Skilled Trades
Dishwashers
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
Median salary (BLS)
$34,810
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$26k – $43k
Job outlook
No separate BLS projection for this specific role
AI exposure
Plan a path to Dishwashers
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$100–$2,600
Time to qualify
3.1 yr
Renewal
$50/yr
- 1
Registered apprenticeship (paid)
ExperienceEarn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.
$0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source
- 2
Journeyman exam & state/local license
LicenseMost states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.
$100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Dishwashers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Dishwashers
Entry / Junior
$26,200
~2 yrs to advance
Dishwashers
Established
$34,810
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Dishwashers
Senior
$38,835
Key skills
A typical day
- •Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- •Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- •Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- •Sweep or scrub floors.
- •Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.