What does a dishwasher do?

A dishwasher picks up and cleans dishes, pots, glassware and cutlery in restaurants, cafés, hotels or other hospitality establishments that serve food and drinks. Working largely behind the scenes, dishwashers don’t usually have direct contact with customers and guests.

Dishwashers often work during food service hours so that the facility always has clean kitchenware to use. In addition to filling and emptying dishwashing machines and cleaning glassware by hand, a dishwasher can also be required to clean kitchen appliances and work surfaces to assist the kitchen and front-of-house teams.

A dishwasher also puts away dry dishes and utensils and has a keen sense of hygiene to avoid potential contamination.

Dishwasher skills and qualifications

A good dishwasher will possess the following skills and aptitudes in order to succeed in the role:

• ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• good hygiene awareness and willingness to comply with food safety standards
  
• awareness of potential hazards, e.g. when handling knives
• ability to be on their feet for extended periods of time
• ability to load and unload dishwashing machines and lift and move dishes as required
• willingness to wear a uniform if required

Dishwasher experience requirements

The dishwasher role is an entry-level position that doesn’t require any particular work experience. Most dishwashers train on the job, and they may progress to a kitchenhand, food runner or barista down the track.

It can be an advantage to hire a dishwasher who has undergone some training in hospitality or a course in safe food handling because this means they are aware of the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and what is expected of them in a busy hospitality environment.

Dishwasher education and training requirements

A dishwasher is not usually expected to have any formal qualifications. Although most dishwashers will have completed Year 10 schooling, this is an ideal entry-level position and a great first role for young people seeking first practical experience or wanting to earn money alongside their studies.

A completed training course in food safety or another hospitality-related field is, of course, a plus, but not required to work as a dishwasher.

Dishwasher salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a dishwasher is $26.59 per hour. Dishwashers earn similar salaries across all states and territories, with almost identical rates being reported from dishwashers in small and large cities in all corners of the country.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re not sure if you need a dishwasher or a similar worker, take a look at these related roles to see the differences and make the right choice for your establishment:

• Kitchenhand
• Food runner
• Kitchen assistant
• Cleaner

Dishwasher job description FAQs

What makes a great dishwasher?

Anyone can work in a dishwasher role, as there are no formal entry requirements. However, the job would suit someone with a positive can-do attitude who is happy to work independently, follow instructions and support their team.

What are the working hours of a dishwasher?

Dishwashers usually work in shifts, depending on their employer ’s opening hours. Times can cover morning, afternoon, evening or even nighttime hours. As many cafés and restaurants operate on weekends and public holidays, a dishwasher may also be asked to work on those days.

In popular holiday spots, dishwashers may also be hired for seasonal work on a temporary basis, for example, during the summer holiday period. Both full- and part-time roles are available, but part-time employment tends to be more common for dishwashers.

Is dishwasher a stressful role?

Hospitality environments can be very busy. During peak times, many guests will eat at once, and a lot of dishes will pile up that need to be removed and cleaned promptly. The servers and kitchen workers will depend on the dishwasher and expect them to stay on top of the workload and provide them with clean dishes and equipment at all times. This can be quite stressful, so it’s important for dishwashers to be dynamic, proactive and work swiftly. Resilience and being comfortable working in a fast-paced environment are essential in order to succeed as a dishwasher.