Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers operate machines that wash, dry-clean, and finish various fabrics and materials like garments, linens, carpets, and leather goods. They work in commercial laundries, dry-cleaning facilities, and industrial plants, handling both household and industrial items. Some workers specialize in spotting stains or dyeing fabrics.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against laundry and dry-cleaning workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical day involves loading and unloading washing or dry-cleaning machines, monitoring cycles, and transferring items between equipment. Workers inspect garments for stains and damage, operate pressing machines or steamers to finish items, and fold or hang completed work. They may sort items by fabric type or color, handle chemicals safely, and maintain equipment. Tasks repeat throughout shifts as batches of laundry or dry cleaning move through the facility.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. 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're suited for this work if you prefer hands-on tasks with clear procedures and predictable routines. You tend to be detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable following established processes—qualities valued in realistic and conventional work environments.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Laundry Worker · Veterans Health Administration · Houston, Texas · $18.27–$21.32
- LAUNDRY WORKER NA-02 · U.S. Marine Corps · Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California · $18.66–$18.66
- Laundry Worker · Veterans Health Administration · Minneapolis, Minnesota · $19.15–$24.48
- Laundry Worker Supervisor · Veterans Health Administration · Kerrville, Texas · $28.22–$32.92
- Laundry Worker · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Multiple Locations · $19.48–$19.48
- Laundry Worker Leader · Veterans Health Administration · Muskogee, Oklahoma · $20.81–$24.23
- Laundry Worker · Veterans Health Administration · Waco, Texas · $18.23–$21.27
- Laundry Worker Supervisor · Veterans Health Administration · North Little Rock, Arkansas · $26.07–$30.42
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 | $37,780 | $39,590 | $44,100 | 3,870 |
| Oregon | $36,020 | $37,800 | $43,280 | 1,890 |
| California | $36,420 | $37,790 | $42,060 | 21,940 |
| District of Columbia | $36,960 | $37,790 | $42,850 | 320 |
| Colorado | $35,800 | $37,680 | $42,950 | 3,370 |
| Minnesota | $34,340 | $37,580 | $43,140 | 3,530 |
| Massachusetts | $35,920 | $37,490 | $38,930 | 3,700 |
| North Dakota | $33,640 | $37,470 | $40,210 | 840 |
| Maine | $35,920 | $37,380 | $39,550 | 820 |
| Vermont | $36,310 | $37,300 | $41,720 | 280 |
| Rhode Island | $35,530 | $37,230 | $40,130 | 650 |
| New Hampshire | $35,890 | $36,860 | $38,670 | 890 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Master Textile Cleaner (JTC) — Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification
- Certified Laundry and Linen Manager (CLLD) — Association for Linen Management
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 laundry and dry-cleaning workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.