Also called: dish machine operator, steward
What a dishwasher does
A dishwasher keeps the restaurant supplied with clean plates, pans, and tools. You run the dish machine, hand wash pots and sheet pans, and keep the dish pit organized while the pile never stops growing. Pace matters, because cooks and servers run out of what they need if you fall behind. You also take out trash, mop, and help receive deliveries. Good dishwashers learn the whole kitchen by watching, and many go on to become prep or line cooks.
Pay snapshot: the BLS reports a national median of $16.73/hr for dishwashers, and $18.15/hr in the Boston metro. See the full salary breakdown.
Responsibilities
- Scrape, rinse, and load dishes, glassware, and utensils into the dish machine
- Operate the commercial dish machine and keep it filled with the correct detergent and sanitizer
- Hand wash pots, pans, and sheet trays using the three-compartment sink as required
- Dry and put away clean items in the correct stations so cooks and servers can find them
- Check sanitizer levels and water temperature on the machine and test strips throughout the shift
- Keep the dish pit clear of buildup and sort items to avoid breakage and delays
- Take out trash, recycling, and kitchen waste and keep bins clean
- Sweep and mop kitchen floors, mats, and the back of house area
- Help receive and put away deliveries and move heavy items as needed
- Report broken dishes, equipment problems, or low chemical supplies to a manager right away
Requirements
- No experience required in many restaurants, and a willingness to learn is key
- Ability to stand, bend, and lift for long periods and work in a hot, wet environment
- Ability to lift heavy items such as stacks of dishes and bus tubs
- Food handler card may be required depending on your location
- Reliability and a strong work ethic during the busiest shifts
- Ability to follow instructions about chemical use and safety
Skills
- Speed and stamina
- Dish machine operation
- Chemical safety and dilution awareness
- Sorting and organization
- Teamwork with cooks and servers
- Attention to cleanliness
- Staying calm when dishes pile up
Schedule
Dishwashers often work evening and weekend shifts that run through the dinner rush, with some positions covering lunch or an early morning clean-up.
Dishwasher job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Dishwasher - [Restaurant Name], [City] [Restaurant Name] in [City] is looking for a Dishwasher to join our back of house team. You keep our kitchen and dining room running by making sure everyone has clean plates, pans, and tools. What you will do: - Run the dish machine and hand wash pots and pans - Keep the dish area clean, sorted, and organized - Take out trash and mop kitchen floors - Help put away deliveries - Tell a manager about broken items or low supplies What we are looking for: - No experience needed, we will train you - Ability to stand and lift for a full shift - A fast, steady pace and a good attitude - Reliable attendance for [Shift], including weekends - Food handler card if required in [City] (we will help you get it) What we offer: - [$XX-$XX/hr] plus [tips/tip share if applicable] - Staff meal on every shift - [Benefits, e.g. paid time off, flexible scheduling] - A clear path to prep or line cook for those who want it Apply by emailing [email] or stop by [Address] between [Hours].
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