SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Dishwashers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Dish Machine Operator (DMO)
  • Dish Room Worker
  • Dish Technician
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen Helper
  • Kitchen Steward
  • Pots and Pans Person
  • Steward

What do Dishwashers do?

A dishwasher is a crucial member of the culinary team in a restaurant, catering service, or any food establishment, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Their primary role involves operating dishwashing machines or washing items by hand, ensuring that all cooking and serving ware is sanitized and ready for use. Dishwashers work in a fast-paced environment, often under pressure during peak service hours, where efficiency and attention to detail are paramount. In addition to cleaning, they may also assist in the organization of kitchen supplies and the disposal of waste, contributing to a safe and orderly workspace. Working as a dishwasher often serves as an entry point for many in the culinary field, providing valuable exposure to kitchen operations and opportunities for career advancement within the industry.

What the work actually is

  • Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
  • Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.
  • Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.
  • Sweep or scrub floors.
  • Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, or utensils in clean and orderly condition.

Skills employers expect

Abilities

  • Manual Dexterity The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Finger Dexterity The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Extent Flexibility The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Multilimb Coordination The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Knowledge

  • Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Public Safety and Security Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Handling and Moving Objects
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Operating system software Microsoft Windows
  • Web page creation and editing software Facebook

Tools

  • Commercial use dishwashers Commercial dishwashers · Commercial glasswashers · Pot-washing machines
  • Dish drainer Dish drying racks · Drain racks
  • Remote reading thermometers Temperature indicator strips
  • Domestic kitchen funnels Funnels
  • Soap dispensing brush Dish-cleaning brushes

Who it suits

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Questions people ask

How much do Dishwashers earn in South Africa?

Dishwashers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Dishwashers do?

Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand, Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas and Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.