Food Preparation & Serving
Dishwashers
Also called: Busser, Dish Machine Operator (DMO), Dish Room Worker, Dish Runner
US median pay
$34,810
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-1%
declining
Openings a year (US)
68,900
480,400 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.
What they do day to day
- Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
- Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.
- Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
- Sweep or scrub floors.
- Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.
- Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.
- Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
- Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.
- Receive and store supplies.
- Clean garbage cans with water or steam.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control2.9/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Time Management2.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.5/5
- Operations Monitoring2.5/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.2/5
- Service Orientation2.1/5
Knowledge
- English Language3.2/5
- Food Production2.8/5
- Education and Training2.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.4/5
- Public Safety and Security2.3/5
- Administration and Management1.9/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma56%
- Less than high school43%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.