Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers Salary 2025: $34,890 Median, 5.4% Growth
The median salary for laundry and dry-cleaning workers in the U.S. is $34,890, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly wage works out to roughly $17. Most workers earn between $27,440 (10th percentile) and $43,190 (90th percentile). With 198,040 people employed in the occupation and a faster-than-average growth rate, it's a steady entry-level job with opportunities across the country.
How much Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers earn
The national median salary for laundry and dry-cleaning workers is $34,890 per year, or about $16.77 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $27,440 or less, while the top 10% bring in $43,190 or more. Pay tends to be hourly, with overtime common in busy facilities.
Experience and location are the biggest factors affecting pay. Workers in commercial laundries or industrial plants often earn more than those in small coin-operated laundromats. Unionized positions, primarily in healthcare or hospitality, can also push wages higher.
- Median annual wage: $34,890
- Mean annual wage: $34,920
- Entry-level (10th percentile): $27,440
- Experienced (90th percentile): $43,190
Pay by state
Pay varies significantly by state. The highest-paying states for laundry and dry-cleaning workers are Washington ($39,590), Oregon ($37,800), California ($37,790), the District of Columbia ($37,790), and Colorado ($37,680). These states tend to have higher costs of living and stronger labor protections.
The lowest-paying states are Oklahoma ($28,170), Louisiana ($27,460), and Mississippi ($27,190). Regional differences reflect local minimum wages, industry mix, and cost-of-living adjustments.
How to become Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker
Most laundry and dry-cleaning workers learn on the job. There are no formal education requirements beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers typically provide short-term training lasting a few days to a month, covering how to operate washing and drying machines, sort fabrics, use dry-cleaning chemicals safely, and handle pressing equipment.
Some states or employers may require a basic license or permit to handle dry-cleaning solvents, which involves passing a safety exam. Certifications like the Professional Dry Cleaning & Laundering certification from the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute can boost advancement prospects, but they are not required for entry.
- Get a high school diploma or GED (preferred but not always required).
- Apply for entry-level positions at laundromats, dry cleaners, hotels, hospitals, or commercial laundries.
- Complete on-the-job training (usually 1-4 weeks).
- Consider earning a safety certification if your state requires it for dry-cleaning solvent handling.
- With experience, you can advance to shift supervisor or plant manager roles.
Job outlook
Employment for laundry and dry-cleaning workers is projected to grow 5.4% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That's partly because hospitals, hotels, and commercial laundries need steady staff, though automation may limit growth in some settings.
About 31,900 openings are projected each year over the decade, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Job prospects are best for those willing to work in industrial laundries or healthcare facilities, where turnover is high and demand is stable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a laundry and dry-cleaning worker?
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn about $27,440 per year, or roughly $13.19 per hour.
What education is needed to become a laundry and dry-cleaning worker?
No formal education beyond a high school diploma is usually required. Most skills are learned on the job.
Is laundry and dry-cleaning worker a growing career?
Yes. The BLS projects 5.4% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 31,900 openings each year.
Which states pay laundry and dry-cleaning workers the most?
The highest-paying states are Washington ($39,590), Oregon ($37,800), California ($37,790), District of Columbia ($37,790), and Colorado ($37,680).
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 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers data.