Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
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 AideLaundry AttendantLaundry HousekeeperLaundry Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
CentsCurbside Laundries Wash and Fold POS SoftwareEmail softwareProperty management system PMS softwareSales processing softwareWash-Dry-Fold POSWeb browser software
Tools & Equipment
Air purifying respiratorsAutomatic folding machinesCarbon absorbersCentrifugal laundry extractorsChemical protection apronsClothes pressing ironsClothing pressesClothing steamers