Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
O*NET 51-6011.00 · SOC 51-6011
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker is a solid career choice. Median pay is $35k a year with +4.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 28,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Sort garments by fabric type, color, and cleaning method
- →Load washing machines and add correct detergents and chemicals
- →Spot-treat stains on garments before laundering or dry cleaning
- →Transfer cleaned items to dryers and set drying cycles
- →Tag and bag finished items for customer pickup or delivery
Education & How to Get In
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is projected to grow 4.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker make?
The median Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker earns $35k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker jobs?
Our model puts Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 28,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker?
Most Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →No account required · Matches are paid · 7 minutes