Dallas Salary Guide for Dishwasher: Average Pay, Tips and Benefits

Dallas Salary Guide for Dishwasher: Key Takeaways

• Average hourly wage for dishwashers in Dallas is about $15.55, with an annual salary around $32,344 full-time
• Dishwashers typically earn around $20 per day in tips, adding approximately $5,200 annually
• Top employers like Texas Roadhouse pay significantly higher wages, averaging $21.06 per hour

Dishwashers in Dallas, Texas, enjoy competitive wages well-above the federal minimum, often supplemented by daily tips and a range of employment benefits. This guide details their average pay, tipping trends, and workplace perks.

We explore how wages vary by employer and discuss what dishwashers need to know to navigate pay and benefits in Dallas.

1. Dallas Dishwasher Average Pay and Tips

Dishwashers in Dallas earn an average hourly wage of approximately $15.55 as of August 2025. For those working full-time—about 40 hours per week—this translates to an annual salary near $32,344.

This wage aligns closely with the national average for dishwashers, indicating a stable pay scale within the region.

In addition to their base salary, many dishwashers receive tips from customers or through shared tip pools. These tips average about $20 per day, which adds roughly $100 weekly or $5,200 annually to their income.

Tipped income is a significant factor for dishwashers, boosting their overall compensation and providing financial flexibility beyond hourly wages.

See our detailed dishwasher job description for more on roles and expectations in this field.

Variations in Pay by Employer

Wages for dishwashers in Dallas differ markedly depending on the employer.

Texas Roadhouse is a standout example, offering dishwasher wages averaging $21.06 per hour. This rate is about 48% higher than the national average. Such premium pay underscores Texas Roadhouse's investment in maintaining a motivated and skilled workforce.

Conversely, some restaurants or service providers may offer wages closer to the federal minimum wage; however, these are less common in Dallas due to the local cost of living.

2. Benefits and Perks for Dishwashers in Dallas

Beyond wages and tips, employers in Dallas often provide a variety of benefits to attract and retain dishwasher staff.

Examples from prominent companies include flexible scheduling options to accommodate employees’ personal needs or school commitments.

Free meals during shifts are another common perk, helping employees save on food expenses while working.

Paid sick leave is increasingly standard, enabling dishwashers to recover from illness without financial stress or job insecurity.

Major employers may also offer medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, adding valuable health security for their workforce.

For instance, Olive Garden provides flexible schedules, free employee meals, weekly pay, paid sick leave, and medical and dental insurance. They also create career pathways by offering management advancement opportunities.

Similarly, Compass Group extends benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance programs, illustrating growing investment in employee well-being.

Employers looking for guidance on hiring staff may find valuable tips in our restaurant staff hiring spotlight article.

3. The Impact of Cost of Living on Dallas Dishwasher Wages

The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, but the economic reality in Dallas demands more competitive wages.

Research indicates a single adult needs to earn approximately $20.92 per hour to cover basic living expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.

This disparity means many Dallas employers pay dishwashers wages above the minimum to meet employee needs and remain competitive in the labor market.

The average dishwasher wage of $15.55 per hour still falls short of this basic cost-of-living threshold, but when combined with tips and benefits, compensation becomes more viable.

Understanding cost of living in Dallas can help employers and workers alike make informed compensation decisions.

4. Factors Influencing Dishwasher Pay in Dallas

Several factors affect what a Dallas dishwasher might earn, including:

• Employer type: Chain restaurants or large hospitality companies typically offer higher wages and better benefits than smaller, independent establishments.
• Experience and skill level: Dishwashers with more experience or cross-training may command better pay.
• Shift timings: Night or weekend shifts sometimes offer shift differentials or increased tipping opportunities.
• Location within Dallas: Areas with a higher cost of living might see employers offering more competitive wages.

For individuals considering advancement, moving from dishwasher roles to positions like prep cook or line cook offers reasonable career development pathways.

5. Maximizing Earnings and Benefits as a Dishwasher in Dallas

Dishwashers looking to maximize their earning potential can consider a few strategies:

• Seek employment with reputable chains known for paying above-average wages and offering benefits.
• Focus on roles offering tip opportunities, such as restaurants with table service, rather than solely back-of-house positions without tips.
• Build skills and reliability to qualify for raise considerations and potential promotion paths, such as kitchen assistant or prep cook roles.
• Take advantage of employer-provided benefits like health insurance and paid leave to increase overall compensation value.

Employers can learn how to hire reliable kitchen staff to reduce turnover and maintain a stable workforce.

6. Legal Guidance and Employer Responsibilities in Dallas

Dishwasher wages and working conditions are governed by federal and state labor laws.

The U.S. Department of Labor enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets minimum wage, overtime pay, and tip-related regulations relevant to dishwashers.

Texas state laws align closely with federal standards but may vary slightly in enforcement or specific provisions.

Employers in Dallas must comply with these laws to avoid legal issues and ensure fair compensation practices.

For employers, understanding restaurant owner responsibilities helps uphold legal and ethical standards.

7. Resources for Dishwashers Seeking More Information in Dallas

If you are a dishwasher or prospective employee looking for detailed information, consider these resources:

• U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for wage and hour regulations
• Texas Workforce Commission for state-specific labor laws and employment assistance
• City of Dallas Official Website for local labor ordinances and community resources

Job seekers may also benefit from reviewing dishwasher interview questions to prepare for hiring processes.

Dallas Salary Guide for Dishwasher: Conclusion

Dishwashers in Dallas enjoy a pay scale that generally exceeds the federal minimum wage, with an average hourly rate near $15.55 and meaningful tips that increase their earnings significantly.

Various employers supplement wages with valuable benefits such as meal provisions, health insurance, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career growth.

While many factors influence pay, choosing the right employer and leveraging benefits can help dishwashers secure a stable and rewarding employment experience.