Dishwasher Job Description: 1 Template & 5 Tips
The best Dishwasher candidates skim job posts fast and move on - this template gives them every reason to apply.
A vague Dishwasher job description will fill your inbox with the wrong applicants - or none at all.
With kitchen turnover high and demand consistent, your posting needs to be clear, fast and competitive. This guide gives you everything you need to post with confidence.
Dishwasher Job Description Examples
Use this as your starting point. Adjust duties, pay and schedule to match your operation.
Job Overview
We at [Company Name] are seeking a dedicated and organized Dishwasher to join our team.
Your responsibilities will include collecting used dishes, operating dishwashing machines and keeping the kitchen area clean and compliant with food safety standards.
If you are ready to start your career in the restaurant industry, we want to hear from you.
Pay: $15–$20/hour (non-tipped position)
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Remove food residue from dishes by scraping or rinsing
- Operate dishwashing machines, including loading, unloading and monitoring performance
- Hand-wash delicate items not suitable for machines
- Dry and polish dishes and utensils for service readiness
- Organize and store cleaned items appropriately
- Maintain cleanliness of the dishwashing area throughout the shift
Skills Required
- Strong attention to detail for proper cleaning and sanitizing
- Efficient work pace to handle high volumes during peak hours
- Physical stamina for standing and repetitive tasks
- Adaptability to different equipment and cleaning methods
Education and Experience
- No formal education required
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous experience is a plus but not required
Benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Complimentary meals
- Free uniforms and laundry
- Health insurance including dental and vision
- Career growth opportunities
Dishwasher Duties and Responsibilities
The template above covers the essentials. Depending on your kitchen size and team structure, you may want to add some of these to your posting:
- Sort and dispose of waste appropriately, including recycling and composting
- Monitor and replenish cleaning supplies such as detergents and sanitizers
- Inspect dishes and equipment for damage and report issues to kitchen staff
- Assist with floor cleaning tasks including sweeping and mopping
- Support food prep tasks such as peeling vegetables when needed
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to manage dishwashing workflow during rushes
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of dishwashing machines
- Help with organizing and managing kitchen supply inventory
- Support setup and breakdown of kitchen stations before and after shifts
Only include duties that actually apply to your role. A bloated list of responsibilities signals a poorly organized kitchen, and puts off good candidates.
Dishwasher Skill Requirements
Match your skills list to how the role actually functions in your kitchen. If your Dishwasher works closely with the kitchen team, lead with collaboration. If they work independently, lead with time management.
Common options to choose from:
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Problem-solving and time management skills
- Good manual dexterity for handling kitchen tools
- Basic knowledge of cleaning chemicals and kitchen safety protocols
- Ability to work independently during quieter service periods
- Physical stamina to remain on your feet for long shifts
Keep this list to five or six items. Anything longer reads as a wish list, not a job description.
Dishwasher Education and Experience
According to CareerOneStop, 45% of current Dishwashers hold a high school diploma and 34% have lower formal education.
That means most candidates who will do the job well won't have a degree, and requiring one will filter out your strongest applicants.
If you do want some experience, be specific about it:
- At least six months to one year of experience as a Dishwasher
- Previous experience in a high-volume kitchen preferred
- High school diploma or equivalent is an advantage
How To Write a Dishwasher Job Description That Works
- Be specific about responsibilities
- Be flexible on education
- Tailor the skills section to your kitchen
- Include your pay range
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What To Pay Your Dishwasher
The average Dishwasher wage in the U.S. is $15.22 per hour. Where your offer lands should reflect your location, shift demands and kitchen volume.
Beyond base pay, a strong benefits package (meals, uniforms, health insurance) can make your posting significantly more competitive without changing the hourly rate.
Use these figures as a starting benchmark, then check the OysterLink Dishwasher Salary page for a full breakdown by city and state.
Find Dishwasher jobs near you on OysterLink - every listing is verified and includes pay, hours and requirements.