Dishwashers
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
Also called: Breakdown Person, Bus Person, Busser, Dish Machine Operator (DMO), Dish Person, Dish Room Worker
Median pay
$34,810
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$26,200 – $42,860
People employed
477,450
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Dishwashers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What dishwashers do
- 01Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- 02Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- 03Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- 04Sweep or scrub floors.
- 05Load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.
- 06Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
Knowledge
- English Language
- Food Production
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from dishwashers
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers84% · 0%
- Food Preparation Workers80% · +1%
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment79% · +3%
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders78% · +25%
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders76% · +24%
Change into dishwashers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners78% · $36,840
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers78% · $34,890
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment76% · $35,830
- Cooks, Restaurant76% · $37,390
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners76% · $35,510