What Does a Dishwasher Do?
A Dishwasher keeps a restaurant kitchen functioning by cleaning and sanitizing dishes, cookware, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They maintain the cleanliness of the dish area and support the kitchen team by ensuring a steady supply of clean items throughout service. Despite being an entry-level position, the role is critical to kitchen efficiency and food safety.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Busser, Dish Machine Operator (DMO), Dish Room Worker, Dish Runner, Dish Technician (Dish Tech), Kitchen Helper, Kitchen Steward, Steward.
Dishwasher Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a dishwasher include:
- Operate commercial dishwashing machines to clean plates, glasses, silverware, and cooking equipment.
- Hand-wash delicate items and oversized cookware that cannot go through the dishwasher.
- Sort and organize clean dishes, pots, and utensils in their designated storage areas.
- Maintain the dish pit area in a clean, organized, and sanitary condition at all times.
- Empty trash cans and recycling bins throughout the kitchen and dispose of waste properly.
- Assist with sweeping, mopping, and deep cleaning kitchen floors at the end of each shift.
- Restock cleaning supplies and notify management when inventory runs low.
- Support prep cooks and line cooks with basic tasks during slower dishwashing periods.
- Monitor dishwasher machine temperatures and chemical levels to ensure proper sanitization.
- Follow all health and safety guidelines for handling cleaning chemicals and hot equipment.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a dishwasher, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Ability to work quickly and efficiently
- Physical stamina for prolonged standing and lifting
- Knowledge of sanitation and cleaning procedures
- Reliability and strong work ethic
- Ability to work in a hot and humid environment
- Basic equipment operation and maintenance
- Teamwork and willingness to assist others
- Time management during high-volume periods
Education and Training
No formal education is required for Dishwasher positions, making this one of the most accessible roles in the food service industry. Employers typically provide all necessary training on the job, covering equipment operation, safety procedures, and cleaning standards. A food handler's permit may be required depending on local health department regulations. This role is an excellent starting point for individuals interested in exploring a career in the culinary or hospitality field, as it offers direct exposure to kitchen operations.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $23,000 - $30,000 per year
Dishwasher positions are consistently available across the food service industry, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and institutional dining facilities. The role has one of the lowest barriers to entry in the hospitality sector, making it accessible to job seekers of all backgrounds. While the work is physically demanding, it provides a reliable path into the kitchen environment. Many successful chefs and kitchen managers started their careers as dishwashers, and employers often promote from within to prep cook and line cook positions.
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as dishwashers about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 84% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 75% spend more than half the workday on their feet
- 67% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 56% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 56% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
- 47% work against deadlines every day
- 37% spend more than half the day walking or moving around
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or GED | 56% |
| Less than high school | 43% |
Tools and Software Dishwashers Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Operation and Control, Coordination, Active Listening, Time Management, Speaking, Critical Thinking.
Knowledge areas used most: English Language, Food Production, Education and Training, Customer and Personal Service, Public Safety and Security.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 1 of 5, which means little or no preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Dishwasher Job
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Sources
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 35-9021.00 (Dishwashers). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.