Production · SOC 51-6011
Laundry is physically intensive; automation handles bulk loads but fabric sorting, stain treatment, and garment care remain hands-on.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Industrial laundry automation covers sorting and folding in large-scale linen services, but garment dry-cleaning and specialty textile care remain hands-on for at least 15 years.
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$52,540 median pay
$49,240 median pay
$39,950 median pay
$99,670 median pay
$75,190 median pay
$45,700 median pay
AI job-risk card
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers is 16/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
16 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Harder to automate: Loading and unloading machines with varied fabric types, Operating and monitoring multiple machines simultaneously, Adjusting chemical and cycle settings by fabric and soil type, Ensuring garments are handled correctly to prevent damage.
Lean into Textile and fabric care knowledge, Chemical safety for laundry and dry-cleaning solvents, Machine operation and maintenance, Stain identification and treatment, Quality inspection of finished garments. Consider roles such as Laundry Supervisor or Dry Cleaning Manager or Textile Care Specialist.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.