Dishwashers
SOC Code: 35-9021
Dishwashers carries a 33% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $33,670 and +0.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 477,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Dishwashers (SOC 35-9021) carries an AI exposure score of 33%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 477,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $33,670, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Dishwashers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- 2. Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- 3. Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- 4. Sweep or scrub floors.
- 5. Load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.
- 6. Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
- 7. Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
- 8. Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
- 9. Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.
- 10. Receive and store supplies.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Coordination
- Active Listening
- Time Management
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Food Production
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- Communications and Media
- Transportation
- Production and Processing
- Foreign Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Dishwashers?
Dishwashers has an AI exposure score of 33%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Dishwashers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Dishwashers is projected to grow by 0.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 477,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Dishwashers?
Key skills for Dishwashers include Operation and Control, Coordination, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Dishwashers earn?
The median annual wage for Dishwashers is $33,670, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Dishwashers?
The typical entry-level education for Dishwashers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Dishwashers?
Dishwashers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).