How to Hire Dishwasher in Chicago: Requirements, Wages and Interview Tips

Hiring Dishwasher in Chicago: Key Takeaways

Chicago's minimum wage for dishwashers is $16.60 per hour as of July 1, 2025, for non-tipped employees.
Average dishwasher wages in Chicago are about $18.29 per hour, higher than the national average.
Effective hiring includes assessing physical stamina, work ethic, availability, and hygiene awareness.

Hiring a dishwasher in Chicago requires compliance with wage laws and clear understanding of job expectations.

This guide reviews hiring requirements, wage standards, and interview tips for successful recruitment.

For employers looking to streamline recruitment, check out our restaurant staff hiring guide for effective strategies.

1. Understanding Dishwasher Wage Requirements in Chicago

Chicago enforces a local minimum wage ordinance that applies to dishwashers as non-tipped employees. Effective July 1, 2025, the minimum wage is set at $16.60 per hour for these roles.

For positions considered tipped, the base wage drops to $12.62 per hour; however, employers must ensure total compensation from wages plus tips meets the standard minimum of $16.60. If it doesn't, the employer must pay the difference.

Dishwashers typically fall under the non-tipped category, so the higher wage applies, but clarity on tip-sharing policies is important (covered below).

Employers can learn more about proper tip handling with our detailed tip sharing policies advice.

2. Average Dishwasher Wages and Variations in Chicago

The average hourly wage for dishwashers in Chicago is approximately $18.29, around 18% above the national average. This reflects Chicago's higher cost of living and labor market conditions.

Wages vary by employer. For example:

McDonald's in Chicago pays close to $18.18 per hour.
Chili's offers a slightly lower average of $15.80 per hour.

These figures indicate some flexibility, depending on the restaurant's size, location, and policies.

For insight on competitive wage standards, see our restaurant wages compared by state article.

3. Key Job Requirements for Dishwasher Positions in Chicago

Dishwashing is often considered an entry-level job, making it accessible to candidates without prior experience.

However, employers prioritize traits such as:

Physical stamina: Dishwashers need to stand for extended periods and lift heavy objects.
Reliability: Punctuality and consistency are crucial for smoothly running kitchen operations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment: Kitchen demand peaks during busy meal times.
Flexibility: Candidates should be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Dishwasher positions share similarities with roles such as bussers and kitchen porters, where physical stamina and reliability are key.

4. Interview Tips for Hiring Dishwashers in Chicago

Successful hiring involves assessing candidates beyond their resumes. Consider these interview focal points:

Assess Physical Capability

Confirm that applicants can handle the physical requirements such as standing for hours and lifting heavy trays or cleaning equipment safely.

Evaluate Work Ethic and Reliability

Ask about previous work experiences that demonstrate punctuality, dependability, and ability to work in teams, especially in demanding environments.

Discuss Availability for Scheduling Needs

Ensure candidate availability aligns with peak business hours, including nights, weekends, and holiday shifts.

Hygiene and Food Safety Awareness

Inquire about their understanding of cleanliness standards and food safety protocols to maintain health code compliance.

For interview question ideas specific to dishwashers, see our guide on dishwasher interview questions.

5. Additional Considerations for Hiring Dishwashers in Chicago

Fair Workweek Ordinance

Chicago's Fair Workweek Ordinance requires employers of certain sizes to provide predictable schedules and compensation for last-minute changes. While primarily affecting larger businesses, understanding this law helps maintain fair scheduling and employee satisfaction.

Although dishwashers are usually non-tipped employees, some Chicago restaurants include them in tip-sharing arrangements, which can add about $20 daily.

Clarify your establishment’s policy on tip sharing during hiring to set accurate compensation expectations.

Learn more about managing tip policies effectively at how to post jobs for tipped employees.

6. Best Practices for Hiring Dishwashers in Chicago

Be clear about wage rates and tip policies during recruitment.
Use behavioral interview questions to assess reliability and teamwork skills.
Communicate physical job demands openly to ensure candidate understanding.
Verify availability upfront to reduce scheduling conflicts.
Review candidates’ knowledge or willingness to learn sanitation standards.

7. Relevant Government Resources for Hiring Dishwashers in Chicago

For updated wage guidelines, labor laws, and overtime rules refer to these official sites:

Hiring Dishwasher in Chicago: Conclusion

Hiring dishwashers in Chicago successfully means aligning with local wage laws, understanding job demands, and conducting thorough interviews focused on physical capability, work ethic, and availability.

By incorporating fair scheduling practices and clarifying tip-sharing policies, employers can attract reliable staff and ensure compliance.

Utilizing government resources further supports a transparent, lawful hiring process that benefits both employers and employees.

Discover how embracing new industry trends can improve recruitment and retention in our restaurant labor shortage insights.

01. What is the minimum wage for dishwashers in Chicago as of 2025?

As of July 1, 2025, Chicago's minimum wage for dishwashers is set at $16.60 per hour for non-tipped employees.

02. Do dishwashers in Chicago participate in tip sharing?

While dishwashers are usually non-tipped employees, some Chicago restaurants include them in tip-sharing arrangements, potentially adding about $20 a day.

03. What key traits do employers look for when hiring dishwashers in Chicago?

Employers prioritize physical stamina, reliability, ability to work in fast-paced environments, and schedule flexibility.

04. What is the Fair Workweek Ordinance in Chicago?

The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires certain employers to provide predictable scheduling and compensation for last-minute shift changes.

05. Where can employers find official wage and labor law information?

Employers can refer to the City of Chicago Minimum Wage Information, Illinois Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act websites for updates.