Laundry and dry-cleaning workers
SOC Code: 51-6011Also known as:
Assorter, Bag Hanger, Bag Washer, Benzene Washer, Benzene Worker
Median Annual Salary
$33,800
+5.4% growth (2024-2034)
32K
Openings/Year
203K
Current Jobs
What Laundry and dry-cleaning workers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$33,800
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.4%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
32K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
202,600
Projected Employment (2034)
213,500
Related Careers
Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials
$33,880 •
-13.5% growth
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Painting, coating, and decorating workers
$40,860 •
+1.4% growth
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
$41,460 •
+3.6% growth
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment
$35,270 •
+3.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do laundry and dry-cleaning workers make?
The median annual salary for laundry and dry-cleaning workers is $33,800.
What education do laundry and dry-cleaning workers need?
Most laundry and dry-cleaning workers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming laundry and dry-cleaning workers a good career choice?
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers is projected to see +5.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 31,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to laundry and dry-cleaning workers?
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers may also be known as: Assorter, Bag Hanger, Bag Washer, Benzene Washer, Benzene Worker, Blanket Washer, Box Storage Worker, Bundle Breaker, Buttoner, Carpet Cleaner, Carpet Renovator, Classifier, Cleaner, Cleaner and Dyer, Cleaner and Presser, Cleaning Machine Operator, Cleaning Technician, Clothes Marker, Clothes Separator, Clothes Shaker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.