Dishwashers
Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in food service establishments. They work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, hospitals, and other venues that prepare and serve food. The role involves operating commercial dishwashing machines, hand washing items, and maintaining cleanliness in kitchen areas.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dishwashers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A dishwasher typically loads and unloads commercial dishwashers, sprays and scrubs dishes and cookware, and stacks clean items for storage. Work includes wiping down surfaces, taking out trash, and restocking supplies. During busy service times, the pace quickens significantly. Tasks repeat throughout shifts that often run several hours, with breaks between peak periods.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you prefer practical, hands-on tasks and appreciate structured routines and clear standards for cleanliness. You're organized, reliable, and satisfied by completing concrete work that directly supports a functioning kitchen.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- CADRG Data Steward (Hiring Event) · National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency · Arnold, Missouri · $76573–$141880
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $36,330 | $40,080 | $45,010 | 12,630 |
| District of Columbia | $38,060 | $38,670 | $39,720 | 3,580 |
| California | $36,260 | $37,870 | $42,480 | 74,160 |
| Colorado | $34,620 | $37,840 | $41,120 | 8,500 |
| Hawaii | $32,240 | $37,740 | $48,650 | 4,520 |
| Massachusetts | $35,690 | $37,190 | $41,910 | 14,100 |
| Illinois | $31,790 | $36,180 | $37,660 | 16,250 |
| Oregon | $33,760 | $36,040 | $37,890 | 6,680 |
| Vermont | $30,220 | $36,010 | $38,150 | 1,280 |
| New Jersey | $32,800 | $35,900 | $37,640 | 7,450 |
| Delaware | $31,200 | $35,780 | $37,580 | 1,520 |
| Maine | $32,410 | $35,620 | $38,110 | 2,940 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dishwashers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-9021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.