Occupation · SOC 51-6011
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.
Median wage
$33,800
$26,270–$42,370
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
195,360
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped
Core skills
MonitoringActive ListeningTime ManagementSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessOperations MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningCoordinationService OrientationInstructingComplex Problem SolvingQuality Control AnalysisPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesWritingTroubleshootingSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisRepairingEquipment SelectionEquipment MaintenanceOperations AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignScienceProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsAdministration and ManagementChemistryLaw and GovernmentComputers and ElectronicsEducation and TrainingPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationMechanicalSociology and AnthropologyEngineering and TechnologyForeign LanguageCommunications and MediaAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingPsychologyTelecommunicationsFood ProductionPhysicsDesignTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologySales and MarketingBiologyMedicine and DentistryGeographyFine ArtsBuilding and ConstructionHistory and Archeology
Technology & tools
CentsCurbside Laundries Wash and Fold POS SoftwareEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordProperty management system PMS softwareSales processing softwareWash-Dry-Fold POSWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAssisting and Caring for OthersTraining and Teaching OthersGetting InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesCoaching and Developing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentProcessing InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesThinking CreativelySelling or Influencing OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentWorking with ComputersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesAnalyzing Data or Information
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Garment sorting procedures — recognize and apply basic color and fabric categories under direct supervisor guidance in a commercial laundry facility.Washer and dry-cleaning machine loading — perform step-by-step loading tasks according to posted protocols on a production laundry floor.Machine start-up sequences — follow written instructions to start washers and dryers under close supervision in an entry-level shift role.Identifying codes and name markers — apply hand or machine markers to customer articles using established numbering systems with supervisor oversight.Valve and lever adjustments — identify and turn basic controls to regulate water and detergent volume under direct direction from a lead worker.Article removal from machines — retrieve cleaned items from washers and dry-cleaning machines as directed by a senior coworker or supervisor.Folding and hanging finished items — sort, fold, wrap, or hang dried articles following facility standards under guidance on a production line.Filter cleaning basics — clean machine filters using approved procedures after being shown the correct method by a trainer in the plant.Customer intake recognition — receive customer articles at the counter and record basic identifying information using facility intake forms under supervision.Oral instructions — listen to and accurately follow verbal directions from supervisors regarding machine settings and task priorities in a busy laundry environment.
developing
Fabric and soil assessment — examine incoming articles independently to classify by color, fabric type, and dirt level before routing to the correct cleaning process.Machine operation sequencing — start and monitor washers, dry-cleaning machines, dryers, and extractors with minimal oversight during a standard production shift.Additive regulation — adjust soap, detergent, bleach, starch, and water volumes by reading machine gauges and following batch-specific formulas on the shop floor.Extractor and dryer coordination — operate or direct a small team in running extraction and drying cycles to meet daily throughput targets in a commercial laundry.Article tracking and marking — receive, code, and log customer garments using hand markers or POS intake software with consistent accuracy across a full shift.Finished-goods quality check — count, inspect, fold, and package dried articles to confirm they meet cleanliness and appearance standards before customer return.Routine equipment maintenance — clean filters and lubricate machine components on a scheduled basis to prevent downtime in a production laundry setting.Stain and specialty-item handling — identify common stains and select appropriate pre-treatment chemicals or cleaning techniques for delicate fabrics without supervisor prompting.Co-worker communication — relay machine status updates and task completions clearly and promptly to team members during a fast-paced laundry shift.Basic digital recordkeeping — enter production counts and customer order data into spreadsheet or database software to support shift reporting requirements.
proficient
Multi-machine workflow management — independently oversee simultaneous washer, dry-cleaner, extractor, and dryer cycles to maximize throughput on a high-volume production floor.Complex fabric and dye risk evaluation — autonomously assess garment color-fastness, fiber content, and soil type to determine safe cleaning techniques for non-routine or high-value articles.Chemical formulation adjustment — calibrate detergent, solvent, bleach, and starch ratios based on load composition and machine performance data across varied batch conditions.Equipment troubleshooting — diagnose irregular machine sounds, cycle failures, or chemical imbalances and initiate corrective action to restore production without external assistance.Complete article lifecycle oversight — manage the full process from customer intake and marking through washing, finishing, folding, and order fulfillment with minimal error rates.Preventive maintenance execution — perform thorough filter cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments on a proactive schedule to extend equipment service life.Non-standard order resolution — handle damaged, shrunken, or mismarked garments by consulting care labels, customer records, and industry references to determine remediation steps.Production data analysis — review shift output records in spreadsheet or database software to identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements to management.Customer service escalation — address complaints about cleaning quality or lost articles directly, applying knowledge of cleaning processes and service standards to reach satisfactory outcomes.Team task coordination — direct coworkers in loading, removal, and finishing duties to balance workload evenly and maintain quality standards across a full shift.
advanced
Facility workflow strategy — design and implement production scheduling systems that optimize machine utilization, staffing, and turnaround times across the entire laundry or dry-cleaning operation.Staff training program development — create structured on-the-job training curricula covering sorting, machine operation, chemical handling, and finishing techniques for new and advancing employees.Quality standards leadership — establish and enforce facility-wide cleaning quality benchmarks, inspection protocols, and corrective action procedures to protect customer satisfaction and brand reputation.Chemical and solvent safety governance — develop and maintain OSHA-aligned chemical handling, storage, and disposal policies to ensure regulatory compliance across all plant operations.Equipment acquisition and lifecycle planning — evaluate, recommend, and oversee the purchase or replacement of washers, dry-cleaning machines, dryers, and extractors based on operational needs and ROI.Technology integration oversight — lead the adoption and configuration of POS, database, and production-tracking software to streamline intake, order management, and reporting at the organizational level.Performance metrics and accountability — define key production and quality KPIs, monitor results using data tools, and hold team leaders accountable for continuous improvement targets.Vendor and supplier management — negotiate contracts with chemical suppliers and equipment service providers to maintain cost efficiency and supply reliability for the facility.Cross-functional customer service strategy — partner with front-of-house staff and management to design intake, marking, and delivery processes that reduce errors and improve the overall customer experience.Organizational culture and dependability standards — model and champion workplace values of integrity, attention to detail, and stress resilience to build a high-performing, low-turnover production team.
Also known as
160 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
AssorterBag HangerBag WasherBenzene WasherBenzene WorkerBlanket WasherBox Storage WorkerBundle BreakerButtonerCarpet CleanerCarpet RenovatorClassifierCleanerCleaner and DyerCleaner and PresserCleaning Machine OperatorCleaning TechnicianClothes MarkerClothes SeparatorClothes ShakerCoat ExaminerCollar StarcherCollar WorkerColor MatcherConditioner TumblerContinuous Towel RollerConveyor OperatorCurtain CleanerCurtain StretcherDampenerDetacherDiaper FolderDistributorDrapery HandDrierDrier OperatorDry CleanerDry Room AttendantDryer OperatorDrying Machine Operator