Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States, Are you searching for hotel dishwasher jobs in the United States with reliable hours and an opportunity to enter the hospitality industry? Hotel dishwasher and kitchen steward positions can be a practical option for people looking for entry-level employment in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses.
Many hotel kitchens depend on dishwashers to keep dishes, cookware, utensils, food-preparation equipment, and work areas clean throughout the day. Depending on the employer, location, experience, and schedule, advertised opportunities may offer approximately $15–$21 per hour and around 30–40 hours per week.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies dishwashers as workers who clean dishes, kitchen and food-preparation equipment, and utensils. Its May 2025 occupational data reported a national mean hourly wage of $16.49 for dishwashers. Bureau of Labor Statistics Hotel-related employment can pay differently from the overall dishwasher occupation: BLS May 2023 industry data listed traveler accommodation at a mean $18.11 per ho
If you are interested in hotel jobs with no extensive experience, kitchen jobs, hospitality jobs, or entry-level food-service positions, this career path may be worth exploring.
What Is a Hotel Dishwasher Job?
A hotel dishwasher is an important member of the hotel’s kitchen or stewarding team. The position is sometimes advertised under titles such as dishwasher, kitchen steward, stewarding attendant, kitchen utility worker, or restaurant dishwasher. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
The basic responsibility is to ensure that dishes and kitchen equipment are cleaned and sanitized efficiently. However, the job can involve considerably more than placing dirty plates into a commercial dishwasher.
Hotel dishwashers may work behind the scenes while restaurants, banquet rooms, room-service operations, breakfast areas, and other hotel food-service facilities are operating.
The employee helps maintain a steady supply of clean plates, glasses, utensils, pots, pans, trays, and other equipment so that cooks and servers can continue serving guests without unnecessary interruptions. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Hotel Dishwasher Salary: $15–$21 Per Hour
One of the most attractive features of these positions is the potential hourly wage.
For this job opportunity, the advertised compensation range is $15–$21 per hour. However, applicants should understand that wages can vary according to location, employer, property type, experience, shift, local labor conditions, and applicable wage laws.
The following table shows what the advertised hourly range could look like at different weekly schedules.
| Hourly Pay | 30 Hours/Week | 35 Hours/Week | 40 Hours/Week | Approx. Annual Gross at 40 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15/hour | $450 | $525 | $600 | $31,200 |
| $16/hour | $480 | $560 | $640 | $33,280 |
| $17/hour | $510 | $595 | $680 | $35,360 |
| $18/hour | $540 | $630 | $720 | $37,440 |
| $19/hour | $570 | $665 | $760 | $39,520 |
| $20/hour | $600 | $700 | $800 | $41,600 |
| $21/hour | $630 | $735 | $840 | $43,680 |
These calculations are gross earnings before taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, or other deductions. The annual figures assume 52 weeks of 40 hours per week and do not account for unpaid time off. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
This table is useful because the same hourly wage can produce very different weekly earnings depending on the number of hours actually scheduled.
For example, a worker earning $18 per hour for 30 hours would have approximately $540 in gross weekly wages. At 40 hours, the same hourly rate would produce approximately $720 in gross weekly wages.
Actual schedules and compensation should always be confirmed directly from the individual job advertisement and employer. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Why Hotel Dishwasher Jobs Can Be a Good Entry-Level Opportunity
One major advantage of hotel dishwasher jobs is that they can provide an entry point into the hospitality industry.
Many kitchen-support positions emphasize reliability, physical stamina, cleanliness, teamwork, and willingness to learn rather than advanced professional qualifications.
This can make the position attractive to:
- People looking for their first hospitality job
- Workers changing careers
- Applicants with limited restaurant experience
- People interested in hotel employment
- Workers seeking part-time or full-time kitchen work
- Individuals who want to build hospitality experience
- Applicants interested in eventually becoming cooks or kitchen supervisors
Hotel work can also expose employees to different areas of hospitality operations. A dishwasher who performs consistently may eventually learn additional kitchen duties and pursue other positions when opportunities become available.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
A hotel dishwasher job description can vary from one property to another, but several responsibilities are common.
1. Wash Dishes and Utensils
The primary duty is cleaning plates, bowls, cups, glasses, silverware, serving equipment, and other items used by guests and kitchen employees.
Dishwashers may use large commercial dishwashing machines designed to process significant quantities of dishes quickly. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
2. Clean Pots and Pans
Hotel kitchens use large cookware, trays, mixing bowls, pans, and other equipment that may require manual cleaning.
Employees may need to remove food residue, soak equipment, scrub surfaces, and sanitize cookware according to workplace procedures.
3. Clean Kitchen Equipment
The position may involve cleaning food-preparation equipment and other kitchen surfaces.
Employees generally follow the hotel’s cleaning and sanitation procedures and use appropriate cleaning products and protective equipment.
4. Organize Supplies
A hotel dishwasher may also be responsible for returning clean dishes, utensils, cookware, and supplies to their designated storage locations.
Good organization helps the kitchen operate efficiently during busy periods.
5. Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness
Keeping the dishwashing area clean is another important responsibility.
Depending on the property, duties may include sweeping, mopping, cleaning sinks, wiping surfaces, emptying trash, and keeping storage or utility areas organized.
6. Support Kitchen Staff
Dishwashers work closely with cooks, chefs, servers, restaurant employees, banquet teams, and other hotel staff.
During busy meal periods, quick communication and efficient work can be especially important.
What Is the Typical Work Schedule?
Hotel kitchens often operate for long hours because guests may require breakfast, lunch, dinner, room service, banquets, and other food services. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
For that reason, hotel dishwasher schedules can vary considerably.
A position offering 30–40 hours per week could potentially involve:
- Morning shifts
- Afternoon shifts
- Evening shifts
- Dinner shifts
- Weekend shifts
- Holiday shifts
- Late-night shifts
- Rotating schedules
Applicants who can work weekends, evenings, and holidays may have access to a broader range of opportunities.
However, workers should always ask about the expected schedule before accepting a position. A job advertised as 30–40 hours does not necessarily guarantee 40 hours every week.
What Qualifications Are Required?
Hotel dishwasher jobs are often considered entry-level, but employers can establish their own requirements.
Common qualifications may include:
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to lift and carry kitchen items
- Good physical stamina
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to follow instructions
- Attention to cleanliness
- Ability to work with a team
- Willingness to work flexible shifts
- Ability to follow workplace safety procedures
Previous restaurant or hotel experience can be helpful, but some employers may provide on-the-job training.
Applicants should also satisfy all applicable legal requirements for employment in the United States. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Is Hotel Dishwasher Work Physically Demanding?
Yes. Applicants should understand the physical nature of the job before applying. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Dishwashers can spend much of their shift standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, scrubbing, and repeatedly handling dishes and kitchen equipment.
The kitchen environment can also be hot, noisy, wet, and busy.
During breakfast, lunch, dinner, or large hotel events, the volume of dishes can increase significantly.
This means employers may value employees who can maintain a consistent work pace while paying attention to cleanliness and safety. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Where Are Hotel Dishwasher Jobs Available?
Hotel dishwasher opportunities can be found throughout the United States.
Large hospitality markets can provide many potential opportunities because they contain hotels, resorts, restaurants, convention properties, and tourism businesses. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Potential markets include:
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Texas
- Nevada
- Hawaii
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Pennsylvania
However, wages differ significantly by location. BLS May 2023 data, for example, reported mean dishwasher wages of $18.92 in Washington, $18.34 in Hawaii, $18.17 in California, and $17.92 in Massachusetts, while other states had lower
This demonstrates why applicants should compare the local wage, cost of living, schedule, benefits, and exact job duties rather than focusing only on the advertised hourly rate. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
How to Find Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the USA
People searching for these opportunities can use several strategies.
Search online using phrases such as:
- Hotel dishwasher jobs in the USA
- Hotel dishwasher jobs near me
- Dishwasher jobs hiring now
- Hotel kitchen jobs
- Dishwasher jobs $15 an hour
- Dishwasher jobs $20 an hour
- Hotel jobs with no experience
- Entry-level hospitality jobs
- Kitchen steward jobs
- Hotel stewarding jobs
- Restaurant dishwasher jobs
Applicants can also visit hotel career pages, employment websites, local workforce resources, and the websites of individual hotels and resorts.
When applying, always verify that the job advertisement is legitimate and that the employer provides clear information about pay, location, duties, and employment requirements. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
How to Prepare a Resume for a Dishwasher Job
A dishwasher resume does not need to be extremely complicated. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Focus on practical skills and qualities relevant to the position.
For example, an applicant can highlight:
Work ethic: Demonstrate reliability and willingness to work.
Cleaning skills: Mention previous cleaning, housekeeping, restaurant, or maintenance experience.
Physical ability: If appropriate, explain experience with standing, lifting, or physically active work.
Teamwork: Hotel kitchens depend heavily on cooperation between employees.
Availability: Clearly state whether you can work evenings, weekends, holidays, or full-time schedules.
Even if you have no previous dishwasher experience, other forms of work experience can demonstrate transferable skills. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Career Growth After a Dishwasher Position
A dishwasher job does not necessarily have to be the end of a hospitality career.
Employees can potentially develop skills and pursue other positions, depending on their employer and available opportunities.
Possible career paths may include:
Dishwasher → Kitchen Utility Worker → Prep Cook → Line Cook → Senior Cook
Another path could involve moving toward stewarding or kitchen supervision.
Employees interested in culinary careers can use their time in a hotel kitchen to observe professional kitchen operations and learn how food-service teams work.
Advancement is not guaranteed, but demonstrating reliability, learning new responsibilities, and developing relevant skills can improve an employee’s opportunities.
Benefits of Working in a Hotel Kitchen
Depending on the employer, hotel employees may receive benefits in addition to their hourly wages.
Potential benefits can include:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plans
- Employee discounts
- Hotel or travel discounts
- Employee meals
- Training opportunities
- Career-development programs
Benefits vary widely, especially between full-time and part-time positions, so applicants should ask the employer for the complete benefits package. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Important Things to Check Before Accepting a Job
Before accepting a hotel dishwasher position, carefully review the complete job offer.
Confirm:
- Exact hourly wage
- Expected weekly hours
- Work schedule
- Overtime rules
- Location
- Job duties
- Benefits
- Paid time off
- Uniform requirements
- Physical requirements
- Start date
- Any required documents or qualifications
Do not assume that every position offers $21 per hour simply because the broader job category can reach that amount. The actual rate depends on the employer and location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Dishwasher Jobs
How much does a hotel dishwasher make per hour?
The advertised range for the opportunity described in this article is $15–$21 per hour. Actual wages vary by employer and location. BLS data confirms substantial geographic and industry differences in dishwasher pay. Bureau of Labor Statistics+1
How many hours do hotel dishwashers work?
A position may offer approximately 30–40 hours per week, although schedules vary. Some jobs may be part-time, while others may provide full-time hours. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Do hotel dishwasher jobs require experience?
Not necessarily. Many positions can be entry-level, although individual employers determine their own experience and qualification requirements.
What does a hotel dishwasher clean?
Typical responsibilities include cleaning dishes, utensils, pots, pans, food-preparation equipment, kitchen surfaces, and other items used in hotel food-service operations. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Can I get a hotel dishwasher job without a degree?
A college degree is generally not the focus of this occupation. Employers typically emphasize practical requirements such as reliability, physical ability, cleanliness, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions. Individual job requirements vary.
Is $21 per hour possible for a dishwasher?
Some dishwasher positions can pay at or above $21 per hour, depending on location, employer, experience, and other conditions. However, $21 should not be treated as a guaranteed wage for all hotel dishwasher jobs.
Are hotel dishwasher jobs full-time?
Some are. A full-time position may provide approximately 30–40 hours per week, but applicants should confirm the expected weekly schedule with the employer. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
Final Thoughts
Hotel dishwasher jobs in the United States can be a practical entry point for people interested in hospitality, restaurants, resorts, and hotel careers. With advertised opportunities in the $15–$21 per hour range and schedules that may reach 30–40 hours per week, these jobs can offer a straightforward way to gain experience in a professional food-service environment. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
The role involves much more than washing plates. Hotel dishwashers may clean kitchen equipment, sanitize utensils, organize supplies, remove waste, maintain work areas, and support chefs and other kitchen employees during busy service periods. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
The latest BLS occupational data also demonstrates that dishwasher compensation varies by industry and geography. In May 2025, the national mean hourly wage for dishwashers was $16.49, while earlier BLS industry data
For anyone searching for entry-level hotel jobs, kitchen jobs, dishwasher jobs without extensive experience, hospitality employment, or hotel steward positions, this can be a career path worth investigating.
The most important step is to research individual openings carefully. Always confirm the actual hourly wage, guaranteed or expected hours, schedule, location, duties, benefits, and employment requirements before accepting an offer. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States
With reliability, a strong work ethic, good teamwork, and a willingness to learn, a hotel dishwasher position can also become the advertised range with the reality that dishwasher wages vary by industry and location. The BLS currently provides May 2025 OEWS tables, while the detailed hotel-industry starting point for broader opportunities within the hospitality industry. Hotel Dishwasher Jobs in the United States