Dishwashers
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
Also called: Busser · Dish Machine Operator (DMO) · Dish Room Worker · Dish Runner · Dish Technician (Dish Tech) · Dishwasher
Median pay (national)
$33,670
$23,960–$41,600 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
471,670
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+0.2%
~76,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
No formal educational credential
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for dishwashers shows a relatively narrow range: the top 10% earn $41,600 versus $23,960 at the bottom 10% — 1.7x. The median of $33,670 leaves roughly 24% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +0.2% from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 76,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $37,600, +12% vs the national median), while Guam sits lowest at $20,220 — a 86% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Learning Strategies
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
- Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
- Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
- Clean garbage cans with water or steam.
- Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- Sweep or scrub floors.
- Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.
- Receive and store supplies.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Windows
Knowledge areas
- English Language
- Food Production
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Transportation