Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

SOC code 51-6011 · O*NET-SOC 51-6011.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers pay

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

Median pay

$34,890

a year

Hourly

$16.78

per hour

10th$27,440Median$34,89090th$43,190

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

Average pay

$34,920

$16.79 per hour

Middle 50%

$30,360 – $37,560

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$27,440 – $43,190

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

198,040

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $27,440; $13.19/hr
25th percentile: $30,360; $14.60/hr
Median percentile: $34,890; $16.78/hr
75th percentile: $37,560; $18.06/hr
90th percentile: $43,190; $20.77/hr

What do laundry and dry-cleaning workers do?

Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
Apply chemicals to neutralize the effects of solvents.
Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.

How to qualify for this work

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 →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a laundry and dry-cleaning workers earn?

The national median is $34,890 a year. The full range runs from $27,440 at the 10th percentile to $43,190 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 laundry and dry-cleaning workers 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 Listening2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Speaking2.6/5
Reading Comprehension2.5/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing2.7/5
English Language2.5/5

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