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What's the salary outlook for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker and is it growing?

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Supply Chain & ProductionStable

Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker

Operational-level

Also known as: Assorter, Bag Hanger, Bag Washer, Benzene Washer

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.
Laundry OperationsDry CleaningTextile CareGarment CareProductionOperations ManagementSupply ChainSkilled TradeManufacturing

A Day in the Life

You arrive at "Sparkle Cleaners" just before 7 AM, the fluorescent lights humming over rows of incoming garment bags. The air already carries a faint, clean chemical scent. You punch in, grab a large sorting bin, and begin separating the day's first drop-offs: delicate silks from sturdy cottons, darks from lights, and items tagged for dry-cleaning versus wet washing. Each piece needs careful inspection before it enters the system.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

28,200

per year (US)

Jobs today

204,900

in 2025 → 213,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is stable, with about 28,200 job openings expected each year through 2035. The field is projected to grow by 4.3% in that period. The median annual wage is $34,890. With experience, you can move into supervisory roles or specialize in advanced textile care.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Laundry Assistant
  • Textile Handler
  • General Laborer

Where it can lead

  • Laundry Supervisor
  • Textile Care Technician
  • Dry-Cleaning Business Owner

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly impact laundry and dry-cleaning through smart sorting systems, predictive maintenance for machinery, and automated stain detection and treatment. While some manual tasks will remain, AI-powered machines could enhance efficiency and reduce the need for certain operational roles. This shift could lead to a demand for workers skilled in operating and maintaining advanced equipment.

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Salary

$34,890

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Apparel and Textile Manufacture

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Industrial Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Operations Management and Supervision

Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years

Engineering/Industrial Management

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Facility Services

Vocational • Business & Economics • 2 years

Current Vacancies

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