What does a washer operator do?
A washer operator is tasked with operating laundry machines. They operate and tend to washing machines, dry-cleaning machines, and dryers that, in turn, take care of household or industrial articles. In special cases, they may need to make use of different methods in sorting these fabrics and materials of various colors, sizes, and materials. They also have to sort, hang, or fold articles after they are done washing and drying them.
Washer operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real washer operator resumes:
- 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.
- Dry finish product using industrialize dryer.
- Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.
Washer operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 34% of Washer Operators are proficient in Safety Standards, Dryers, and Car Wash. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Hand-eye coordination, and Listening skills.
We break down the percentage of Washer Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Safety Standards, 34%
Performed knowledgeable and diligent operation of machinery * Quality control/ assurance duties * Forklift operations * Practiced compliance of safety standards
- Dryers, 31%
Load and unload washer and dryers* Sort through dirty laundry* Load and unload dirty laundry trucks
- Car Wash, 9%
Manage daily operation of car wash; account cash flow and operated register; delegated work for other employees;
- Washing Machines, 6%
Run and operate bucket washing machines operate forklift and certified
- Safety Procedures, 5%
Trained entry-level personnel assembly/safety procedures.
- PPE, 5%
Shift safety auditor- safety audits, incident investigations, PPE verification
Common skills that a washer operator uses to do their job include "safety standards," "dryers," and "car wash." You can find details on the most important washer operator responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a washer operator to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what washer operators do because "hand laborers and material movers who work with the public, such as grocery baggers or carwash attendants, must be pleasant and courteous to customers." Additionally, a washer operator resume shows how washer operators use customer-service skills: "maintain and operate car wash and assist customers with car wash questions and understanding methods. "
Hand-eye coordination. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling washer operator duties is hand-eye coordination. The role rewards competence in this skill because "most hand laborers and material movers use their arms and hands to manipulate objects or move objects into specific positions." According to a washer operator resume, here's how washer operators can utilize hand-eye coordination in their job responsibilities: "meet productivity goals & quality standards- communicate in english, both verbal and written- good hand-eye coordination- attention to detail"
Listening skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of washer operators is listening skills. This skill is critical to many everyday washer operator duties, as "hand laborers and material movers follow instructions that a supervisor gives them." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "communicated effectively with the operators and supervisors on a technical level as a member of the plants safety committee. "
Physical strength. A big part of what washer operators do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to washer operator responsibilities because "some hand laborers and material movers must be able to lift and carry heavy objects." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical washer operator tasks: "performed visual and physical quality checks on raw and finished product. "
The three companies that hire the most washer operators are:
- Aramark3 washer operators jobs
- Hormel Foods3 washer operators jobs
- AmeriPride Services2 washer operators jobs
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Compare different washer operators
Washer operator vs. Chemical plant operations technician
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between washer operators and chemical plant operations technician. For instance, washer operator responsibilities require skills such as "safety standards," "dryers," "extractors," and "car wash." Whereas a chemical plant operations technician is skilled in "test samples," "control panels," "epa," and "control measures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Chemical plant operations technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than washer operators. In fact, chemical plant operations technicians are 3.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Washer operator vs. Chemical plant operator supervisor
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that washer operator responsibilities requires skills like "safety standards," "dryers," "extractors," and "car wash." But a chemical plant operator supervisor might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "plumbing," "hvac," "osha," and "facility maintenance."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Chemical plant operators supervisor tend to reach similar levels of education than washer operators. In fact, they're 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Washer operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from washer operator resumes include skills like "dryers," "extractors," "car wash," and "washing machines," whereas a machine operator/forklift operator is more likely to list skills in "drive forklift," "load trucks," "machine operation," and "cnc. "
Machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,711. Comparatively, washer operators have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $33,615.Most machine operator/forklift operators achieve a similar degree level compared to washer operators. For example, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Washer operator vs. Blending plant operator
Types of washer operator
Updated January 8, 2025
