Dishwashers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Dishwashers fall under the Food Preparation and Serving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Dishwashers earn a median salary of $33,670 per year, ranking in the top 98% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +0.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do dishwashers earn?

The median annual wage for dishwashers is $33,670. That puts dishwashers at #796 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is dishwashers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for dishwashers is +0.2%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 477K positions in 2024 to 478K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do dishwashers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working dishwashers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
2. 2.Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
3. 3.Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
4. 4.Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.
5. 5.Clean garbage cans with water or steam.
6. 6.Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
7. 7.Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
8. 8.Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.

Top skills for dishwashers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become dishwasher?

Many dishwashers enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Chefs and Head Cooks
  $60,990 median
• Cooks, Private Household
  $44,530 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
  $42,010 median
• Cooks, Restaurant
  $36,830 median
• Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
  $36,450 median
• Cooks, All Other
  $36,210 median

Common questions parents ask about dishwashers