What Dishwashers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Dishwashers this way: "Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand"; "Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas"; "Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition"; "Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars"; "Sweep or scrub floors".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Dishwashers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 480,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 475,600 in 2035, a decrease of 4,800 jobs (-1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 68,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 14.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $34,810, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Dishwashers earn the most
Across the 19 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $29,891 in Texas to $39,909 in Washington, a gap of $10,018 (1.34 times). 11 of those 19 states average above the BLS national median of $34,810 and 8 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 73,720, which is 16.6% of the 443,370 counted across them. Florida follows with 39,900.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($39,909), California ($38,308) and New Hampshire ($37,244) lead the ranking, while Texas ($29,891) and Georgia ($30,308) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Dishwashers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 25 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $11,094. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $11,453 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 14 of the 25 markets and falls short in 11. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 40.9% and 111.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Dishwashers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-9000) include Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers and Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop.
Frequently asked questions about Dishwashers
How much do Dishwashers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $34,810. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $29,891 to $39,909.
Which state pays Dishwashers the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $39,909. California is next at $38,308.
Is Dishwashers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 68,900 openings a year.
What education do Dishwashers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Dishwashers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $11,094 on a median wage of $37,010.