Dishwasher Salary in Wilmington, NC
Dishwashers in Wilmington, NC, in 2026, earn approximately $13.26 per hour, which translates to about $530.40 per week, $2,298.40 per month, and $27,580.80 per year.
The demand for Dishwashers in Wilmington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for job availability and opportunities in this essential kitchen-support role.
How Much Does a Dishwasher Make in Wilmington, NC?
The salary of a Dishwasher in Wilmington varies with experience and employer, but here is an overview across various skill levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.81 | $432.40 | $1,872.27 | $22,507.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $13.26 | $530.40 | $2,298.40 | $27,580.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $16.27 | $650.80 | $2,804.53 | $33,705.60 |
Do Dishwashers in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Dishwashers typically do not earn tips as their work is primarily behind the scenes in kitchen sanitation and dish maintenance, with limited direct customer interaction.
Dishwasher Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
Nationally, Dishwashers earn an hourly average of $13.26 and about $27,580.80 annually.
The salary for Dishwashers in Wilmington, NC, aligns closely with the national average, offering competitive wages that reflect the cost of living and local demand in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Dishwashers
Nearby areas offer the following pay rates for Dishwashers:
- Downtown Wilmington: $14.50 per hour
- Wrightsville Beach: $15.00 per hour
Dishwashers in Wrightsville Beach tend to earn the highest wages among local areas, possibly due to the area's tourism and hospitality demand.
What Influences a Dishwasher’s Salary in Wilmington?
Experience plays a significant role in determining a Dishwasher's salary; those with more years in kitchen environments typically command higher pay.
Skills and Efficiency such as speed, reliability, and knowledge of proper sanitation methods can affect earnings.
Type of Establishment is also key—working in higher-end restaurants, hotels, or healthcare facilities like Novant Health often results in better pay compared to casual dining or fast-food locations.
Location within Wilmington matters; areas with higher living costs and tourism, such as Wrightsville Beach, generally offer increased wages.
How To Become a Dishwasher in Wilmington
Starting as a Dishwasher in Wilmington involves several important steps:
- Obtaining basic knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, such as through the Cape Fear Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers excellent foundational training.
- Completing a Food Safety Training program like the New Hanover County Public Health Food Safety Training helps understand proper sanitization, a key part of the Dishwasher’s role.
- Gaining nationally recognized credentials such as the ServSafe Food Handler Certification, which demonstrates competency in food safety practices.
- For advancement, pursuing the North Carolina Food Protection Manager Certification can open doors to supervisory roles in kitchen settings.
Top Employers Hiring Dishwashers in Wilmington
Several notable establishments in Wilmington that frequently hire Dishwashers include:
- Novant Health
- University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Cape Fear Community College
Establishments That Dishwashers in Wilmington Work At
Dishwashers in Wilmington usually find work in a variety of foodservice settings:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These establishments provide regular shifts and moderate wages, suitable for entry-level Dishwashers.
- Fast Casual Chains: Often require efficiency and speed, with salaries sometimes slightly below higher-end venues.
- Hotels and Resorts: Typically offer higher pay rates and benefits due to scale and clientele.
- Healthcare Facilities: Places such as Novant Health emphasize cleanliness and safety, offering competitive compensation for Dishwashers.
The type of establishment affects working conditions, pay scale, and opportunities for career advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Dishwashers
If you are interested in roles related to Dishwasher positions, consider exploring these similar careers:
These related jobs include Kitchen Porter, Busser, and Fry Cook, each sharing similar environments and duties within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Dishwashers in Wilmington
Understanding applicable labor laws and tax responsibilities is crucial for Dishwashers in Wilmington.
- Federal labor standards and worker protections can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- North Carolina-specific workplace regulations and safety standards are detailed on the North Carolina Department of Labor website.
- The City of Wilmington official site offers local resources concerning employment policies and worker rights.