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.
- 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
- 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
How much does a Dishwasher make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$34,763
/ yrDishwasher 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.
Years of Experience Distribution
Dishwasher Insights
Pizza Port Brewing Company“The managers at Pizza Port were nice to me and I always felt encourage to try my best.”
MO-JOE's“It was also nice when you were able to work with certain people who you got along with pretty well.”
Applebee's“Good for extra money but nothing to live off of unless you are a cook.”
Pine Island Country Club“Good People to Work with but I felt like my time wasn't being valued and nothing changed no matter how hard I worked.”
Leeisa“she is nice and gives good pay”
First Watch“I'm treated really well and pay isn't bad for the job!!!”
Braum's“well i mean its great pay but when u don't do right in one department u will be switched to the dishes.”
NOVA Restaurant“People here are really nice and fun to work with.”
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.
- 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.