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Profession JRI–20 / Food Service

Will AI replace dishwashers?

Commercial dishwashers face rapid change as automated warewashing and self-cleaning systems take over routine cycle operation. Exposed tasks include loading racks, running wash cycles, stacking clean items, and scrubbing floors and garbage cans—work that is repetitive and pattern-based.

The risk spectrum — where Dishwasher sits
Dishwasher vs the 83 other jobs
Risk rank20 / 84
Automation timeline0-2 years
Median salary$34,810
Projected growth+0.2% (2024–34)
01 / Your plan

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What you'll learn
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Updated Sep 21, 2026

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02 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 84 professions
Salary$34,810
$31k$171k
Growth+0.2% (2024–34)
-25.9%33.5%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a +0.2% change in employment for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, from a current base of 477,450 people employed earning a median of $34,810 a year.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 & OEWS May 2025.

AI adoption in postings →

03 / Real salaries

Dishwasher salaries by city

Median pay from real records (H-1B filings and tech job postings), across the cities with most observations.

Fresno$36,608Albuquerque$32,968

Range shows p25–p75; the dot is the median. Sources carry a documented bias — see the full salary page.

See real salaries →

04 / How to enter

How to become a dishwasher.

Typical preparation

Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Education

Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Job training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Getting in is one thing — the day-to-day runs on a specific set of tools and skills:

Foundations
Core skills

Full skill path with courses →

07 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace dishwashers?
Automated warewashing systems target the repetitive parts of the job, with the risk window given as 0-2 years. Evidence rates the occupation 76 on a risk scale, and 477,450 people currently work as dishwashers.
02How soon could AI replace Dishwashers?
Routine cycle operation, including loading racks and running wash cycles, could become automated within 0-2 years. The occupation is listed at critical risk, and projected growth is +0.2% (2024–34).
03What skills keep Dishwashers relevant?
Food safety audit readiness carries high demand, while troubleshooting dish room equipment and coordinating kitchen workflow are listed as medium. These skills support spotting damaged items and adjusting to rush periods.
04What preparation is needed to become a Dishwasher?
Some employers expect a high school diploma or GED certificate. The skills listed for entering include operation and control, coordination, and active listening, each rated low demand.
05What related roles could Dishwashers pivot to?
One listed alternative is Fast Food and Counter Workers, rated 52 on the risk index. The move can draw on sanitation record-keeping and kitchen communication. Workers can also apply these strengths to busser or steward roles.
06Is Dishwasher a good career to start in 2026?
Starting as a Dishwasher in 2026 means a median annual wage of 34810 and projected growth of +0.2% (2024–34). Critical risk and a 0-2 year automation window make this a demanding entry point.