Dishwasher Jobs in Atlanta: How to Find Work, What to Expect, and Where to Start

Dishwasher jobs in Atlanta are steady, in-demand positions across restaurants, hotels, hospitals, universities, and catering companies. If you’re looking for entry-level work, a second job, or a way to get your foot in the door of the Atlanta food and hospitality scene, dishwashing can be a practical starting point.

This guide focuses specifically on dishwasher jobs in Atlanta, Georgia—where they’re found, what they pay, what the work is like, and how to get hired.

What Does a Dishwasher Do in Atlanta?

A dishwasher (often called a dish machine operator or steward) keeps kitchens running smoothly by making sure dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment are clean and ready to use.

Common responsibilities in Atlanta kitchens include:

• Loading and unloading dishwashers or washing by hand
• Scraping, sorting, and rinsing dishes before washing
• Cleaning pots, pans, and kitchen tools
• Keeping the dish area clean and organized (floors, trash, sinks)
• Putting away clean dishes in the right places
• Sometimes helping with basic prep (peeling, portioning, refilling stations)

In busier parts of the city—like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—dishwashers may handle a constant stream of dishes during peak hours.

Where Dishwasher Jobs Are Common in Atlanta

Dishwasher jobs are spread across the metro area, but certain neighborhoods and types of businesses hire more often.

1. Restaurants and Bars

From casual spots to fine dining, restaurants are major employers:

• Downtown & Midtown – Busy restaurants along Peachtree Street, near Georgia State University, and around major office towers
• Buckhead – Higher-end restaurants and hotel dining rooms
• West Midtown – Trendy restaurants and breweries
• East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward – Popular local spots and brunch destinations

Types of restaurants that often need dishwashers:

• Casual and fast-casual restaurants
• Hotels with in-house restaurants
• Chain restaurants and franchises
• Fine-dining or chef-driven restaurants

2. Hotels and Hospitality

Atlanta’s large hotel presence, especially around Downtown, Midtown, the airport area (College Park/Hapeville), and the Perimeter, supports steady dishwasher work.

Hotels with banquet space often need dishwashers for:

• Breakfast service
• Restaurant operations
• Room service
• Banquets and events

3. Campus & Institutional Food Service

Institutions often offer more predictable schedules:

• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Atlanta University Center (includes Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman)
• Hospitals (such as Emory University Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, and other major health systems)
• Senior living communities and retirement centers

These jobs sometimes come with benefits and regular hours, especially full-time roles.

4. Event Venues and Catering

Atlanta hosts frequent conventions, concerts, and sports events. Catering and event facilities often hire dishwashers, especially during busy seasons.

Areas to watch:

• Georgia World Congress Center area
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Large event spaces and catering kitchens in West Midtown and near the airport

Typical Pay and Hours for Dishwasher Jobs in Atlanta

Dishwasher jobs are usually hourly and can be part-time or full-time.

While exact pay varies, many Atlanta dishwashing positions:

• Pay around minimum wage or higher, depending on the employer and experience
• Offer evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, which may come with small pay differences at some employers
• Provide flexible hours, especially in restaurants
• May include free or discounted meals during shifts

Late-night restaurants, hotel banquets, and airport-area operations may run very late hours, so consider your transportation options if you rely on MARTA or buses.

Basic Requirements for Dishwasher Jobs in Atlanta

Most dishwasher jobs in Atlanta are entry-level. Common expectations:

• No formal degree required
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift moderately heavy items
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced, sometimes hot and noisy environment
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Some kitchens may prefer or require:

• Previous kitchen or restaurant experience (not always necessary)
• A Food Handler certification (often can be earned online)
• Basic understanding of kitchen safety and sanitation

How to Find Dishwasher Jobs in Atlanta

You can search broadly online, but in Atlanta, some of the most effective methods are hyper-local and in person.

1. Walk-In Applications

Many restaurants and smaller employers still hire through walk-in applications:

• Visit restaurants during slower hours (typically between 2–4 p.m. on weekdays).
• Ask to speak with a manager or kitchen manager.
• Bring a simple resume if you have one, or be ready to fill out an application.

Areas with clusters of restaurants:

• Midtown around Peachtree St NE and 10th–14th streets
• Buckhead Village and Lenox area
• Ponce City Market / Old Fourth Ward
• West Midtown along Howell Mill Rd
• East Atlanta Village, Virginia-Highland, and Inman Park

2. Online Job Boards and Company Sites

Dishwasher jobs in Atlanta are commonly posted under:

• “Dishwasher”
• “Dish machine operator”
• “Steward”
• “Utility worker”
• “Kitchen staff”

Filter by location: Atlanta, GA and nearby areas like Decatur, Sandy Springs, College Park, Tucker, Marietta, and Smyrna if you’re open to short commutes.

3. Staffing Agencies and Hospitality Recruiters

Some Atlanta-based staffing agencies focus on hospitality and event work and sometimes place dishwashers for:

• Banquets
• Conventions
• Stadium events

These can be good if you want flexible, event-based shifts.

4. Local Workforce & Career Centers in Atlanta

Public workforce centers can help you find entry-level jobs and prepare your resume.

Atlanta-area resources include:

• WorkSource Atlanta

  • Often provides job search help, training referrals, and hiring event info.
  • Main administrative office commonly operates in the city; search for the closest location by neighborhood.

• Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center (Bankhead area)

  • 223 Courtland St NE or other designated offices may support Atlanta residents (office locations can change, so verify current sites).
  • Provides job listings, resume help, and assistance with applications.

These organizations typically list dishwasher and kitchen helper jobs among many other roles.

What Employers in Atlanta Look For in Dishwashers

Even if the job is entry-level, most Atlanta employers want:

• Dependability – showing up on time, every time
• Ability to handle busy rushes – especially during lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch
• Teamwork – working closely with line cooks, servers, and managers
• Cleanliness and attention to detail – following sanitation rules

A dishwasher who works hard and shows initiative can often pick up more responsibilities quickly in many Atlanta kitchens.

How to Make Your Dishwasher Application Stronger

You don’t need a long resume, but a bit of preparation helps.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Even non-restaurant experience can be useful. Emphasize:

• Any experience in fast-paced environments (retail, warehouse, hotel, janitorial)
• Experience keeping spaces clean and organized
• Punctual and reliable work history
• Comfort with physical work

Simple Resume Tips

If you create a resume, keep it to one page with:

• Your name and contact information
• A short objective (e.g., “Seeking a dishwasher position in Atlanta to build experience in restaurant kitchens.”)
• Any prior jobs, paid or unpaid
• Any relevant certifications (such as a Food Handler card)

Getting a Food Handler Certificate

Many Atlanta employers appreciate workers who understand basic food safety. You can usually get a Food Handler certificate:

• Through online courses recognized in Georgia
• Occasionally through employer-provided training

Having this before you apply can help show you’re serious about kitchen work.

Sample Daily Schedule for an Atlanta Dishwasher

Exact schedules vary, but a typical evening shift at a Midtown restaurant might look like this:

Airport, hotel, or late-night kitchens may start earlier or end later, especially on weekends and game days.

Transportation Tips for Dishwasher Jobs in Atlanta

Because many dishwasher shifts end late, transportation is important.

• MARTA Rail – Good for jobs in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near major stations.
• MARTA Buses – Reach more neighborhood restaurants, but check evening and weekend schedules, as they may be less frequent late at night.
• Airport-area jobs – Many are near Airport Station and surrounding bus routes.

If you do not drive, try focusing your job search within walking distance of a MARTA station or bus line that runs during your expected shift times.

Moving Up From Dishwasher to Other Roles in Atlanta Kitchens

Many people in Atlanta’s restaurant and hotel scene start as dishwashers and move into:

• Prep cook
• Line cook
• Stewarding supervisor (in hotels and larger operations)
• Catering assistant or banquet support

To open up these opportunities:

• Let your manager know you’re interested in learning more
• Ask to help with basic prep work when dish volume is low
• Show consistency and reliability over time

In busy culinary neighborhoods like West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead, kitchen teams often promote from within when they see someone willing to learn.

When Dishwasher Work Might Be a Good Fit in Atlanta

Dishwasher jobs in Atlanta can work well if you:

• Need entry-level work without specific experience
• Want a steady hourly job with frequent shifts
• Are interested in moving into cooking or hospitality roles later
• Live near busy restaurant or hotel corridors

They can be more challenging if you:

• Prefer quiet, low-pace environments
• Have difficulty standing for long periods or doing physical work
• Rely on transit that does not run during late-night hours

Practical Next Steps if You Want a Dishwasher Job in Atlanta

1. Decide where you can work

   • List 2–3 neighborhoods you can reliably reach (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, Decatur).

2. Prepare a simple resume or information sheet

   • Include your contact details, any work history, and a line about wanting kitchen work.

3. Visit restaurants and hotels in person during off-peak times

   • Ask: “Are you hiring dishwashers or kitchen staff?”
   • Be ready to start as soon as possible if you get an offer.

4. Check public job listings regularly

   • Search for “dishwasher,” “steward,” or “kitchen utility” in Atlanta, GA.

5. Consider calling or visiting a local workforce center

   • Ask about entry-level food service jobs and any available job-readiness programs.

By focusing your search on Atlanta’s restaurant corridors, hotels, campuses, and event venues, and by presenting yourself as reliable and ready to work, you can usually find dishwasher opportunities that match your schedule and location in the city.