Skilled Trades

Drycleaner

SOC 51-6011.00 · ESCO 8157 · OSCA 811331

Role snapshot

Overview

A Drycleaner is responsible for cleaning garments and textiles using chemical solvents and specialised machines rather than water. This involves inspecting items for stains, selecting appropriate cleaning methods, operating pressing and finishing equipment, and ensuring clothes are returned in excellent condition. They handle delicate fabrics, operate complex machinery, and often interact directly with customers.

Helps individuals and businesses maintain their garments and textiles, preserving quality, extending lifespan, and ensuring a professional appearance for clothing and household items.

On the job

Inspect garments for stains, damage, and fabric type before cleaning.
Operate and monitor dry cleaning and laundry machines, including loading, unloading, and setting appropriate cycles.
Spot treat and remove stubborn stains using various chemicals and specialized tools.
Press and finish garments using steam presses, irons, and other equipment to ensure a professional appearance.
Assemble, bag, and tag cleaned items for customer pickup, often assisting customers directly.

Tools & technology

Dry cleaning machinesSpot cleaning gunsSteam pressesIndustrial ironsStain removal chemicalsGarment conveyors

Average salary

$30K

MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD

$25K Bottom 10%

$38K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

No formal education required, but vocational training or on-the-job experience is beneficial for specific dry cleaning techniques and equipment.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Dry Cleaning Manager

Dry Cleaning Store Owner

CURRENT ROLE

Drycleaner

Skilled Trades

ADJACENT MOVES

Laundry Operator

Laundry Worker

Cleaner

Retail Assistant

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

realistic · RCE

People who enjoy practical, hands-on tasks, working with machinery, following precise procedures, and occasionally interacting with customers tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Conscientious

Exhibits a strong sense of duty and attention to detail, meticulously following procedures for cleaning and finishing garments.

Practical

Prefers hands-on work, operating equipment, and dealing with tangible tasks like stain removal and garment pressing.

Organized

Maintains a tidy workspace and systematic approach to sorting, processing, and packaging garments efficiently.

Calm under pressure

Handles busy periods, delicate items, and challenging stain removal tasks without becoming overly stressed.

Service-oriented

Enjoys assisting customers, understanding their needs, and ensuring their satisfaction with the cleaning service.

Best for

People who enjoy practical, hands-on work with tangible results and a clear set of tasks.
Individuals who are meticulous, detail-oriented, and take satisfaction in restoring items to their best condition.
Those who prefer a structured work environment and are comfortable operating specialized equipment.

Watch out for

The work can be repetitive and requires standing for long periods, which may not suit those seeking varied, desk-based tasks.
Exposure to chemicals and machinery is common, requiring careful adherence to safety protocols.
Dealing with occasional difficult customers or challenging garment issues requires patience and problem-solving skills.