Dishwashers vs. Waiters and Waitresses: Who Earns More?
Waiters and Waitresses out-earn Dishwashers by $420 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Dishwashers land at $34,810 and Waiters and Waitresses at $35,230. The education gap is real: dishwasher programs typically require no formal educational credential, while waiters and waitress programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Dishwashers is Washington ($40,080); for Waiters and Waitresses it's Hawaii ($62,390).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Dishwashers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Dishwashers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Waiters and Waitresses earn more nationally. The median is $34,810 for Dishwashers versus $35,230 for Waiters and Waitresses, a difference of $420. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Dishwashers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Dishwashers has the better 10-year outlook at 0.2% projected growth, compared to -0.7% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Dishwashers or Waiters and Waitresses?
Dishwashers typically requires no formal educational credential. Waiters and Waitresses requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Dishwashers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Dishwashers at $40,080/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Dishwashers vs. Waiters and Waitresses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Dishwashers earn $40,080 vs. $56,130 for Waiters and Waitresses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.