How to become a dishwasher

Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What dishwashers do

• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
• Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
• Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
• Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
• Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
• Clean garbage cans with water or steam.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Learning Strategies
• Active Learning
• Writing

Is dishwasher a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 32% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Washington $40,080
• District of Columbia $38,670
• California $37,870
• Colorado $37,840
• Hawaii $37,740

Dishwashers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.