Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Dishwasher
What dishwashers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a dishwasher?
Set up the dish pit. From there, the day usually includes run dish machines, scrub pots and pans, and restock clean dishes. Evenings, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a dishwasher working full time.
- Set up the dish pit.
- Wash prep dishes.
- Dinner rush.
- Scrub pots.
- Restock the line.
- Take out trash.
- Clean the dish area.
Where dishwashers work
Dishwashers work in hot, wet kitchens.
Hours and schedule
Evenings, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Run dish machines
- Scrub pots and pans
- Restock clean dishes
- Take out trash
- Clean floors
- Help with prep
- Follow sanitation rules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Dish machines
- Sprayers
- Dish racks
- Scrubbers
- Test strips
- Mops
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No experience needed
- Path into cooking
- Steady work
- Team atmosphere
What’s hard
- Wet and hot
- Low pay
- Physical work
- Late nights
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to start now
- I don’t mind getting wet
- I work fast
- I want to learn cooking
- I’m reliable
- I like teamwork
Not sure? Take the free Dishwasher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear non-slip shoes
- Handle chemicals safely
- Watch for broken glass
- Lift racks safely