Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-6011.00
Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Low· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.16
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 31 hidden tasks32 rated tasks · 3 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (9.4%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Test fabrics in inconspicuous places to determine whether solvents will damage dyes or fabrics.51-6011.00 | 0.0025100.0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types.O*NET Task ID 12127 | 1.0 |
Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment.O*NET Task ID 12126 | 0.5 |
Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles.O*NET Task ID 12138 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (32)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| 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. | Core |
| Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them. | Core |
| Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required. | Core |
| Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading. | Core |
| Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment. | Core |
| Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so. | Core |
| Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation. | Core |
| Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment. | Core |
| Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types. | Core |
| Sprinkle chemical solvents over stains, and pat areas with brushes or sponges to remove stains. | Core |
| Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers. | Supplemental |
| Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles. | Supplemental |
| Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors. | Supplemental |
| Operate dry-cleaning machines to clean soiled articles. | Supplemental |
| Test fabrics in inconspicuous places to determine whether solvents will damage dyes or fabrics. | Supplemental |
| Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines. | Supplemental |
| Start pumps to operate distilling systems that drain and reclaim dry cleaning solvents. | Supplemental |
| Operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels. | Supplemental |
| Spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs. | Supplemental |
| Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents. | Supplemental |
| Mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached. | Supplemental |
| Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles. | Supplemental |
| Apply chemicals to neutralize the effects of solvents. | Supplemental |
| Identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents. | Supplemental |
| Dye articles to change or restore their colors, using knowledge of textile compositions and the properties and effects of bleaches and dyes. | Supplemental |
| Iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines. | Supplemental |
| Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry. | Supplemental |
| Wash, dry-clean, or glaze delicate articles or fur garment linings by hand, using mild detergents or dry cleaning solutions. | Supplemental |
| Rinse articles in water and acetic acid solutions to remove excess dye and to fix colors. | Supplemental |
| Mend and sew articles, using hand stitching, adhesive patches, or sewing machines. | Supplemental |
| Immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors. | Supplemental |
| Clean fabrics, using vacuums or air hoses. | Supplemental |
0.87/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers. | E0 none |
| 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. | E2 structured facilities |
| Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles. | E2 structured facilities |
| Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment. | E0 none |
| Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types. | E0 none |
| Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors. | E0 none |
| Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines. | E0 none |
| Operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Sprinkle chemical solvents over stains, and pat areas with brushes or sponges to remove stains. | E0 none |
| Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents. | E0 none |
| Mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached. | E2 structured facilities |
| Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry. | E0 none |
| Immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 205K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 214K
- Change (2025–35)
- +4.3%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $34,890
- Typical education needed for entry
- No formal educational credential
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82301 | 드라이클리닝기 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 82309 | 그 외 세탁 기계 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 99920 | 세탁원 및 다림질원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 8157Laundry Machine Operators
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Laundry machine operators operate laundry, dry cleaning, pressing and fabric treatment machines in laundries and dry-cleaning establishments.
Tasks
- (a) sorting articles for cleaning according to the type, colour, fabric and cleaning treatment required;
- (b) placing sorted articles into receptacles and onto conveyor belts for moving to repair and cleaning areas;
- (c) checking and removing stains from garments, replacing buttons and making minor repairs;
- (d) loading and unloading washing machines, driers and extractors;
- (e) adding cleaning agents and starches to articles;
- (f) smoothing articles and guiding them through cleaning and pressing machines;
- (g) stopping and starting machines to untangle, straighten and remove articles;
- (h) placing articles on shelves and hanging articles for delivery and collection;
- (i) packaging articles and preparing orders for despatch.
Example occupations
Dry-cleaning machine operator · Laundry machine operator · Pressing machine operator (laundry)
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- laundry workerESCO 8157.1Same scope
Laundry workers operate and monitor machines that use chemicals to wash or dry-clean articles such as cloth and leather garments, linens, drapes or carpets, ensuring the color and texture of these articles is being maintained. They work in laundry shops and industrial laundry companies and sort the articles received from clients by fabric type. They also determine the cleaning technique to be applied.
- laundromat attendantESCO 9629.5Overlapping, not the same
Laundromat attendants assist the customers of self-servicing laundries with issues related to coin-machines, dryers or vending machines. They maintain the general cleanliness of the laundry.
- laundry ironerESCO 8157.1.1Overlapping, not the same
Laundry ironers re-shape clothing items and linen and remove creases from them by using irons, presses and steamers. They clean and maintain the ironing and drying area and organise the items accordingly.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| D1205 | Employé / Employée de pressing | This occupation is broader |
| D1226 | Nettoyeur / Nettoyeuse en cuir et peausserie | This occupation is broader |
| D1228 | Employé / Employée de laverie automatique | This occupation is broader |
| K2201 | Employé / Employée de blanchisserie industrielle | This occupation is broader |
| D1242 | Linger / Lingère | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| D1229 | Responsable de pressing | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 8170 | Operadores de máquinas de lavandería y tintorería | Same scope |
| 9221 | Limpiadores en seco a mano y afines | Related, not a match |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 54132 | Berufe in der Textilreinigung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
| 54101 | Berufe in der Reinigung (ohne Spezialisierung) - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 385 | クリーニング職 | Same scope |
| 386 | 洗張職 | This occupation is broaderprovisional |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources