Overview
Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators operate machines to dry-clean or launder garments and other articles. Dry cleaning and laundry inspectors and assemblers check finished garments and other articles to ensure that they meet required standards for dry-cleaning, laundering and pressing, and assemble and bag finished garments and other articles. This unit group also includes workers who iron, press or otherwise finish garments and household articles. They are employed in dry cleaning, laundry and fur cleaning establishments, and in the laundries of hotels, hospitals and other institutions.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators
Operate dry cleaning machines to dry-clean dresses, suits, coats, sweaters and other garments, draperies, cushion covers and other articles
Sort garments and operate washing machines and dryers to clean and dry clothing, sheets, blankets, towels and other articles
Operate machines to clean and blow-dry fur garments
Operate machines to dry-clean, dye, spray, re-oil, and re-buff suede and leather garments
Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other solutions and chemicals.
Dry cleaning and laundry inspectors and assemblers
Check finished garments and other articles to ensure that they are properly dry-cleaned or laundered
Record damaged or improperly dry-cleaned or laundered garments and other articles
Use hand-held steam iron to touch up finished garments and other articles
Assemble and bag finished garments and other articles
Match invoices with tags on garments or other articles.
Ironing, pressing and finishing workers
Operate finishing equipment such as 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 garments
Operate fur ironing and glazing equipment to finish fur garments and other fur articles
Fold and bag dry cleaned and laundered articles
May operate laundering equipment.
Workers in this group may specialize in finishing suede, leather, fur and delicate articles.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$41,337
$50,054
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
627expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Some secondary school education is required.
Four to eight weeks of on-the-job training are usually provided.
Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators may require experience as inspectors or assemblers.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory dry cleaning and laundry occupations is possible with additional training and experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.