How much do dishwashers earn per hour in the US: What is the average salary?
Those looking to get a career in the food service industry may consider starting out as a dishwasher to get firsthand experience of how a kitchen operates.
Cleanliness is key for any business that serves food and while every position plays a role in keeping things spic-and-span dishwashers are central. They make sure that everything used for preparing, storing and serving food is ready for use when needed.
The job requires that you be in good physical shape in order to lift heavy loads, move quickly and be on your feet for long periods of time. Those looking to get a career in the food service industry may consider starting out as a dishwasher to get firsthand experience of how a kitchen operates. But just how much can you earn?
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How much do dishwashers earn per hour in the US?
As with any profession, what a dishwasher can expect to earn varies from state to state but on average the salary is above the minimum wage. Dishwashers reporting their salaries to online jobs site Indeed put the average salary in 2023 at $14.09 per hour and took home $20 per day in tips in the United States.
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual salary in 2021 was $28,130. That breaks down to $13.52 dollars per hour. The BLS data found that the bottom 10% of dishwashers earned $9.23 per hour, while the top 10% could expect to earn $16.76. That translates to $19,200 and $34,870 per year respectively.
Typical wages are also based in part on the industry sector that you are working in. The BLS lists five categories and their average hourly and annual wages.
| Type | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants and Other Eating Places | $ 12.98 | $ 26,990 |
| Special Food Services | $ 13.87 | $ 28,840 |
| Traveler Accommodation | $ 15.49 | $ 32,210 |
| Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | $ 13.67 | $ 28,430 |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | $ 12.97 | $ 26,970 |
The number of jobs washing dishes is expected to grow slightly faster than average at just under 10 percent over the next decade. It’s predicted that the number of dishwashers will increase by 39,400 reaching 437,600 in 2031.