Dishwasher Job Description: Role, Salary, Responsibilities, Qualifications & Resume

a yellow rubber duck sitting in a dishwasher

Whenever food or beverages are being served, there will always be hot water and detergent at hand, which is why automatic dishwashers in the food industry are considered almost indispensable. The tasks conducted by these laborers are most commonly related to cleaning and maintaining the kitchen and supporting the kitchen staff. This article goes into detail about the job description of the dishwasher in focus including his responsibilities, the skills required, and even his qualifications.

Dishwasher Job Description

The primary duties of a dishwasher are cleaning and sanitizing tableware, glassware, cutleries, pots, pans, etc. This often extends to keeping the kitchen space tidy, abiding by health and safety practices, and aiding kitchen personnel when required. Working as a dishwasher allows working in a range of environments, which includes contractors (restaurants), healthcare units (hospitals), and accommodation providers (hotels). Although the position may be considered starting from the lowest but the skills are expected to be strong including hard work, physical activity, and accuracy.

The dishwashers often help to prepare the needed dishes and other serving tools, thereby enabling the smooth flow of kitchen activities. They may also help in other simple activities like preparing food in the kitchen, arranging items, and even sometimes offloading during deliveries.

Resume Description for This Job Position

Take time while preparing the resume as a dishwasher and make sure to note down your qualities which are orderliness and efficiency. Here’s a typical resume description for a dishwasher:

“I’m a very able dishwasher who’s reliable, committed to orderliness and pays a lot of attention to detail. I’ve worked in busy restaurants before and I’ve successfully used a dishwasher and helped with the cleanliness of the restaurant in accordance with set policies. I am hardworking and, when needed, always physically fit to finish any assignment. My colleagues can depend on me to maintain order and cleanliness in the kitchen.”

Feel free to adjust details to better match your experience!

Salary (Based Range in the USA)

As for any other role, the average dishwasher pay rate ranges in the USA due to variety of reasons such as the employer’s geographical location and years of experience one has under his/her belt. Below are the average pay ranges:

  • Hourly Rate: $10 – $15 An hour
  • Above National Average Earnings: $21,000 – $31,000 dollar per annum (Assuming 40 hours work per week)
  • Tipping: In other cases, dishwashers working behind the sink at some of the establishments may get tips during the shift which increases their daily income.

Due to their popularity and cost of living in such cities, dishwashers working at upscale restaurants and hotels in these larger cities would generally expect to earn more than the average pay rate.

Responsibilities

clear glass mugs on white metal rack

The tasks of a dishwasher are essential to the effective running and cleanliness of kitchens. The primary duties are as follows:

  • Cleaning and Sanitizing: General washing of inanimate equipment such spoons, plates, pots, glasses, etc, including using machines where appropriate and encouraged
  • Organizing Dishes and Equipment: Proper arrangement and placing of eating utensils and tools guarantees their timely retrieval by cooks and waiters.
  • Maintaining Kitchen Cleanliness: After the termination of kitchen activities, it is critical to wipe surfaces, mop the floor, and take out the trash to avert the possibility of infestation.
  • Basic Assisting: On occasions helping in making ready the kitchen such as washing some vegetables, peeling, etc, and placing some items back to appropriate locations
  • Operating Dishwashing Machines: Loading, operating, and maintaining dishwashing machines and other implements to the required standards.
  • Health and Safety Practice: Practicing cleanliness in every procedure and in every required place and permitted place is a mandatory and easy requirement for food safety.
  • Managing inventory and supplies: Keeping a count on supplies of cleaning materials and advising the kitchen team leader when stocks are too low,

Qualifications

A dishwasher position is largely basic so one does not need formal education in the subject, however, certain qualifications may prove advantageous:

  • Education: A high school diploma or any equivalent education level may be of use, though it is not a necessity
  • Experience: Experience in a similar role, i.e. in a kitchen or any food service is an asset but is not requisite.
  • Skills:
  1. Physical Stamina: dishwashers are often able to stand and some do straining activities like lifting.
  2. Attention to Detail: great concentration on ensuring all greasy dishes and utensils are clean and sterilized as well.
  3. Time Management: should be able to operate fast and clean during rush hours.
  4. Teamwork: working together with kitchen as well as waitstaff efficiently.
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety Standards: knowledge of food and hygiene safety standards which is necessary in any kitchen.

FAQs

Q1: Are dishwashers required to undergo a particular training or certification?

In general, dishwashers do not require specific lenses to be able to participate. Some employers, however, may expect employees to have gone through basic food safety orientations, especially in highly regulated settings.

Q2: Is there any career advancement for someone who worked as a dishwasher?

Yes, dishwashers are frequently presented with possibilities of promotions in the kitchen. Most of them end up being prep or line cooks and with experience and expertise they move to different positions in the culinary world.

Q3: Does being a dishwasher/washing the dishes involve too much physical work?

In such case, the answer is affirmative. The job can be quite physical involving standing for long periods, heavy lifting and often entails working in quick temp work.

Q4: Can a dishwasher be tipped?

In some restaurants, the dishwashers are paid pooled tips that customers leave, however, this mainly depends on the particular tipping practices of the restaurant.

Q5: What soft skills do you consider the most important when working as a dishwasher?

According to Timmons and Stern, the essential soft skills when working as a dishwasher are attention to details, endurance, time management and collaboration. Lifesaving measures are also important.

Conclusion

As can be seen in this clip practically any cooking area would benefit from the presence of a dishwasher, as they contribute towards the efficiency and cleanup of the entire kitchen. Although dishwashing is an entry level position, it comes with a lot of responsibilities and is ideal for those who wish to progress up the hierarchy in the restaurant industry. In the right environment, with the right focus on sterility, and supporting the kitchen, it can make all the difference for the patrons.

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