How to become dishwasherseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Food Service Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$34,810

25th–75th pct. $29,690–$37,440

Top pay (est.)

$55,700

Top 10% $42,860

Pay in 5 years

$40,300est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$46,700est.

$40,100–$54,200

Outlook score

43/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

20%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

−1.0%

69K openings / yr

How to become dishwashers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Dishwashers

Key skills

Coordination

2.0

Service Orientation

2.0

Troubleshooting

2.0

Quality Control Analysis

2.0

Operations Monitoring

2.0

Equipment Maintenance

2.0

Operation and Control

2.0

Social Perceptiveness

2.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

English Language

2.6

Education and Training

2.4

Food Production

1.9

Public Safety and Security

1.9

Customer and Personal Service

1.8

Administration and Management

1.5

Chemistry

1.3

Communications and Media

1.1

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Manual DexterityExtent FlexibilityTrunk StrengthArm-Hand SteadinessStatic StrengthMultilimb Coordination

Education of workers

High school diploma

56%

Less than high school

43%

Training before entry

None / short demo

51%

Up to 1 month

45%

1–3 months

Related work experience

None

44%

Up to 1 month

28%

6–12 months

14%

3–6 months

12%

1–3 months

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as dishwashers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Fast Food and Counter Workers Perform duties such as taking orders and serving food and beverages.	$31,200	57/100	30%
2	Waiters and Waitresses Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.	$35,230	50/100	18%
3	Cooks, Restaurant Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants.	$37,390	65/100	19%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in preparing and serving food.	$44,080	60/100	30%
5	Food Preparation Workers Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.	$35,320	42/100	30%
6	Bartenders Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.	$34,340	58/100	20%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.