Dishwasher

Career Guide

A Dishwasher keeps a kitchen running smoothly by cleaning dishes, cookware, and food prep tools, and by keeping dish and wash areas organized, sanitary, and stocked. The role is essential in restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and catering operations, and often serves as an entry point into broader kitchen work.

Key Responsibilities

Wash dishes, glassware, utensils, and cookware by hand or using a dish machine
Sort, scrape, and rinse items before washing
Unload and put away clean items in the correct storage areas
Keep dishwashing stations clean and organized throughout the shift
Dispose of trash and recycling and replace liners as needed
Assist with basic kitchen cleanup such as sweeping and mopping
Restock cleaning supplies and alert a supervisor when supplies are low
Follow food safety and cleaning rules to prevent contamination
Support kitchen staff during busy periods with simple prep tasks when assigned

Top Skills for Success

Reliability

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Communication

Physical Stamina

Safe Lifting

Cleaning Standards

Sanitation Practices

Food Safety Awareness

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Kitchen Porter

Prep Cook

Line Cook

Dishroom Lead

Stewarding Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Restaurant Host

Server Assistant

Stock Clerk

Custodian

Warehouse Associate

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Food Safety KnowledgeChemical HandlingEquipment CareStation OrganizationPace Control

Development SuggestionsAsk for the cleaning checklist and learn the correct order of tasks for peak hours. Request brief training on chemical labels and safe use. Practice setting up the station the same way each shift. Track the busiest times and adjust your workflow to keep clean items moving back to the kitchen.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level15 to 18 USD per hour

Mid Level18 to 22 USD per hour

Senior Level22 to 28 USD per hour

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with hiring often driven by local restaurant activity, hospitality seasonality, and staff turnover. Openings are common in most cities and tourist areas.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Darden RestaurantsBrinker InternationalBloomin BrandsYum BrandsMarriott InternationalHiltonHyattCompass GroupAramarkSodexo

Industry Sectors

RestaurantsHotelsCateringHealthcare DiningSchool DiningCorporate CafeteriasEvent Venues

Recommended Next Steps

Learn the dish machine start up and shut down steps if a machine is used

Memorize where key items are stored and return them quickly and consistently

Ask to be trained on basic kitchen prep tasks to expand your responsibilities

Build a record of on time attendance and consistent shift performance

Request feedback from a supervisor on speed and cleanliness standards

Consider a basic food safety course if your workplace values certification