Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
SOC Code: 51-6011.00
ProductionLaundry and dry-cleaning workers operate washing machines, dryers, and specialized cleaning equipment to clean garments, linens, and other textiles for individuals and businesses. With a median salary of $33,800, these workers sort, process, press, and package items while handling a range of fabrics and stain removal challenges. This service-oriented role supports hospitality, healthcare, and personal care industries that depend on clean, professionally maintained textiles.
Salary Overview
Median
$33,800
25th Percentile
$29,530
75th Percentile
$36,760
90th Percentile
$42,370
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+5.4%
New Openings
31,900
Outlook
As fast as average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- 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.
- Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
- Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
- Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
- Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
- 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.
- Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Less Than High School
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Top Career Pivot Targets
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A Day in the Life
A typical day for a laundry worker begins with receiving and sorting incoming items by fabric type, color, cleaning method, and customer instructions. Workers load commercial washing machines with appropriate detergent, temperature settings, and cycle selections based on fabric care requirements. While wash cycles run, they process previously cleaned items by transferring them to industrial dryers or hanging them for air drying. Pressing and finishing occupy a significant portion of the shift, with workers using steam presses, ironing stations, and garment finishing equipment to remove wrinkles and present items professionally. Dry-cleaning workers handle solvent-based cleaning processes, pre-treating stains, loading specialized machines, and monitoring chemical cycles. Throughout the day, workers inspect cleaned items for remaining stains, damage, or quality issues before packaging them for customer pickup or delivery. End-of-shift tasks include machine cleaning, solvent system maintenance, and organizing the next day's workflow to ensure efficient processing.
Work Environment
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers operate in warm, humid environments created by continuously running washers, dryers, and steam pressing equipment. The physical nature of the work involves standing for the entire shift, lifting heavy bundles of wet laundry, and performing repetitive motions while sorting, pressing, and folding. Chemical exposure is a workplace consideration, particularly in dry-cleaning operations where workers handle solvents, spotting agents, and detergent concentrates. Noise from industrial equipment is constant, and proper ventilation is essential to manage heat, humidity, and chemical fumes. Most commercial laundry operations run multiple shifts, with workers potentially assigned to early morning, evening, or weekend schedules. Smaller retail dry-cleaners may offer more predictable hours aligned with standard business schedules. The work pace can be intense during peak periods, with Monday mornings and pre-holiday rushes creating high-volume processing demands.
Career Path & Advancement
Laundry and dry-cleaning positions typically require no formal education beyond a high school diploma, with most training provided on the job. New workers learn equipment operation, fabric identification, stain treatment techniques, and chemical handling safety during their initial training period. After gaining experience, workers can advance to shift supervisor or plant manager positions overseeing daily operations and managing production teams. Developing expertise in specialized cleaning techniques for delicate fabrics, leather, suede, or wedding gowns creates opportunities for premium service roles. Some workers pursue training in textile restoration and conservation, handling valuable antique fabrics and museum pieces. Entrepreneurial professionals can open their own dry-cleaning or laundry service businesses after accumulating industry knowledge and customer service experience. Advancement into route management for pick-up and delivery services combines operational knowledge with sales and customer relationship skills.
Specializations
Within the laundry and dry-cleaning industry, workers can develop expertise in several niche areas. Wedding gown preservation specialists clean, treat, and archive bridal wear using techniques that prevent yellowing and fabric deterioration. Industrial laundry workers focus on high-volume processing for hotels, hospitals, and restaurants, operating large-scale continuous batch washers and flatwork ironers. Leather and suede cleaning specialists handle delicate materials that require solvent-specific processes and specialized finishing techniques. Theatrical and costume care workers clean and maintain performance garments that may include delicate fabrics, beading, and historical construction methods. Some workers specialize in fire and water damage restoration, cleaning smoke-affected garments and textiles for insurance restoration companies. Uniform service specialists manage commercial accounts, processing and maintaining branded workwear for companies across multiple industries. Eco-friendly cleaning specialists work with wet cleaning systems and non-toxic solvents as the industry shifts away from traditional perchloroethylene-based dry cleaning.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓No formal education or prior experience required for most entry-level positions
- ✓Immediate employment availability in virtually every community
- ✓Stable demand driven by essential hospitality, healthcare, and personal needs
- ✓Entrepreneurial pathway to business ownership with relatively low startup costs
- ✓Structured work with clear processes and measurable daily output
- ✓Opportunity to develop specialized skills in garment care and fabric restoration
- ✓Indoor work environment protected from outdoor weather conditions
Challenges
- ✗Among the lowest median salaries across all occupations
- ✗Physically demanding work involving heavy lifting and prolonged standing
- ✗Exposure to heat, humidity, and potentially harmful cleaning chemicals
- ✗Repetitive tasks that can become monotonous over extended periods
- ✗Limited advancement opportunities without moving into management or ownership
- ✗Weekend and holiday work schedules common in service environments
- ✗Risk of burns from steam equipment and skin irritation from chemical contact
Industry Insight
The laundry and dry-cleaning industry is experiencing a significant shift toward environmentally sustainable practices as traditional solvent-based cleaning faces regulatory pressure. Professional wet cleaning technology has matured to the point where it can handle most garments previously requiring dry cleaning, reducing chemical usage and environmental impact. On-demand laundry pickup and delivery services powered by mobile apps are disrupting the traditional drop-off model and expanding the market. Automation in commercial laundry operations continues to advance, with robotic sorting, automated folding systems, and RFID tracking improving efficiency. The hospitality and healthcare sectors remain the largest commercial laundry customers, providing stable demand regardless of economic conditions. Energy efficiency improvements in washer and dryer technology are reducing operational costs while addressing environmental concerns. Labor shortages in the industry are pushing wages upward and encouraging operators to invest in equipment that reduces the physical demands on workers.
How to Break Into This Career
Entering the laundry and dry-cleaning industry is straightforward, as most employers hire based on reliability and willingness to learn rather than prior experience. Applying directly to commercial laundries, dry-cleaning shops, hotel laundry departments, and hospital linen services typically yields quick hiring decisions. Large hotel chains and healthcare facilities often provide comprehensive training programs with structured onboarding for new workers. Demonstrating attention to detail during the interview process signals the careful approach needed when handling customers' garments. Basic knowledge of fabric types and care label symbols gives candidates an advantage but is not required for most positions. Staffing agencies that supply workers to industrial laundries offer another easy entry point with minimal application barriers. Workers who show initiative in learning stain removal techniques, equipment maintenance, and customer service skills position themselves for rapid advancement. Availability for flexible scheduling, including weekends and early morning shifts, makes candidates more attractive to employers in this service-driven industry.
Career Pivot Tips
Various professional backgrounds provide useful skills for transitioning into laundry and dry-cleaning work. Housekeeping and hotel cleaning staff already understand fabric care, stain identification, and the standards expected in hospitality-grade textile maintenance. Textile and fashion industry workers bring knowledge of fabric construction, fiber content, and garment care that transfers directly to cleaning operations. Chemistry backgrounds, even at a basic level, help workers understand stain chemistry and cleaning agent interactions. Retail customer service experience translates well to the front-counter interactions central to dry-cleaning businesses. Restaurant workers accustomed to fast-paced, shift-based work environments adapt easily to the productivity demands of commercial laundry operations. Manufacturing workers familiar with operating industrial equipment and following safety protocols transition smoothly to commercial laundry machinery. Career changers interested in eventual business ownership should note that dry-cleaning and laundry services have relatively low startup costs compared to many other small business ventures.
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