Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
SOC: 35-9021.00
Common Job Titles
Dish Machine Operator (DMO)
Dishwasher
Kitchen Steward
Steward
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate commercial dishwashers and glasswashers in high-volume food service settings, ensuring proper temperature and sanitation standards.
Developing
Hands-onHandle dishes, utensils, and food preparation equipment efficiently under time pressure during peak service periods.
Developing
KnowledgeClassify soiled items by type and cleaning requirements to determine appropriate washing methods and equipment settings.
Developing
Hands-onPerform inspection of washed items for cleanliness and damage following health and safety protocols to ensure compliance with sanitation standards.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management techniques to prioritize workflow coordinating with kitchen staff to maintain steady supply of clean equipment.
Developing
Hands-onExecute routine maintenance and cleaning of dishwashing equipment using appropriate cleaning chemicals and safety procedures.
Developing
KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of proper chemical usage and dilution ratios for sanitization and cleaning in accordance with health department regulations.
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MindsetParticipate in team communication and coordination responding to requests from kitchen and service staff during busy shifts.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate temperature monitoring devices and test strips to verify proper sanitization temperatures in dishwashing systems.
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KnowledgeOperate waste management systems including trash compactors maintaining kitchen cleanliness and adhering to waste disposal protocols.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Dishwashers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
471,670
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $23,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $28,740. 50th percentile: U.S. $33,670. 75th percentile: U.S. $36,750. 90th percentile: U.S. $41,600. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$23,960
10% of workers earn the following or more
$41,600
Workers on average earn
$33,220
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Administration and Management3.8/5
English Language3.3/5
Public Safety and Security3.1/5
Customer and Personal Service3.0/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
