Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.
Median pay: $34,890/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +5.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 31,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
• Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
• Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
• Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
• Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
• Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.
• Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
• Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers.
What's the median pay for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?
The median pay for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is $34,890 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?
Employment for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is projected to change +5.4% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?
About 31,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.