Dishwasher Job Description Template
A Dishwasher in a restaurant mainly washes dishes and disinfects tables, room areas and other equipment, among other kitchen activities.
To hire the most effective and efficient Dishwashers, you must be clear about the requirements and expectations in your Dishwasher job listings.
Our Dishwasher job description template provides an outline of common yet specific dishwashing responsibilities. We’ve also listed appropriate skills and experience requirements so you can use them as a guide when writing your own job description.
Feel free to use and adjust this Dishwasher job description to suit your needs.
Tips for Writing a Dishwasher Job Description
Now that you have a Dishwasher job description sample you can use, it’s time to know how you should fill out each section with your own requirements.
1. Be clear and precise with responsibilities
Although the template already lists some Dishwasher responsibilities, they’re not always appropriate for every employer. Tasks would typically depend on the number of staff, the type of business establishment and the volume of work.
Here are other Dishwasher responsibilities you can choose from as you write your job description:
- Sort and dispose of waste appropriately, including recycling and composting when necessary
- Monitor and replenish cleaning supplies, such as detergents and sanitizers
- Inspect dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment for damage and report any issues
- Assist with kitchen cleaning tasks, such as sweeping and mopping floors
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the dishwashing area
- Assist with food preparation tasks, such as peeling vegetables or preparing ingredients, when needed
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to manage dishwashing workflow efficiently
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of dishwashing machines and equipment
- Help with organizing and managing inventory of kitchen supplies and equipment
- Support in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations before and after shifts
2. Be flexible with education and experience
Given the nature of their work, employers rarely require a degree or work experience for their Dishwashers. In fact, CareerOneStop lists that 45% of current Dishwashers have a high school diploma, while 34% have educational attainment even lower than a high school diploma.

[Source: CareerOneStop]
If you do require or prefer some experience and education, it’s important to be specific. Check out some examples below.
- At least six months to one year of experience as a Dishwasher
- Previous experience in a high-volume kitchen preferred
- High school diploma or equivalent is an advantage
3. Write appropriate skills and qualifications for Dishwashers
Choosing the best skills for the job will depend on the values you care about as an organization and what will be most appropriate for the work your candidates should expect.
If you see that your Dishwasher will most likely work extensively with your kitchen staff, then it’s good to highlight their teamwork and communication skills. If they’re going to be by themselves most of the time, then you should highlight their ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
Here are other examples of skills and qualifications you can include:
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and time management skills
- Good manual dexterity for handling kitchen tools and equipment
- Basic knowledge of cleaning chemicals and kitchen safety protocols
4. Include hourly wage to curb expectations
It’s best to be transparent with the pay for the Dishwasher role, as people after this position usually appreciate knowing what to expect financially by the hour. This can also help you attract more candidates who do not wish to waste time with lengthy application processes only to find out that the pay doesn’t meet their expectations.
As a guide, keep in mind that the average wage for Dishwashers in the U.S. is $15.22 per hour. This can also differ depending on the city or state in which you reside.
For a more in-depth breakdown, check out our Dishwasher salary guide to get an idea of how much you should pay for your Dishwasher in your state and be prepared for salary negotiations.
In addition to base wage, you can list the job benefits your organization offers to create a more attractive overall compensation package for applicants. These can include paid holidays, yearly salary increases, health insurance and more.
Now that you know how to write a job description, prepare for the interview phase of your hiring process with our Dishwasher interview guide.