Dishwashers

SOC code 35-9021 · O*NET-SOC 35-9021.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Food service and hospitality

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation

Dishwashers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$34,810

a year

Hourly

$16.73

per hour

10th$26,200Median$34,81090th$42,860

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$34,310

$16.49 per hour

Middle 50%

$29,690 – $37,440

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$26,200 – $42,860

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

477,450

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $26,200; $12.59/hr
25th percentile: $29,690; $14.27/hr
Median percentile: $34,810; $16.73/hr
75th percentile: $37,440; $18.00/hr
90th percentile: $42,860; $20.61/hr

What does a dishwasher do?

Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
Sweep or scrub floors.
Load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.
Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

How to become a dishwasher

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)56%
Less than a High School Diploma43%
Some College Courses1%

Common questions

How much does a dishwasher earn?

The national median is $34,810 a year. The full range runs from $26,200 at the 10th percentile to $42,860 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a dishwasher without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening2.6/5
Speaking2.5/5
Critical Thinking2.5/5
Monitoring2.5/5

Knowledge areas

English Language3.2/5
Food Production2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Coordination, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Operations Monitoring.