Dishwasher Salary in Charleston, SC
Dishwashers in Charleston, SC, in 2025, earn approximately $16.47 per hour, which translates to about $658.80 per week, $2,854.80 per month, and $34,257.60 per year.
The demand for Dishwashers in Charleston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive and expanding job market for this vital hospitality role.
How Much Does a Dishwasher Make in Charleston, SC?
The salary of a Dishwasher in Charleston varies based on experience level and employer. Below is a general overview of earnings across different stages of a Dishwasher’s career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.43 | $537.20 | $2,325.33 | $27,934.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.47 | $658.80 | $2,854.80 | $34,257.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $20.20 | $808.00 | $3,493.33 | $41,996.00 |
Do Dishwashers in Charleston Earn Tips?
Dishwashers generally do not earn tips as their work is usually behind the scenes and independent of direct customer interaction. Their income consists mainly of their hourly wage without additional tip earnings.
Dishwasher Salary in Charleston vs. National Average
Nationally, Dishwashers earn an average of about $15.38 per hour, equating to approximately $31,990.40 per year.
In comparison, Dishwashers in Charleston earn slightly above the national average with $16.47 per hour and $34,257.60 annually.
This difference may reflect regional cost of living and demand in Charleston’s hospitality industry.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Charleston for Dishwashers
Nearby areas to Charleston with notable Dishwasher salaries include:
- Downtown Charleston: $16.47 per hour
- Mount Pleasant: $15.34 per hour
Dishwashers working in Downtown Charleston tend to earn higher wages compared to Mount Pleasant, possibly due to higher demand in that urban center.
What Influences a Dishwasher’s Salary in Charleston?
Several factors impact how much a Dishwasher can earn in Charleston:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Dishwashers familiar with kitchen operations and sanitation may earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Larger or upscale restaurants and hotels often offer better pay than casual or fast-food venues.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening or weekend shifts might include premium pay or shift differentials.
- Additional Responsibilities: Dishwashers who assist in other kitchen tasks or maintain equipment can command higher salaries.
- Local Demand: High tourism seasons and busy hospitality periods in Charleston can increase earning opportunities.
How To Become a Dishwasher in Charleston
Beginning a career as a Dishwasher in Charleston can be straightforward but benefits from targeted preparation:
- Obtain Basic Culinary Knowledge: Programs like those offered by the Culinary Institute of Charleston and Trident Technical College provide valuable insights into kitchen operations and sanitation, which can make a candidate more attractive.
- Get Certified in Food Safety: Certifications such as ServSafe Food Handler Certification and OSHA Kitchen Safety Certification are often required and demonstrate commitment to safe food and work practices.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Entry-level kitchen roles or volunteering can help build necessary skills and workplace familiarity.
- Develop Reliability and Teamwork Skills: Dishwashers need to be dependable and work well with kitchen staff.
Top Employers Hiring Dishwashers in Charleston
Some of the prominent employers in Charleston actively hiring Dishwashers include:
- American Cruise Lines
- Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
- Whole Foods Market
Establishments That Dishwashers in Charleston Work At
Dishwashers commonly work in a variety of hospitality establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These often have steady workloads with moderate wage scales.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Offer consistent hours and can provide experience in fast-paced kitchen environments.
- Hotels and Resorts: Usually provide higher wages and may include benefits due to larger organizational structure.
- Catering and Event Venues: Seasonality can affect hours but may pay more during busy periods.
The type of establishment influences the workload, work environment, and salary potential for Dishwashers.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Charleston for Dishwashers
If you're exploring roles related to Dishwasher positions in Charleston, here are some similar careers to consider:
These include Kitchen Porter, Fry Cook, and Prep Cook, each requiring culinary knowledge and offering varied salary ranges in Charleston's hospitality sector.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Dishwashers in Charleston
Dishwashers should familiarize themselves with relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure fair employment and compliance:
- For federal labor regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- South Carolina specific labor licensing and rules can be found on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website.
- For local regulations and resources, check the City of Charleston official website.