Dishwasher salary

The median pay for a dishwasher nationally is $17.21 an hour — about $35,800 a year full time. That figure comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for U.S. (2025). Half of the roles pay more than this and half pay less, so treat it as the middle of the market rather than a target.

Most dishwashers nationally earn between $13.39 an hour and $21.12 an hour — that is the 10th to the 90th percentile. The spread usually reflects experience, shift, certifications and employer size more than anything else.

Pay at the bottom of the range — roughly what someone starting out can expect — is around $13.39 an hour. A quarter of dishwashers earn below $15.18 an hour, so the first year or two typically sits in that band. This is a role employers routinely fill with people who have no prior experience.

The top 10% of dishwashers nationally earn about $21.12 an hour or more, roughly 1.2× the median. Getting there usually means experience plus something specific — certifications, supervisory duties, specialised skills or premium shifts.

Dishwashers keep kitchens running by cleaning dishes, cookware and equipment. It is often the first job in a kitchen and a common route into cooking. Day to day, that means wash dishes, glassware and cookware, operate commercial dishwashing equipment, keep the dish area clean and organised and assist with basic prep when needed.

The usual route is: (1) apply directly — no experience needed, (2) learn prep work alongside the dish station, (3) move to prep cook, (4) progress onto the line. Employers typically look for no formal education or experience required, ability to stand for a full shift and working with hot water and chemicals.

Usually not. Most employers hire dishwashers without a specific licence, and train on the job.

Consistently available and a genuine entry point — a large share of cooks started at the dish pit.