A dishwasher cleans dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service settings. It is hands-on, entry-level work with no degree required. Here is what the job involves, how to prepare, and how to get started.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Dishwashers operate commercial dishwashing machines and hand-wash items that cannot go through them. You handle and move objects throughout the kitchen, inspect equipment and dishes for cleanliness and damage, and perform general physical activities like standing, lifting, and carrying. You judge the quality of your work and that of others, communicate with kitchen staff and supervisors about what needs washing and when, and may train newer team members on procedures. You also follow food safety and sanitation rules to keep the kitchen safe and clean.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Dishwashers earn a median of $34,810 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 0 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 76,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most dishwasher positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, though some hire without it. You need basic preparation in job skills and workplace basics. Look for entry-level positions at restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and catering companies. Many employers provide on-the-job training in their specific equipment and procedures. Starting as a dishwasher can lead to other kitchen roles if you show reliability and interest in learning more about food preparation and kitchen operations.
Most dishwashers start by applying directly to food service employers or working with a job counselor to find openings. If you are exploring this path and want to map out next steps, Pathly can map the dishwasher path that fits you with your counselor to create a plan that fits your timeline and goals.
You prefer hands-on work and like working with objects and systems. You are reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced kitchen environment where teamwork and clear communication matter.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).