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.
SOC: 51-6011.00
Common Job Titles
Laundry Aide
Laundry Attendant
Laundry Housekeeper
Laundry Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate industrial washing and dry-cleaning machines following production and processing protocols to clean cloth garments, linens, and household articles.
Developing
Hands-onHandle garments, textiles, and specialty materials such as suede, leather, and furs in high-volume laundry settings, sorting and preparing items for appropriate cleaning processes.
Developing
KnowledgeApply chemical knowledge and safety procedures when selecting cleaning solvents and agents for spotting and dyeing various fabric types.
Developing
Hands-onExecute garment pressing, steaming, and folding operations using irons, clothing presses, and automatic folding machines to meet quality standards.
Developing
KnowledgeApply time management and prioritization strategies to organize workflow and schedule laundry batches according to customer needs and equipment availability.
Developing
Hands-onPerform inspection and quality control of cleaned articles, identifying stains, damage, or cleaning defects before returning items to customers.
Developing
Hands-onOperate centrifugal extractors and industrial dryers, monitoring machine cycles and adjusting temperature settings to prevent fabric damage.
Developing
KnowledgeApply public safety and hazardous material protocols when handling chemical solvents, using respirators, protective gloves, and ventilation systems.
Developing
MindsetEngage with customers to understand cleaning preferences and special handling requirements, demonstrating service orientation in direct customer interactions.
Developing
Hands-onPerform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of laundry equipment, including cleaning lint filters, checking exhaust systems, and reporting mechanical issues.
Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
195,360
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,270. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,530. 50th percentile: U.S. $33,800. 75th percentile: U.S. $36,760. 90th percentile: U.S. $42,370. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$26,270
10% of workers earn the following or more
$42,370
Workers on average earn
$33,990
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Production and Processing3.1/5
English Language3.0/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Mathematics2.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
