Dry Cleaning, Laundry, and Related Workers
(NOC 6741)
in All Sales and ServiceDry cleaning and laundry machine operators use machines to dry-clean or launder clothing and other articles. Dry cleaning and laundry inspectors and assemblers check finished clothes and other articles to make sure they meet required standards for dry-cleaning, laundering and pressing, and gather and bag finished clothes and other articles. This group includes workers who iron, press or otherwise finish clothes and household articles. They work for dry cleaning, laundry and fur cleaning companies, and in the laundries of hotels, hospitals and other institutions.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$15.35
Median$17.80
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,863
Minimum$27,093
Median$36,359
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators use machines to dry-clean or launder clothing and other articles. Dry cleaning and laundry inspectors and assemblers check finished clothes and other articles to make sure they meet required standards for dry-cleaning, laundering and pressing, and gather and bag finished clothes and other articles. This group includes workers who iron, press or otherwise finish clothes and household articles. They work for dry cleaning, laundry and fur cleaning companies, and in the laundries of hotels, hospitals and other institutions.
Job duties
Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators:
- Use dry cleaning machines to dry-clean dresses, suits, coats, sweaters and other clothes, draperies, cushion covers and other articles.
- Sort clothes and use washing machines and dryers to clean and dry clothing, sheets, blankets, towels and other articles.
- Use machines to clean and blow-dry fur clothes.
- Use machines to dry-clean, dye, spray, re-oil, and re-buff suede and leather clothes.
- Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other solutions and chemicals.
Dry cleaning and laundry inspectors and assemblers:
- Check finished clothes and other articles to make sure they are properly dry-cleaned or laundered.
- Record damaged or improperly dry-cleaned or laundered clothes and other articles.
- Use hand-held steam iron to touch up finished clothes and other articles.
- Assemble and bag finished clothes and other articles.
- Match invoices with tags on clothes or other articles.
Ironing, pressing and finishing workers:
- Use finishing equipment like steam pressers, and use hand irons to finish pants, jackets, shirts, skirts and other dry cleaned and laundered articles.
- Hand iron laundered fine linens or dry-cleaned silk clothes.
- Use fur ironing and glazing equipment to finish fur clothes and other fur articles.
- Fold and bag dry cleaned and laundered articles.
- May use laundering equipment.
- Workers in this group may specialize in finishing suede, leather, fur and delicate articles.
Sample job titles
- bagger
- drapery cleaner
- dry cleaner
- finisher
- fur cleaner
- inspector - laundry and dry cleaning
- laundry worker
- leather cleaner
- presser
- silk finisher
- steam finisher
- suede cleaner
Skills
- You should have the ability to perform routine, repetitive work and remain mentally alert. You must also be able to work well with others and have good customer service skills. You should enjoy operating machines and taking a methodical approach to their work.
Job requirements
- Some high school education is necessary for some positions within this group.
- Four to eight weeks of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators may need experience as inspectors or assemblers.
- Suede, leather and fur cleaners may need experience as dry cleaning or laundry machine operators.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisor positions is possible with additional training and experience. Workers are often expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$26,064 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$20,444 median annual incomeCape Breton
$26,839 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$32,381 median annual incomeSouthern
$27,374 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
Accommodation and food services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
25-34
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$26,690 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,287 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$28,202 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
No contacts were found under this occupation profileAdditional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.