What does a Dishwasher do?

Dishwashers are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitization of dishes, tableware, glassware, pots, pans, and utensils through manual and machine cleaning methods. Additionally, dishwashers are expected to keep the dishwarshing area clean and safe.

Dishwashers generally have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many dishwashers enhance their employability by getting a food handler certification card, which is obtained by taking a short course or program that covers food safety. Dishwashers need strong prioritization and organizational skills.

What responsibilities are common for Dishwasher jobs?
  • Scrape, rinse, and load dishes and utensils into dish machine
  • Wash and sanitize all pans, utensils, and dishes
  • Clean, sanitize, and maintain dish machine
  • Unload dishes and utensils from dish machine and organize them properly
  • Empty trash containers regularly
  • Maintain a clean work area and kitchen by sweeping and mopping as needed
  • Perform additional cleaning duties as requested
  • Clean food prep stations and equipment
What are the typical qualifications for Dishwasher jobs?
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
  • Restaurant or customer service experience preferred
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a food handler certification card
  • Must be able to stand continuously throughout an 8 hour shift
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Comfortable bending, climbing, reaching, stooping, and moving quickly
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Working knowledge of sanitation procedures
  • Ability to read, write, and speak in English
EducationBachelor's Degree
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.2 ★
Avg. Experience8+ years

How much does a Dishwasher make near United States?

Confident
$37,810 /yr
Total Pay
$35,312
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$2,498
 /yr

Additional Pay

$37,810

 / yr
$29K$51K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
See More Insights

Dishwasher Career Path

Learn how to become a Dishwasher, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Dishwasher I
$39,958/yr
Dishwasher
$37,810/yr
Dishwasher

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
23%
2 - 4
7%
5 - 7
0%
8+
70%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Dishwasher Insights

Read what Dishwasher professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Pizza Port Brewing CompanyPizza Port Brewing Company
Dishwasher
Feb 2, 2023

“The managers at Pizza Port were nice to me and I always felt encourage to try my best.”

MO-JOE'sMO-JOE's
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Feb 7, 2022

“It was also nice when you were able to work with certain people who you got along with pretty well.”

Applebee'sApplebee's
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Oct 27, 2021

“Good for extra money but nothing to live off of unless you are a cook.”

LeeisaLeeisa
Dishwasher
Jun 16, 2021

“she is nice and gives good pay”

First WatchFirst Watch
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Jan 31, 2022

“I'm treated really well and pay isn't bad for the job!!!”

Denny'sDenny's
Dishwasher
Jul 8, 2021

“It was good and people were nice.”

Patrick’s Bakery & Café
Dishwasher
Oct 4, 2021

“It's an awful place to work and I can't wait for it to get shut down.”

Furious SpoonFurious Spoon
Dishwasher
May 17, 2023

“My general manager quit and came back in drunk the first week I worked there.”

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Dishwasher Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Dishwasher

When working as a Dishwasher, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Time Management, Excellent Communication, Strong WORK Ethic, Urgency, and English Language.

The most similar professions to Dishwasher are:
  • Line Cook
  • Prep Cook
  • Cook
  • Server

The most common qualifications to become a Dishwasher include a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 years of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.

Related Careers

Line Cook
$41,712
13% skills overlap
Prep Cook
$39,267
38% skills overlap
Cook
$40,964
50% skills overlap
Server
$56,852
25% skills overlap

Dishwasher Jobs