AI Career Graph
← AI Career Graph

Dishwasher Dishwashers

A global AI analysis is below; pick a country for local salary, licensing and migration data.

Compressed by automation

Dishwasher roles will be largely replaced by automated dishwashers and AI scheduling systems; entry-level cook positions will also be squeezed, but management roles like food service supervisors and head chefs remain stable.

AI Exposure Index (AIOE)
3 / 100

More exposed than about 3% of occupations (percentile; higher = more exposed to AI)

🤖 AI already replacing this job (tools / products / research / news)
  • Ecolab Digital Dishmachine Product Partial 2018

    Replaced some manual dishwashing tasks, monitoring detergent usage, and recording temperature in repetitive tasks for dishwashers.

  • Hobart Warewashing Systems Product Partial 2015

    Replaces the core manual labor of dishwashers in handwashing, drying, and stacking dishes.

  • Meiko Warewashing Automation Product Partial 2016

    Replaced the dishwasher's process of loading, washing, and unloading, reducing manual handling and repetitive labor.

  • Dishcraft Robotics Product Major 2018

    Significantly replaced the main tasks of dishwashers, such as manual scraping, sorting, and checking cleanliness.

  • Maidbot Rosie Product Partial 2019

    Replaced some kitchen cleaning tasks of dishwashers, such as sweeping, mopping, and wiping countertops.

⚠ Tasks AI will take over or replace
  • Manual dishwashing: fully replaced by commercial dishwashers
  • Classifying and placing cutlery: automated conveyor belts and sorting systems take over
  • Clean kitchen equipment: high-pressure water guns and timed automatic cleaning robots
  • Record cleaning logs: AI automatically generates and reports
  • Basic floor cleaning: automated scrubber robots replace
↑ Tasks AI will augment
  • Equipment maintenance monitoring: AI sensors predict failures, humans perform repairs
  • Exception handling: when dishwasher malfunction alarms, manual judgment and intervention
  • Chemical management: AI recommends usage, humans replenish and adjust
  • Peak scheduling: AI dynamically arranges shifts based on passenger flow, manual rest and rotation
🛡 Human moat
  • Complex equipment fault repair
  • Food safety compliance assessment (e.g., chemical residue testing)
  • Emergency situation handling (e.g., injuries from broken tableware)
  • Teamwork and communication skills
Skills to build (next 5 years)
  • Basic electrical and mechanical repair
  • Food safety and hygiene certification
  • Digital tool usage (tablet scheduling, repair reporting systems)
  • Communication and teamwork.
  • Basic English (reading equipment manuals)
  • Time management and problem solving
Entry-level outlook

Entry-level dishwasher positions have sharply declined as commercial dishwashers and AI scheduling systems cover 90% of repetitive tasks. However, adjacent occupations like fast food cooks and food preparers still need workers, albeit with slightly higher entry requirements.

🚀 How to level up in the AI era

Transition from dishwasher to food service equipment maintenance specialist, or advance to kitchen supervisor (overseeing automated processes). Learn mechanical repair and food safety knowledge, obtain ServSafe and other certifications, and manage automated cleaning systems across multiple locations. Long-term, move into hotel engineering or after-sales support at food equipment suppliers.

Local data by country

Overall: 6.1/10 Workforce: 485,300 Occupation code: 35-9021 (SOC) Not a skilled migration occupation

Ratings · Overall 6.1/10

IncomeDemandProspectsPR FriendlyAI RiskCompetitionIntensityLearningDurationCertificationPR Difficulty

Salary

ExperienceAnnual (USD)
薪资中位数$34,810 ~ $34,810全国全职年薪中位数(来源:美国 BLS OES 2025)
Entry level (0–3 years)$24,000 ~ $29,000Usually minimum wage or slightly higher
Mid-level (3–5 years)$28,000 ~ $33,000Salary increases slightly after gaining experience
Senior (5+ years)$30,000 ~ $37,000Rare promotion opportunities, limited salary growth
平均薪资$34,310 ~ $34,310全国全职年薪均值(来源:美国 BLS OES 2025)

Education Path

StageDurationCost (USD)
No formal education required0 years$0~$0

Qualifications

QualificationIssuer
Food safety certificateState health department or certification bodyOptional

Migration (to United States)

Not a skilled migration occupation. Visa pathways depend on matching the specific duties to the right petition category; refer to the latest USCIS rules and the relevant category.

Who it fits

✓ Fits
  • Those who want quick employment and do not require a degree.
  • Those who can handle physical labor and prolonged standing
  • Students using it as transitional work or part-time job
✗ Not for
  • Those seeking high salary and career development
  • Those who dislike physical labor and hot, humid environments

Career outlook

Limited career progression; usually can advance to kitchen hand or chef's assistant, with a few becoming chefs. Some transition to food service management or other service industries.

According to BLS data, dishwasher jobs are projected to grow about 2% from 2023-2033, slower than average. Due to high industry turnover, there are still many annual openings.

Growth areas:
Low growthHigh turnoverEntry-levelFood service

FAQ

What is the salary level of a dishwasher?
Annual salary typically ranges from $24,000 to $37,000 USD, depending on location and employer. Most positions pay minimum wage.
Can dishwashers obtain a US green card through skilled migration pathways?
Almost impossible. Dishwashers are low-skilled occupations that typically do not meet H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 green card requirements. There may only be a few seasonal H-2B visa opportunities.
Are there career advancement opportunities for dishwashers?
Limited career growth, but can advance to cook assistant or cook, some transition to food service management.

Data sources

Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Indeed, Glassdoor, ERI SalaryExpert and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS); employment and demand outlook cite the BLS Occupational Outlook and O*NET; visa and migration details follow the latest USCIS work-visa (H-1B / O-1 / L-1) and employment-based green-card (EB-2 / EB-3, incl. DOL PERM labor certification) rules. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.

What the community thinks

Tap an option to vote (change anytime)

How likely is Dishwasher to be replaced by AI?
0 votes
If you worked as Dishwasher, would you consider switching careers?
0 votes