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What is a washer operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

The primary duty of a washer operator is to operate laundry equipment. The type of equipment a washer operator operates may vary depending on where they work. It could vary from a power washer to a car washer.

As a laundry employee, he/she delivers and picks up linen for contract laundry accounts. He/She sorts, classifies, and weighs linen for processing. Furthermore, he/she inspects linen for foreign objects. Washer operators can also work in factories, stores, and bus depots where professional washing equipment is in use.

Employers seek candidates with at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some skills, such as knowledge of safety procedures, manual dexterity, and physical stamina, are developed on the job. You must pay rapt attention to detail. Washer operators make an average salary of $29,933 per annum, which is about $14.39 hourly. The range falls between $19,000 and $45,000.

ScoreWasher OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,789

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.83%

Asian 4.44%

Black or African American 9.75%

Hispanic or Latino 19.21%

Unknown 4.77%

White 61.01%

Gender

female 14.41%

male 85.59%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.9

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Washer operator career paths

Key steps to become a washer operator

  1. Explore washer operator education requirements

    Most common washer operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    48.8 %

    Associate

    15.7 %

    Bachelor's

    15.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific washer operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Safety Standards34.42%
    Dryers30.67%
    Car Wash8.79%
    Washing Machines5.68%
    Safety Procedures4.83%
  3. Complete relevant washer operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New washer operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a washer operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real washer operator resumes.
  4. Research washer operator duties and responsibilities

    • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
    • Stock PPE cabinets throughout the day.
    • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
    • Operate an industrial scale to make sure load weights do not exceed washer and dryer capacities.
  5. Prepare your washer operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your washer operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a washer operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable washer operator resume templates

    Build a professional washer operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your washer operator resume.
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
    Washer Operator Resume
  6. Apply for washer operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a washer operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first washer operator job

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Average washer operator salary

The average washer operator salary in the United States is $31,789 per year or $15 per hour. Washer operator salaries range between $25,000 and $40,000 per year.

Average washer operator salary
$31,789 Yearly
$15.28 hourly

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How do washer operators rate their job?

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Washer operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

Controlling the batch and procdureing good concrete makes me happy Rmc makes me happy when the out work is fine Taking care of the batching plant in general

Cons

When the test falls it hates so much and deliance of production When there is little work I fil like am down


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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