Dry Cleaning and Laundry Workers

Dry cleaning and laundry workers dry clean, wash, dry, and press clothing, linens, curtains, rugs, and other articles made from natural and synthetic fibers. This work is done for individuals, families, industries, hospitals, hotels, schools, and other institutions. In smaller laundries and dry cleaning plants, one worker may perform several different tasks. In larger plants, however, a worker usually performs only one job in the cleaning process. Some dry cleaning and laundry workers specialize in one or two aspects of the process. Today, the industry has a national sales volume of about $9 billion annually. Approximately 218,600 people are employed nationwide in this industry.

Dry cleaners and laundries range from small independent businesses that service families and the community to large wholesale and institutional plants. Many institutions such as hospitals, prisons, and hotels have their own laundry facilities on site.

Salary Range

Below $25,000 to $50,000

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average

Personality Traits

Conventional

Hands On

Realistic

Career Ladder

Business Owner, or Plant Manager, or Line Supervisor

Line Supervisor or Department Head

Dry Cleaning and Laundry Worker

Laundry Laborer or Loader