Also called: Car Washer, Car Wash Associate, Auto Prep Attendant, Lot Attendant
Guides cars through a car wash, preps and dries them, and cleans interiors, often helping sell wash memberships.
You spray bug-covered bumpers before each car enters the tunnel, then towel-dry and vacuum at the exit. Between rushes you restock towels, sign up a customer for a monthly wash plan, and keep the pay station running.
BLS OEWS May 2025 median for cleaners of vehicles and equipment ($35,830); 10th and 90th estimated. Tips add to pay.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. No education required; trained on the job.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projects +4%, 2025-35, for cleaners of vehicles and equipment; about 420,000 jobs.
Medium risk for 10 years. Touchless tunnels and license-plate memberships cut staff per site; prep, detailing and customer help stay human.
Age 16+. One way to start: Apply at car washes and dealerships; 14- and 15-year-olds can sometimes hand-wash cars with hour limits
Classes: Auto shop class, Business class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-7061.
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