Dishwasher Salary 2025: $34,810 Median Pay and Job Outlook
Dishwashers in the U.S. earn a national median salary of $34,810, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean hourly wage is about $17, with the typical range running from $26,200 at the 10th percentile to $42,860 at the 90th. Nearly 477,450 people work in this job nationwide.
How much Dishwashers earn
The median annual wage for dishwashers is $34,810. Half earn between roughly $26,200 and $42,860. New workers or those in lower-paying areas typically start around $26,200, while experienced dishwashers in top-paying settings can make over $42,860.
Pay depends on industry and location. Full-time dishwashers in fine-dining restaurants, hotels, or institutional kitchens tend to earn more than those in fast-casual spots. Tips, though uncommon, sometimes boost income in higher-end venues.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state for dishwashers is Washington, with an average annual salary of $40,080. Next is the District of Columbia ($38,670), followed by California ($37,870), Colorado ($37,840), and Hawaii ($37,740). West Coast and high-cost-of-living areas generally pay better.
At the other end, West Virginia averages $26,460, Louisiana $26,440, and Mississippi $26,300. In these states, wages often cluster near the national 10th percentile. Cost of living is lower, but the pay gap is real.
How to become Dishwasher
No formal education or previous experience is required. Most dishwashers learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical but not mandatory. Employers look for reliability, ability to stand for long shifts, and basic kitchen safety awareness.
Steps to get hired:
Apply directly to restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, or catering companies. Emphasize availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some employers require a food handler's card (often a short, cheap online course). Advancement to line cook or prep cook is possible with experience.
- Find restaurant or institutional kitchen openings online or by walking in.
- No degree needed; on-the-job training is standard.
- Get a food handler's permit if required by your state or employer (typically under $20).
- Show up on time, work clean, and be willing to learn other stations.
Job outlook
The BLS projects dishwashers will see 0.2% growth from 2024 to 2034 — slower than the average for all occupations. That's essentially flat, with about 76,800 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the job or retiring.
High turnover in food service means steady demand. Even without strong growth, hundreds of thousands of positions open annually. Dishwasher jobs are easiest to find in busy restaurants, hotels, and large institutional kitchens.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average pay for dishwashers in 2025?
The national median salary is $34,810, with a mean hourly wage around $17. The typical range is $26,200 to $42,860.
How do I become a dishwasher with no experience?
Apply directly to restaurants or institutional kitchens. No education or experience is required; training is on the job. A food handler's card helps but is usually not mandatory.
Is dishwasher a good career?
It's a common entry-level job with low barriers to entry and many openings, but growth is minimal (0.2% over 10 years). It can lead to other kitchen roles. Pay varies significantly by state and employer.
Which states pay dishwashers the most?
Washington ($40,080), District of Columbia ($38,670), California ($37,870), Colorado ($37,840), and Hawaii ($37,740).
What is the job outlook for dishwashers?
Employment is projected to grow only 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than average. However, about 76,800 job openings are expected each year due to turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Dishwashers data.