Career comparison
Dishwasher vs. Janitor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Janitors earn more at the median ($36,840 vs. $34,810), while dishwashers usually get to work faster (A few days on the job of training). Dishwashers keep the kitchen running by washing dishes, pots and equipment. Janitors clean and maintain schools, offices, hospitals and buildings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Dishwasher | Janitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $34,810 ($16.73/hr) | $36,840 ($17.71/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $26,200 – $42,860 | $28,640 – $50,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -1.0% (a projected decline) | +2.2% (slower than average) |
| Openings per year | 68,900 | 321,800 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | A few days on the job | A few days on the job |
| Key credential | Food handler card | Bloodborne pathogens training |
| Work setting | Dishwashers work in hot, wet kitchens.. | Janitors work in schools, offices, hospitals and factories.. |
What each job does
Dishwasher
- Run dish machines
- Scrub pots and pans
- Restock clean dishes
- Take out trash
- Clean floors
Janitor
- Clean restrooms
- Mop and vacuum
- Empty trash
- Disinfect surfaces
- Strip and wax floors
How they’re similar
Both careers involve physical work, hands-on work, shift work, and in-demand. Both are part of the hospitality, food & tourism field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose dishwasher if…
- I want to start now
- I don’t mind getting wet
- I work fast
Choose janitor if…
- I like seeing clean results
- I work well alone
- I don’t mind nights
Still torn? Take the Dishwasher fit quiz and the Janitor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, dishwasher or janitor?
Janitors earn more at the median: $36,840 versus $34,810 for dishwashers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Dishwashers typically train faster (A few days on the job) than janitors (A few days on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects janitors to grow +2.2% from 2025–35, compared with -1.0% for dishwashers.