Dishwasher
SOC 35-9021.00 · ESCO 9412 · OSCA 851232
Role snapshot
Overview
Operates commercial dishwashing machines and hand-washes cookware in a restaurant or catering kitchen, keeping a steady supply of clean plates, utensils, and equipment for service. This role is crucial for maintaining hygiene standards and supporting efficient kitchen operations.
Ensures a clean and sanitary environment for food preparation and dining, directly contributing to public health and customer satisfaction.
On the job
- Load, operate, and unload commercial dishwashing machines and ensure their proper function.
- Hand-wash pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment not suitable for machines.
- Organise and efficiently store clean dishes, utensils, and equipment in designated areas.
- Maintain cleanliness and order in the dishwashing area, including floors, walls, and work surfaces.
- Assist with basic kitchen cleaning tasks and waste management as needed.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
StableDemand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Education & training
No formal education required, but basic literacy and numeracy are beneficial.
AI impact outlook
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detail
Note — this is our current view. AI is moving fast, so we revisit these ratings.
Show how this was assessed Hide the detailWhy this role received this rating
Core task exposure
low
How much of the role’s important work could AI perform?
The core tasks involve physical handling, loading, and inspection of varied items, which current AI models offer minimal direct assistance with.
End-to-end automation
low
Can AI complete the work without substantial human involvement?
While commercial dishwashers automate the washing cycle, the entire workflow from dirty dishes to storage requires human intervention for sorting, loading, and unloading.
Adoption pressure
low
How likely are employers to introduce AI into this work?
The capital expenditure for fully automated dishwashing systems often outweighs the labor cost savings, especially given the current limitations of robotics.
Human dependence
moderate
How much does success depend on human judgement, relationships and accountability?
Success depends heavily on human vigilance for hygiene, sorting, and careful handling of breakable items, which AI cannot reliably replicate.
Protective — a higher rating lowers the overall score.
Role adaptability
low
How easily can the role evolve as AI takes on more tasks?
The role's core functions are highly specific and physical, offering limited scope for adaptation beyond general kitchen support or cleaning tasks.
Shown for context — not part of the score.
What AI may take on
These are the parts of the role most likely to be automated or significantly accelerated.
- Inventory tracking of cleaning supplies and detergents
- Monitoring dishwasher cycles for optimal water and energy usage
- Scheduling routine maintenance based on usage data
- Basic visual pre-screening of items for major debris detection
Where people remain essential
These parts continue to depend heavily on human judgement, relationships and accountability.
- Loading and unloading varied sizes and types of dishes and cookware
- Hand-washing delicate or heavily soiled items not suitable for machines
- Organising and storing clean equipment efficiently and safely
- Maintaining cleanliness and order of the dishwashing area
- Troubleshooting machine jams or operational issues
- Inspecting items for residual food or damage before storage
- Adapting to unexpected changes in kitchen volume and workflow
How the role may evolve
From manual repetitive tasks to oversight of semi-automated processes.
The core physical demands of the role are likely to persist, though some administrative or monitoring tasks might be offloaded to smart systems over time.
Strengthen your future fit
- Proficiency with commercial kitchen equipment operation and basic maintenance
- Attention to detail for hygiene and quality control
- Time management and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Basic troubleshooting of mechanical issues
- Understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Assessment horizon
- 3–7 years
- Confidence
- High
- Last reviewed
- August 2026
- Methodology
- v1.0
This assessment reflects current AI capabilities and expected adoption patterns. Actual impacts will vary by industry, employer and the way each role is performed.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Dishwasher
Hospitality & Food Service
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
realistic · RCS
Individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, prefer structured environments, and are comfortable working as part of a team tend to find satisfaction in this role.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Follows established procedures and maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Agreeable
Works cooperatively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and efficiency even during busy and demanding service times.
Practical
Prefers concrete, hands-on tasks and tangible results over abstract concepts or problem-solving.
Organised
Keeps the dish station tidy, supplies well-stocked, and equipment in its proper place for efficiency.
Best for
- Individuals who prefer concrete tasks and contributing to team goals.
- Those who thrive in a structured, fast-paced environment.
- People who value cleanliness and order in their work.
Watch out for
- The work is physically demanding and requires standing for long periods in a hot, wet environment.
- Repetitive tasks may not suit those seeking constant novelty or creative expression.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Dishwasher — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
Real people. Real results.
Thousands of people
can't be wrong.
Frequently asked questions about Dishwasher roles
What does a Dishwasher do?
A Dishwasher operates commercial dishwashing machines and hand-washes cookware in a restaurant or catering kitchen, keeping a steady supply of clean plates, utensils, and equipment for service. This role is crucial for maintaining hygiene standards and supporting efficient kitchen operations. Ensures a clean and sanitary environment for food preparation and dining, directly contributing to public health and customer satisfaction.
How much does a Dishwasher earn?
A Dishwasher earns a median of $29,000 per year in the US, typically ranging from $25,000 to $34,000.
What qualifications do you need to become a Dishwasher?
To become a Dishwasher, no formal education required, but basic literacy and numeracy are beneficial.
What personality suits a Dishwasher?
Dishwasher roles tend to suit people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (Conscientiousness 70/100) and reserved — comfortable with long independent focus rather than constant social contact (Extraversion 30/100). The traits that matter most in the role are Conscientious, Agreeable, Calm under pressure and Practical. Follows established procedures and maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. On interests, Dishwasher maps to a RCS Holland Code profile — individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, prefer structured environments, and are comfortable working as part of a team tend to find satisfaction in this role.
Who does a Dishwasher role suit?
A Dishwasher role is usually a strong fit for these reasons. High Realistic (R) affinity due to the hands-on, practical nature of the work. Strong Conventional (C) alignment with the need to follow hygiene protocols and maintain order. The role offers a clear, structured environment with predictable tasks.
What are the downsides of being a Dishwasher?
Dishwasher roles come with trade-offs worth weighing up. The work is physically demanding and requires standing for long periods in a hot, wet environment. Repetitive tasks may not suit those seeking constant novelty or creative expression.
What is the work environment like for a Dishwasher?
Work as a Dishwasher is mostly industrial-based with onsite arrangements common, highly structured, with set processes and deadlines and low exposure to clients or stakeholders. Around 88% of the week is focused deep work.
What skills do you need to be a Dishwasher?
Core skills for a Dishwasher include Attention to detail, Physical stamina, Time management, Hygiene practices and Teamwork.
How do you become a Dishwasher?
Common entry routes into Dishwasher roles include No Experience and Kitchen Porter.
What career progression is there for a Dishwasher?
From a Dishwasher role, common next steps include Kitchen Assistant and Line Cook.
What is the job outlook for Dishwasher roles?
The outlook for Dishwasher roles is currently rated stable. Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.
Will AI replace Dishwasher roles?
Traitstack rates automation risk for Dishwasher roles at 23 out of 100, which is low. AI contributes almost nothing to the physical handling and discernment required for dishwashing, meaning human labour remains essential for hygiene and kitchen flow. AI is most likely to take on inventory tracking of cleaning supplies and detergents, monitoring dishwasher cycles for optimal water and energy usage and scheduling routine maintenance based on usage data. Loading and unloading varied sizes and types of dishes and cookware, hand-washing delicate or heavily soiled items not suitable for machines and organising and storing clean equipment efficiently and safely stay with people. From manual repetitive tasks to oversight of semi-automated processes. That score measures how much of the work could change, not the likelihood the job disappears. It is Traitstack's current view, revisited as AI capability moves.