Phoenix Living-Wage Comparison: Dishwasher Salaries

Phoenix Living-Wage Comparison: Dishwasher Salaries Key Takeaways

Average dishwasher hourly wage in Phoenix is $17.18, with daily tips around $20, totaling about $35,744 annually.
The living wage for a single adult in Maricopa County is $25.73 per hour, or $53,518 annually, significantly higher than dishwasher earnings.
Arizona’s minimum wage is $14.70 per hour as of 2025, exceeding federal minimum but well below living wage standards.

In Phoenix, dishwasher wages surpass minimum wage but fall short of the living wage required for basic expenses.

This article explores how dishwasher salaries compare to the true cost of living in Phoenix, Arizona, highlighting the challenges workers face.

1. What Is the Living Wage in Phoenix and Why It Matters

The living wage represents the hourly pay rate necessary to cover essential costs like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other needs.

For Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) calculates a living wage of $25.73 per hour for a single adult, translating to an annual income of roughly $53,518.

This estimation helps gauge whether jobs offer sufficient compensation to maintain a decent quality of life without additional financial aid.

2. Dishwasher Salaries in Phoenix vs. Living Wage

Dishwashers in Phoenix make an average hourly wage of $17.18, along with about $20 in daily tips. Assuming full-time work, this equals approximately $35,744 annually.

While this wage is above Arizona’s minimum wage of $14.70 (as of 2025), it still falls quite short of the $25.73 needed per hour to meet basic living costs in the region.

Even daily tips, which supplement income, cannot close this considerable gap.

Earnings Breakdown for Phoenix Dishwashers

Base hourly wage: $17.18
Daily tip average: $20 (approximate)
Estimated annual income: $35,744 (full-time)
Required annual income for living wage: $53,518

To understand the challenges dishwashers face, employers may want to review our restaurant staff hiring strategies to address wage issues and retention.

3. Cost of Living Factors Impacting Phoenix Dishwashers

Phoenix's cost of living is about 7% higher than the national average, with housing costs notably elevated at 16% above the U.S. average.

The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,679 per month, which alone demands an hourly income of over $32 to afford comfortably.

This figure demonstrates how basic housing expenses greatly increase the wage necessary to live sustainably in Phoenix.

Housing Affordability Challenge

With housing costs taking up a substantial portion of income, dishwashers earning $17.18 per hour face tough choices balancing rent and other expenses.

The minimum wage of $14.70 is especially insufficient, highlighting a larger systemic issue around affordable housing and wages.

Employers considering wage scales should also explore our posting jobs for restaurants salary tips guide to make competitive offers.

4. Entry-Level Job Wage Landscape in Phoenix

A recent study found that only 48.06% of entry-level jobs in Phoenix pay above the living wage for a single adult.

This fact illustrates how nearly half of workers in lower-income or entry roles, such as dishwashers, are at risk of falling below financial stability despite full-time employment.

Given these statistics, many workers must rely on supplementary income sources or public assistance programs to survive.

For dishwashers looking to advance, information on the dishwasher job description can be very helpful.

5. Why Dishwasher Wages Don’t Keep Up With Living Expenses

Several factors contribute to the wage gap experienced by dishwashers in Phoenix:

Industry Standards: Food service positions traditionally have lower wages and rely heavily on tips, which vary and are not guaranteed.
Rising Cost of Living: Rapid increases in housing, utilities, and transportation costs outpace wage growth.
Minimum Wage Floor: Although Arizona raised its minimum wage to $14.70, it remains below the living wage benchmark.
Limited Career Advancement: Entry-level dishwashing roles often have fewer opportunities for significant pay increases without additional training or promotion.

One promising promotion path could be exploring roles like line cook or prep cook, which offer better wages and career growth.

6. Strategies for Improving Dishwasher Income and Living Standards

Addressing the wage gap and cost of living pressures involves multiple approaches:

Raising Minimum Wages: Advocating for living wage standards at local or state levels can help increase baseline income.
Employer Initiatives: Restaurants and businesses can explore wage increases, tip pooling fairness, and benefits to support employees.
Skills Development: Offering training programs for workers can create pathways to higher-paying roles within the hospitality sector.
Affordable Housing Efforts: Local government and nonprofits can focus on creating more accessible housing options to reduce cost burden.

Employers should also review tips on restaurant staffing to better support dishwashers and entry-level workers.

7. Resources for Workers and Employers in Phoenix

Individuals and businesses can access support and information through these official channels:

Arizona Department of Economic Security provides worker assistance programs and employment resources.
U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division offers guidance on wage laws and labor standards.
MIT Living Wage Calculator provides detailed living wage estimates by region.

For dishwashers preparing for career advancement, our dishwasher interview questions page offers great insights into the hiring process.

Phoenix Living-Wage Comparison: Dishwasher Salaries Conclusion

Although dishwashers in Phoenix make wages above the state minimum, their earnings do not keep pace with the living wage required to cover essential expenses in the area.

The cost of housing and other living expenses creates a significant financial strain on workers earning an average of $17.18 per hour, even with tips.

Improving wage standards, increasing affordable housing, and providing pathways for career advancement are critical to helping dishwashers and other entry-level workers achieve economic stability in Phoenix.

Consider learning more about career growth from dishwasher to entrepreneur for inspiration on potential advancement.

01. What is the average hourly wage for dishwashers in Phoenix?

The average hourly wage for dishwashers in Phoenix is $17.18, with additional daily tips estimated at $20.

02. How does the living wage in Phoenix compare to dishwasher salaries?

Dishwasher salaries around $17.18 plus tips are significantly below the living wage of $25.73 per hour required for a single adult in Maricopa County.

03. Why is the cost of living a challenge for dishwashers in Phoenix?

Higher housing costs, including median rents of $1,679 per month, contribute to the difficulty dishwashers face in making ends meet on current wages.

04. What strategies can improve dishwasher incomes?

Strategies include raising minimum wages, employer wage initiatives, skills development, and increasing affordable housing availability.

05. Where can workers find resources and assistance in Phoenix?

Workers and employers can access support from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.