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How a dishwasher can use AI, task by task

O*NET 35-9021.00: DishwashersMedian pay $34,810/year (BLS, May 2025)13 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Busser, Dish Machine Operator (DMO), Dish Room Worker, Dish Runner, Dish Technician (Dish Tech), Dishwasher, Kitchen Helper, Kitchen Steward, Steward, Utility Worker.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 0%Stays human 100%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist and 13 human-led tasks out of 13. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

None of this job's listed tasks fall in this group.

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  2. Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  3. Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.Hands-on work · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 0

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

None of this job's tasks are here.

These stay human 13

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Standing: more than half the time · Responsible for others' health and safety: high responsibility · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.

Station: [machine, sinks]
Rules: [sanitizing, temperatures]

List setup, washing order and checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Dishwashing routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you wash dishes, glassware and flatware.
Step 2Fill in [Station] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean tableware..

Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.

Storage: [coolers, dry store]
Items: [food, utensils]

List organizing, dating and rotation steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Kitchen storage

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you place clean dishes and utensils.
Step 2Fill in [Storage] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas..

Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.

Kitchen: [equipment, areas]
Standards: [health code]

Make a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule with sign-offs. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Kitchen cleaning schedule

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain kitchen work areas, equipment and utensils.
Step 2Fill in [Kitchen] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment..

Sweep or scrub floors.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to sweep or scrub floors.

Kitchen: [equipment, areas]
Standards: [health code]

Make a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule with sign-offs. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Kitchen cleaning schedule

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sweep or scrub floors (today).
Step 2Fill in [Kitchen] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment..

Stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to stock supplies, such as food or utensils, in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, or salad bars.

Station: [line, display, trays]
Par list: [items]

Make a stocking checklist. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Station stocking

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you stock supplies (today).
Step 2Fill in [Station] and [Par list] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Stock serving stations or dining areas with food or supplies.. Also involves: Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas..

Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

Area: [kitchen, store]
Rules: [sanitation, recycling]

Make a trash and bin cleaning routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Trash routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you sort and remove trash (today).
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Remove trash..

Clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to clean or prepare various foods for cooking or serving.

Menu or service: [dishes, covers]
Time: [before service]

List prep tasks in order with quantities and holding notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mise en place plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean or prepare various foods (today).
Step 2Fill in [Menu or service] and [Time] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check holding times and temperatures against your food safety plan.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare foods for cooking or serving..

Clean garbage cans with water or steam.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to clean garbage cans with water or steam.

Kitchen: [equipment, areas]
Standards: [health code]

Make a daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedule with sign-offs. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Kitchen cleaning schedule

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean garbage cans (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Kitchen] and [Standards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment..

Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.

Items: [food, supplies]
Storage: [areas, rules]

List rotation (FIFO) and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Stock rotation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you transfer supplies or equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Items] and [Storage] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Move equipment, supplies or food to required locations..

Receive and store supplies.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to receive and store supplies.

Storage: [coolers, dry store]
Items: [food, utensils]

List organizing, dating and rotation steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Kitchen storage

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you receive and store supplies (today).
Step 2Fill in [Storage] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Store supplies or goods in kitchens or storage areas..

Prepare and package individual place settings.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to prepare and package individual place settings.

Items: [sandwiches, hot food, pastries]
Rules: [date labels, allergens, temperatures]

List wrapping, labelling and holding steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Wrap and label food

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and package individual place settings (today).
Step 2Fill in [Items] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the date and allergen labels against your food safety rules.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Package food or supplies..

Load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to load or unload trucks that deliver or pick up food or supplies.

Load: [shipment, supplies, products]
Vehicle or container: [type, capacity]

Plan load order, weight distribution and securing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Loading plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you load or unload trucks (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Vehicle or container] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Load shipments, belongings, or materials..

Set up banquet tables.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to set up banquet tables.

Area: [bar, dining room, tables]
Service: [breakfast, event, nightly]

Make a set-up checklist with a layout sketch description and timing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Set-up standard

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up banquet tables.
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Service] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set one section with it and compare with your house standard.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Arrange tables or dining areas..

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Your next moves

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Clean and sanitize the dining area, including tables.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a dishwasher. Part of my job is to clean and sanitize the dining area, including tables.

Room type: [patient room, exam room]
Infection control rules: [your facility policy]

Make a cleaning sequence (clean to dirty, high to low) with products and contact times. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Patient room cleaning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and sanitize the dining area.
Step 2Fill in [Room type] and [Infection control rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

New O*NET task (08/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Clean and sanitize tools and work environment.” (Manicurists and Pedicurists), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.. Also involves: Clean tools or equipment.; Clean food service areas..

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (56% of workers)

  • High school or less 99%
  • Certificate or some college 1%
  • On-the-job training: up to 1 month
  • Related experience: up to 1 month

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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