Also called: Dish Machine Operator, Kitchen Utility Worker
Keeps a kitchen running by washing dishes, pots, and utensils and keeping the space clean.
A dishwasher sprays and racks plates through a hot machine during a dinner rush, scrubs giant stockpots, takes out trash, and helps prep when it's slow. Many famous chefs started here.
May 2025 BLS figures.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No experience needed; kitchens train you on the job, and many cooks and chefs started their careers washing dishes.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly (about 0% over 10 years). BLS projects little or no change (2024-34), but turnover creates many openings.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Dish machines already do the washing; robotic loading arms may spread in big kitchens by 2036.
Age 14+. One way to start: Walk into local restaurants and ask if they need a dishwasher; many hire on the spot
Classes: Culinary arts CTE, Health, Physical education.
Official data: O*NET occupation 35-9021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.