How to Become a Dishwasher in 2026
Median salary: $33,670 · +0.2% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Dishwasher do?
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
Dishwasher Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Dishwashers is $33,670. The bottom 10% earn around $23,960 while the top 10% earn over $41,600.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $23,960 |
| Early career (P25) | $28,740 |
| Median | $33,670 |
| Experienced (P75) | $36,750 |
| Top earners (P90) | $41,600 |
Highest-paying metros
Dishwasher salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $37,600 |
| District of Columbia | $37,540 |
| California | $37,440 |
| Massachusetts | $37,350 |
| Colorado | $37,140 |
| Vermont | $36,430 |
| Hawaii | $35,990 |
| New York | $35,410 |
| Oregon | $35,400 |
| Illinois | $35,200 |
| Connecticut | $34,970 |
| Arizona | $34,850 |
| Maine | $34,780 |
| New Jersey | $34,640 |
| Rhode Island | $34,260 |
| Alaska | $34,080 |
| Nevada | $33,950 |
| New Hampshire | $33,390 |
| Minnesota | $32,350 |
| Virginia | $31,950 |
| Maryland | $31,520 |
| Delaware | $31,260 |
| Missouri | $31,000 |
| Utah | $30,130 |
| North Dakota | $29,660 |
| Florida | $29,600 |
| Tennessee | $29,570 |
| New Mexico | $29,490 |
| Texas | $29,250 |
| Georgia | $29,230 |
| South Carolina | $29,200 |
| North Carolina | $29,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,100 |
| Ohio | $29,000 |
| Michigan | $28,990 |
| Nebraska | $28,660 |
| Wyoming | $28,610 |
| Indiana | $28,320 |
| Montana | $28,270 |
| Idaho | $28,190 |
| Kentucky | $28,140 |
| Wisconsin | $27,650 |
| South Dakota | $27,590 |
| Alabama | $27,230 |
| Arkansas | $27,090 |
| Iowa | $26,910 |
| Kansas | $26,740 |
| Oklahoma | $26,570 |
| West Virginia | $25,200 |
| Mississippi | $23,350 |
| Louisiana | $23,250 |
How to earn more as a Dishwasher
The salary range for Dishwashers spans $17,640 — from $23,960 at entry level to $41,600 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $42,950 — $9,280 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: No formal educational credential
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Many restaurants offer paid training for entry-level positions. Culinary schools and community college culinary programs provide more structured education (6 months–2 years). ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification ($36 exam) is required in many jurisdictions. Consider starting as a line cook or prep cook and working your way up — many successful chefs followed this path.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (ServSafe, food handler certification, ACF certification)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Restaurant work values hustle, consistency, and the ability to work under pressure — skills that transfer from many other careers. If you've worked in any fast-paced, customer-facing environment, you have relevant experience. Many restaurants will hire motivated career changers and train them from scratch. Starting in a support role (prep cook, line cook) and working up is a time-tested path.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Dishwasher — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
See how your skills transfer — freeAI and automation outlook
The Dishwasher role has a low AI exposure score — one of the safer careers from automation. Most day-to-day tasks require human judgment, physical presence, or interpersonal skills that AI cannot replicate.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Dishwasher.
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SOC: 35-9021.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034