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Restaurant Dishwasher Salary in the United States

How much does a Restaurant Dishwasher make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Dishwasher in the United States is $31,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.

However, a Restaurant Dishwasher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $35,842
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29,480 to $33,930
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $27,340
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Restaurant Dishwasher Salaries

A Restaurant Dishwasher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Restaurant Dishwasher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Restaurant Dishwasher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $31,409
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $31,830
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $32,520
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $32,614
  • Expert (over 8 years): $32,770
Levels Salary
Entry Level Restaurant Dishwasher$31,409
Intermediate Level Restaurant Dishwasher$31,830
Senior Level Restaurant Dishwasher$32,520
Specialist Level Restaurant Dishwasher$32,614
Expert Level Restaurant Dishwasher$32,770
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How Do Restaurant Dishwasher Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Restaurant Dishwashers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $35,240.
  • California: $35,110.
  • Massachusetts: $34,640.

Top Paying Cities for Restaurant Dishwashers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $40,150
  • San Francisco: $39,710
  • Oakland: $38,870

What Skills Can Increase a Restaurant Dishwasher's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.26% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Food Service (Mentioned in 5.1% Job Postings): The foodservice or catering industry includes the businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 2.19% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.26%
Food Service 5.1%
Work Ethic 2.19%
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What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Restaurant Dishwasher's salary.

  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • WFM: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Food Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Commitment $33,422
5%
WFM $32,785
3%
Food Safety $32,467
2%
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Restaurant Dishwasher Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Restaurant Dishwasher salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $34,900. While startup companies pay approximate $29,496.

Restaurant Dishwasher Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $29,496
Growth Stage 51~500 $31,206
Established 501~5000 $33,687
Enterprise 5000+ $34,900

Restaurant Dishwasher Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Restaurant Dishwasher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Restaurant Dishwasher positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Restaurant Dishwasher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Restaurant Dishwasher

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$38,196$18.020%

Restaurant Dishwasher Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Restaurant Dishwasher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$29,480
Average $31,830/year
$33,930
$2,457
Average $2,653/month
$2,828
$567
Average $612/week
$653
$14
Average $15/hour
$16
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $33,930 $2,828 $653 $16
Average $31,830 $2,653 $612 $15
25th Percentile $29,480 $2,457 $567 $14

Restaurant Dishwasher Salary Growth & Career Path

Restaurant Dishwasher

Next Role

Advancement

For a Restaurant Dishwasher, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Casino Kitchen Food Prep Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $44,900 - a projected growth of 41% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Restaurant Dishwasher

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Restaurant Dishwasher

Here are companies hiring for Restaurant Dishwasher and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Restaurant Dishwasher

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Restaurant Dishwasher?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Restaurant Dishwasher roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much does a Wendy's Dishwasher make?

A Wendy's Dishwasher typically earns between $25,010 and $29,730 annually, with a median salary of around $27,420. This reflects the general pay range for dishwashers in the restaurant industry, which may vary based on location and experience.

3. How much does Gordon Ramsay pay his dishwashers?

Gordon Ramsay pays his dishwashers an estimated salary ranging from $25,010 to $29,730 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $27,420. This translates to an approximate hourly rate of $12 to $14, depending on experience and location.

4. How much does a Chick-fil-A Dishwasher make?

A Chick-fil-A Dishwasher typically earns between $25,010 and $29,730 annually, with a mid-salary of around $27,420. This aligns with the national average, reflecting the compensation for similar roles in the industry. Salary data is based on various sources, including employee feedback and job postings.

5. What is the most difficult job in a restaurant?

While baking is often seen as a challenging role in a restaurant, being a dishwasher can also be demanding. Dishwashers earn between $25,010 and $29,730 annually, and their work is crucial for maintaining kitchen efficiency. They must handle a fast-paced environment, ensuring cleanliness and organization, which is vital for the overall success of the restaurant.

6. What is the highest dishwasher pay?

The highest pay for dishwashers can reach up to $29,730 annually, with a minimum salary of $25,010 and a mid-range salary of $27,420. In cities like Seattle, WA, dishwashers earn around $20.98 per hour, while in Chicago, IL, the rate is approximately $18.24 per hour. Other cities show varying rates, reflecting the overall salary range for this position.

7. Do dishwashers get tips at restaurants?

In some restaurants, dishwashers may receive tips, which can provide a modest supplement to their base pay. However, this practice is not universal, and the amount can vary significantly. The salary for dishwashers typically ranges from a minimum of $25,010 to a maximum of $29,730, with a mid-salary of $27,420.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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