How to Become a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker in 2026
Median salary: $33,800 · +5.4% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker do?
Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is $33,800. The bottom 10% earn around $26,270 while the top 10% earn over $42,370.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $26,270 |
| Early career (P25) | $29,530 |
| Median | $33,800 |
| Experienced (P75) | $36,760 |
| Top earners (P90) | $42,370 |
Highest-paying metros
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $39,220 |
| North Dakota | $37,710 |
| Oregon | $37,190 |
| District of Columbia | $37,070 |
| Vermont | $37,030 |
| Maine | $36,840 |
| California | $36,740 |
| Montana | $36,640 |
| Minnesota | $36,560 |
| Massachusetts | $36,310 |
| Connecticut | $36,180 |
| Colorado | $36,140 |
| New Hampshire | $35,760 |
| Rhode Island | $35,550 |
| Alaska | $35,500 |
| Idaho | $35,490 |
| Illinois | $35,140 |
| Arizona | $35,120 |
| Michigan | $34,900 |
| Hawaii | $34,890 |
| Wisconsin | $34,760 |
| New Jersey | $34,330 |
| Nebraska | $33,950 |
| New York | $33,880 |
| Nevada | $33,690 |
| Utah | $33,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $33,460 |
| Maryland | $32,790 |
| Tennessee | $32,320 |
| Delaware | $32,250 |
| Iowa | $32,250 |
| South Dakota | $31,820 |
| Virginia | $30,920 |
| Missouri | $30,500 |
| Wyoming | $30,470 |
| Florida | $30,320 |
| Ohio | $30,150 |
| North Carolina | $30,120 |
| New Mexico | $29,990 |
| Indiana | $29,960 |
| Kansas | $29,540 |
| South Carolina | $29,350 |
| Texas | $29,060 |
| Kentucky | $28,670 |
| Georgia | $28,370 |
| West Virginia | $28,260 |
| Alabama | $28,230 |
| Arkansas | $27,980 |
| Louisiana | $27,270 |
| Oklahoma | $27,060 |
| Mississippi | $24,120 |
How to earn more as a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker
The salary range for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers spans $16,100 — from $26,270 at entry level to $42,370 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area at $43,620 — $9,820 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 (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- 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
Manufacturing plants often hire with just a high school diploma and provide all training on-site. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification is widely required. Look for manufacturing apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. Community colleges offer manufacturing technology certificates that can accelerate your starting wage.
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 (OSHA 10/30-Hour, quality certifications (ASQ), machine-specific training)
- 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
Manufacturing values reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to follow procedures — skills transferable from nearly any career. Many plants provide full training and will hire career changers with a high school diploma. If you have experience with machinery, tools, quality processes, or inventory management from any field, you're a strong candidate. Contact local manufacturers directly — job boards often don't reflect the actual openings.
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 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker — 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 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker 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 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker.
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SOC: 51-6011.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034