Dishwashers

What the job really is

Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.

At a glance

• Sector: Food Preparation & Serving
• O*NET-SOC code: 35-9021
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
• Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
• Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
• Sweep or scrub floors.
• Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
• Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
• Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
• Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.
• Receive and store supplies.
• Clean garbage cans with water or steam.
• Load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.
• Prepare and package individual place settings.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Windows, Automatic dishwashing systems, Cleaning mops, Commercial dishwashers, Commercial glasswashers, Digital handheld thermometers, Dish drying racks, Dish-cleaning brushes, Drain racks, Electric pallet lifters, Funnels

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
• Food Preparation Workers
• Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
• Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
• Food Servers, Nonrestaurant
• Fast Food and Counter Workers
• Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Dishwashers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.