Dishwasher

Your Fit

Income

$33K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

-2.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dishwasher?

Dishwashers are responsible for cleaning dishes, kitchen utensils, and food preparation equipment in dining and kitchen facilities. They play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in food service settings.

Sample job titles:

Dish Machine Operator (DMO), Dishwasher, Kitchen Steward, Steward

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dishwasher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dishwasher earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Dishwasher.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$31K per year	$33K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Dishwasher do?

Work environment

Dishwashers typically work in the kitchens of restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, and other food service establishments. The environment is fast-paced and can be physically demanding, often requiring standing for long periods and working in wet conditions. Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Washes and sanitizes dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
Organizes and stores clean dishes, glasses, and utensils.
Assists with kitchen maintenance, including sweeping and mopping floors.
Removes trash and ensures a clean work area.
Helps with basic food preparation tasks as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Industrial Dishwashing: Working in large-scale facilities like hospitals or schools with high-volume dishwashing equipment.
Sanitation and Safety Compliance: Specializing in maintaining cleanliness standards and adhering to health codes.
Kitchen Assistance: Assisting with food prep and other kitchen duties beyond dishwashing.
Equipment Maintenance: Specializing in the upkeep and minor repairs of dishwashing machines and equipment.
Inventory Management: Managing supplies for dishwashing and general kitchen use.

Description

The role of a dishwasher is a vital entry-level position in the culinary world. Dishwashers are responsible for ensuring that all dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, which is essential for maintaining the overall hygiene of the kitchen. Their work supports the smooth operation of kitchen services, as cooks and chefs rely on the availability of clean tools and equipment.

Dishwashers must be efficient, organized, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment. They often work under pressure, especially during peak dining hours, to keep up with the demand for clean dishes. The position requires physical stamina, as dishwashers spend most of their shifts standing, lifting, and performing repetitive motions.

Although the role can be demanding, it provides a fundamental understanding of kitchen operations and can serve as a stepping stone to other positions in the food service industry. For those interested in a culinary career, starting as a dishwasher offers valuable insight into kitchen dynamics and operations.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being an integral part of a kitchen team.
The satisfaction of contributing to the cleanliness and efficiency of the kitchen.
Opportunities to learn about kitchen operations and potentially advance to other culinary roles.

You might make a good Dishwasher if you are...

Detail-oriented and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness.
Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Physically capable of standing for long periods and handling heavy equipment.
A team player who can work well with kitchen staff.
Interested in gaining entry-level experience in the culinary field.

Pros:

No formal education requirements and on-the-job training.
Essential role in kitchen operations, providing a sense of contribution.
Potential pathway to other culinary positions and career advancement in the food service industry.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with long hours standing and repetitive motions.
Typically low-paying, entry-level position.
Work environment can be hot, humid, and wet.

How to become a Dishwasher

Typical education

Generally, no formal education is required to become a dishwasher. Most skills are learned on the job, and a high school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.

High school preparation

Courses:

Home Economics or Culinary Arts for basic understanding of kitchen operations.
Physical Education to maintain physical fitness.
Time Management courses to develop efficiency and organizational skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Part-time jobs or internships in restaurants or cafeterias to gain experience.
Volunteering for events where food is served, such as community dinners or fundraisers.
Joining clubs or teams that promote teamwork and discipline.

Preparation after high school

On-the-job training in restaurants or food service establishments.
Short courses or workshops in kitchen hygiene and food safety.
Seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced kitchen staff for career development.

More resources

National Restaurant Association - Offers resources and training for those in the food service industry.
ServSafe - Provides widely recognized food safety training and certification.
American Culinary Federation - Offers resources and networking opportunities for culinary professionals.
Culinary Institute of America - A renowned culinary school offering various programs and courses.
FoodService Director - Features industry news, trends, and best practices in food service.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.