Laundry and dry-cleaning workers
SOC Code: 51-6011
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $33,800 and +5.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 202,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 31% AI exposure, Laundry and dry-cleaning workers sits 6 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 33% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Laundry and dry-cleaning workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers has ai exposure of 31%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Laundry and dry-cleaning workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers (SOC 51-6011) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, 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 202,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $33,800, 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 Laundry and dry-cleaning workers. 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. Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
- 2. Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
- 3. Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents.
- 4. Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
- 5. Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
- 6. Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
- 7. Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.
- 8. Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
- 9. Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types.
- 10. Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Operations Monitoring
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Operation and Control
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers has an AI exposure score of 31%, 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 Laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Laundry and dry-cleaning workers is projected to grow by 5.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 202,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
Key skills for Laundry and dry-cleaning workers include Active Listening, Monitoring, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Laundry and dry-cleaning workers earn?
The median annual wage for Laundry and dry-cleaning workers is $33,800, 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 Laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
The typical entry-level education for Laundry and dry-cleaning workers 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 Laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers 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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).