Laundry Aide
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Sort laundry by type, color, and care requirements
- Operate washers, dryers, and pressing equipment
- Measure and add detergents and cleaning chemicals safely
- Remove stains using approved methods
- Fold, stack, and package linens and garments
- Label and track personal clothing and facility linens
- Deliver clean items to rooms or departments
- Collect soiled linens using infection control practices
- Inspect items for damage and report repairs or replacements
- Clean and maintain laundry work areas and carts
- Record basic counts and complete simple logs
- Follow safety rules for heat, lifting, and chemical handling
Top Skills for Success
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Reliability
Teamwork
Customer Service
Safe Lifting
Infection Control
Chemical Safety
Laundry Equipment Operation
Stain Removal
Linen Handling
Basic Record Keeping
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Laundry Lead
Laundry Supervisor
Environmental Services Aide
Housekeeping Supervisor
Linen Room Attendant
Transition Opportunities
Central Supply Technician
Patient Transporter
Facilities Assistant
Warehouse Associate
Custodial Lead
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Infection ControlChemical SafetyLaundry Equipment OperationStain RemovalBasic Record KeepingPrioritization
Development SuggestionsLearn site-specific hygiene rules, practice safe chemical handling, and ask for cross-training on equipment settings, stain treatment, and linen tracking. Build a simple routine for sorting, labeling, and end-of-shift counts to reduce errors.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry Level$24,000 to $32,000 per year
Mid Level$28,000 to $38,000 per year
Senior Level$34,000 to $45,000 per year
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by ongoing needs in healthcare and hospitality, with additional openings from turnover and seasonal staffing.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
Genesis HealthCareHCA HealthcareEncompass HealthMarriott InternationalHiltonHyattAramarkSodexoCompass GroupServiceMaster
Industry Sectors
Skilled Nursing FacilitiesHospitalsAssisted LivingHotelsResortsUniform ServicesCommercial Laundry ServicesFacilities Services Providers
Recommended Next Steps
1
Get trained on infection control procedures used at your workplace2
Complete basic chemical safety training and review safety data sheets3
Ask a supervisor to verify correct machine settings for common linen types4
Practice a consistent sorting and labeling process to reduce lost items5
Track quality metrics such as rewash rate and missing item reports6
Request cross-training in linen distribution and inventory counts7
Update your resume with equipment used, volumes handled, and quality results