level roles.

Dishwasher Career Growth Pros & Cons

Consider the following pros and cons of being a Dishwasher.

Pros of Working as a Dishwasher

1. Minimal responsibilities

Cleaning dishes is a Dishwasher’s primary duty. There are almost always very few other duties unless the job description says otherwise. Other duties can include garbage collection and kitchen cleaning.

Because you can concentrate on a small number of duties, you might frequently not feel significant levels of stress, even in hectic restaurant environments.

2. Growth prospects

A Dishwasher position is typically a stepping stone for other higher-level positions such as Cook or Server. If you stay committed and consistent, you can eventually move up to a higher-paying job.

3. Fast-paced work

A dishwashing job is a great employment opportunity for you if you like to stay physically busy. Because of the dynamic nature of the job, there is no time to get bored.

4. Little to no prior experience required: Although previous experience can help your chances of landing a Dishwasher job, it is usually not a prerequisite. This makes the role fairly accessible, especially for those looking to start working for the first time.

Cons of Working as a Dishwasher

1. Lower pay

Dishwashers have much lower wages compared to other positions responsible for kitchen work. Although this can also depend on other factors like location and type of employer, Dishwashers don’t earn very high wages in general.

2. Repetitive work

Because Dishwashers have few responsibilities, their daily work life can often be boring and monotonous. Dishwashing is a repetitive task with few new duties involved, which can end up being boring for many people.
This is why most people who start as Dishwashers either aim to climb the kitchen or restaurant ladder or only do it as a temporary job.

3. Physically demanding

Working as a Dishwasher may be physically taxing because it requires a lot of standing, especially during peak hours when work piles up quickly.

It can also be challenging to keep up with the rest of the team, which can cause shift timings to run a bit later.

What Is the Workplace of a Dishwasher Like?

A Dishwasher works in the back of the kitchen. Their workstation has a loading area with countertops and sinks where dishes are sorted.

Dishwashers typically work alongside a mechanical dishwasher unit, which is equipped with racks designed to accommodate plates, bowls, glasses and utensils efficiently. Using this unit, Dishwashers load and unload items swiftly to maximize the unit’s efficiency, especially during peak hours.

The environment can be hot and humid, particularly near the dishwasher unit. It can get loud as well, with the clatter of dishes and the sound of machinery.

Because of the nature of the work and potential hazards, Dishwashers often wear appropriate attire such as no-slip shoes, to prevent accidents in wet conditions. They also wear aprons to shield against splashes and spills and sometimes protective gear like gloves to safeguard against hot surfaces and chemicals.

The pace is fast, particularly during peak feast times when messy dishes pile up rapidly. Dishwashers need to be efficient to keep up with the flow.

While dishwashing may require little creativity, it can still be physically demanding work. You’ll likely be standing for long periods, coming to, lifting and carrying loads of dishes.

Are You Ready To Be a Dishwasher?

We prepared this free quiz to assess if you have everything you need to become a Dishwasher.

See what professionals have to say

Click here for our complete interview with Gustavo Montes.