With the demand for Dishwashers steadily growing in the United States (U.S.) after the big drop in 2020, now is a good time to consider applying as a Dishwasher.
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, we prepared a comprehensive guide on how to write effective job descriptions for Dishwashers. Know the components and discover what each section should have.
Dishwasher Job Description Template
Below is a customizable template you can use to write your own job description. Make sure to add your specific requirements and expectations for your Dishwasher job ad.
Dishwasher Job Overview
We at [Company Name] are seeking a dedicated and organized Dishwasher to join our team.
Your responsibilities will include collecting used dishes, loading dishwashing machines and stacking cleaned items appropriately.
Ideal candidates demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, the ability to work efficiently under pressure and a commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards following food safety regulations.
If you’re eager to begin your journey in the restaurant industry and contribute to providing an exceptional dining experience for our customers, we encourage you to apply.
Salary: $15–$20/hour (non-tipped position)
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Dishwasher Duties & Responsibilities
- Remove food residue from dishes by scraping or rinsing
- Operate dishwashing machines, including loading, unloading and monitoring their performance
- Hand-wash delicate items that are not suitable for dishwashers
- Dry and polish dishes and utensils to ensure they are ready for use
- Organize cleaned items and store them appropriately
- Maintain cleanliness of the dishwashing area
Dishwasher Experience Requirements & Skills
- Strong attention to detail for proper cleaning and sanitizing of dishes
- Efficient work pace to handle high volumes of dishes during peak hours
- Physical stamina for standing and handling repetitive tasks
- Adaptability to different dishwashing equipment and cleaning methods
Dishwasher Education & Qualifications Requirements
- No formal education is required
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
How To Write a Job Description
A well-written job description is important whether you’re an employer or a job seeker.
For employers, they will be able to give a clear overview of their company and their job opening, including requirements and responsibilities.
For job seekers, they will have a good grasp of what to expect in terms of pay, workload and potential for career growth.
Below are the steps you can take to write a successful job description:
- Adopt a clear and straightforward writing style: Job descriptions need to be clear and concise. Being straight to the point allows candidates to understand what’s essential to the position without being bogged down by unnecessary details.
- Simplify the text: Plainer English instead of technical jargon makes the job description easier for more people to understand. With simple language, employers can ensure that candidates with different backgrounds can understand the post’s requirements.
- Prioritize essential duties: Job descriptions should prioritize essential duties over less important obligations. List duties in order of importance and regularity to aid candidates in understanding what they should expect to do on the daily.
- Use action verbs in the present tense: Verbs like prepare, serve, interact, etc., make the job description more direct and clearer. By providing a clear image of the duties involved, candidates can more easily imagine themselves in the role.
- Avoid acronyms and abbreviations: Although some acronyms and abbreviations are commonly known (e.g., IT, SEO, etc.), some may be familiar only within an employer’s organization. Candidates may find these terms confusing, particularly if they are unfamiliar with industry-specific language.
- Encourage inclusivity by utilizing gender-neutral language: Including gender-neutral language in the job description guarantees that every candidate, regardless of gender, experiences equal value and representation.
What To Include in Your Dishwasher Job Description
An effective Dishwasher job description should have the following components:
Job Title
The job title should be clear and descriptive, indicating the primary responsibilities. For this position, it would simply be “Dishwasher.” Employers can also include whether it’s for a full-time or part-time role, or whatever is applicable.
Job Purpose
The main objectives of the role are mentioned here. Emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness and efficiency within the kitchen environment for a Dishwasher above all else.
This includes duties such as following sanitary regulations and making sure dishes and utensils are clean and easily accessible for food service.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Specific tasks and duties required are mentioned here, including washing dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment, organizing cleaned items and ensuring adherence to sanitation guidelines.
Each duty should be clearly outlined to ensure candidates have a full picture of the role. If they have other roles outside the kitchen, like bussing tables, then make sure to add those too.
Education
Any educational requirements relevant to the position should be mentioned here. While formal education may not be mandatory, a high school diploma or equivalent qualification may be preferred. Add preferred qualifications, such as the completion of training programs or certifications in food safety and sanitation.
[Source: O*NET OnLine]
Experience
This section outlines the desired level of experience, including any preferred industry background. Make sure to list whether experience is preferred or required, and mention the number of years.
Skills and Abilities
List the essential skills and abilities necessary for the Dishwasher role in your organization. These may include attention to detail, the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, physical stamina for standing and lifting, teamwork and adherence to safety protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
Highlight any additional qualifications or attributes that are preferred but not strictly required for the role. This could include familiarity with commercial dishwashing equipment, basic kitchen operations knowledge or related experience.
Salary and Benefits
Transparency with salaries and benefits makes it easier for job seekers to decide whether to apply to an employer’s job ad or not. Employers can include a range if the salary is negotiable.
Job benefits, such as 401(k), paid time off, health insurance, commuter benefits and more, can also heighten an employer’s chances of getting more applications.
Working Conditions
Finally, describe the working conditions associated with the role, including any relevant physical or environmental factors. For a Dishwasher, this might include working in a hot and humid kitchen environment, prolonged standing and exposure to cleaning chemicals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Dishwasher Job Description
Check out this writing guide designed to help you write and understand each component of a Dishwasher job description.
Dishwasher | [Restaurant Name]
Company: [Company Name], City, State
About [Company Name]
Provide a brief description of your establishment, including values and mission statement.
Dishwasher Job Overview
Describe the role of a dishwasher within your establishment and highlight key responsibilities and personal traits expected.
Also, mention the proposed salary and type of employment offered.
Salary: [$/hour + tips]
Schedule: [part-time, full-time, on-call]
Duties and Responsibilities
List the duties and responsibilities expected of a dishwasher in your establishment.
Experience and Skills
Detail specific qualifications and skills required, including relevant work experience and necessary abilities for the role.
Education and Qualifications
Specify the educational background, relevant certifications and qualifications necessary for the Dishwasher position.
Contact Information
Provide necessary contact details for inquiries or applications.
Contact Person:
Contact Email Address:
Contact Phone Number:
Food Service Training for Dishwashers
There are no required certifications to be a Dishwasher. However, this entry-level role is a good stepping-stone for other higher-level positions.
Job seekers who want to advance their careers can consider getting these certifications. Meanwhile, employers can add these certifications as part of the preferred qualifications in their job descriptions.
Food Handler’s Permit
Many states require food service employees to have a Food Handler’s Permit. Courses, such as ServSafe, offer certifications that demonstrate your understanding of safe food handling practices, which can be beneficial when working in a kitchen environment.
Dishwashers can consider getting a Food Handler’s Permit if they want to pursue a career in food service as prep cooks or in a related role.
First Aid and CPR Certification
Having first aid and CPR certification can be valuable in any workplace, including kitchens. Accidents can happen in a fast-paced kitchen environment, and being trained to respond appropriately can make you a more valuable team member.
Job seekers can also include this skill in their resumes to help them stand out from other applicants.
Professional Kitchen Training Courses
Look for courses specifically tailored to kitchen staff. These courses may cover topics such as food preparation techniques, kitchen safety, equipment operation and basic culinary skills. These courses can help you advance beyond dishwashing duties and into other roles within the kitchen.
Dishwasher Salary
According to BLS, the average base salary for a Dishwasher in the U.S. is $29,560 per year or $2,463.33 a month.
Average Dishwasher Base Salary:
Dishwasher Salary Across the US
Keep in mind that average salaries for Dishwashers vary depending on the state. To give you an idea of the average salary for your state, check out this summary of Dishwasher salaries across the U.S.
[Source: BLS]
This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data.
Similar Job Titles
Dishwasher Job Description FAQ
A great job description contains the specific title of the position, together with its purpose and related responsibilities (listed by importance). Job seekers should have a clear idea of what they’re getting themselves into with one read.
To attract top-tier candidates, include an introduction to your organization and list the benefits that your organization’s members receive as part of the team.
It’s best to be transparent with the salary and work schedule so job seekers can see right away if they’re a good fit.
Although not required, being transparent about the role’s salary can encourage job seekers to adjust their asking salaries and apply for the job post more quickly.
This can minimize the time spent tending to requests around compensation during the interview and salary negotiation processes.
Clearly outline the essential duties, such as operating the dishwasher, scraping dishes, cleaning the kitchen area and maintaining sanitation standards.
Don’t forget to mention any physical requirements, like lifting heavy pots or standing for long periods.
Absolutely! Emphasize the importance of teamwork, attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Highlighting a willingness to learn and a positive attitude can also be attractive to employers.
Yes! Highlighting employee benefits, such as flexible scheduling, competitive pay or meal discounts, can make your job description more attractive to potential candidates.
Job seekers don’t only look at salaries. They also look for other job benefits that make the role more worthwhile. Benefits like retirement plans can also encourage them to have a long-term career in an organization.
Avoid overly technical terms and focus on action verbs. Instead of “responsible for maintaining cleanliness,” use “clean and sanitize the kitchen area.” Keep it simple and specific.
Also, make sure the tone is positive and enthusiastic to showcase the value this role brings to your establishment.
Make sure that the language you use is comprehensive and that any work requirement is compliant with the law. For example, the hourly salary should not be below minimum wage for full-time workers.
Keep in mind that labor regulations differ by state. If you’re hiring a Dishwasher in Florida, please check out our Florida Labor Law Guide.
For other states, check out our other labor law guides.
At OysterLink, we prepared job description templates for many positions in different industries.
We also have other career advice written for both employers and job seekers on topics such as resume creation, salary negotiation, application strategies and more.
