SOC 51-6011
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ55/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ195,360
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$34K
$26K โ $42K
Projected Growth
๐+5.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค31/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers face a risk score of 55/100 โ 11 points above the national average of 44. With only 31/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $34K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 55/100, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 195,360 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and handling non-standard materials and configurations to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
๐ป Technology Skills
Point of sale POS software
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Operating system software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Production and Processing
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 74% |
| Supervisors of Production Workers | 34 | $71K | 72% |