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Dry Cleaning Worker

Other names for this job

Dry Cleaner

Word Meanings

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What do dry cleaning workers do?

Dry cleaning workers clean clothes and other things. For example, area rugs, pillows and curtains.

Meet a dry cleaning worker

Lee is a dry cleaning worker. She works in a dry cleaning store.

Here are things that Lee does:

She talks to customers at the counter. She takes their dry cleaning. She answers customers’ questions. For example, they ask about spots on their clothes.
She uses a computer. She puts information about the customers’ dry cleaning into the computer. She takes payment and prints bills.
She sorts the clothes. For example, she puts all the clothes of one colour together.
She puts clothes into dry cleaning machines. She chooses the correct settings.
She unloads the machines.
She presses clothes.
She puts the clean clothes into plastic bags.
She keeps the machines clean.

Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

What is a dry cleaning worker’s work like?

Lee works an 8-hour shift. She starts work at 8 a.m. She works weekdays and some Saturdays. Sometimes she works in the evening.

Lee stands when she works. She has to lift clothes, carpets and bottles of chemicals. These things can weigh up to 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds).

The dry cleaning store is very clean. It has bright lights and fresh air. The machines aren’t too loud. But it is often very warm in the store.

Lee must be careful. She uses chemicals to remove spots from clothing. She uses hot irons and a machine to press the clothes.

Do you want to be a dry cleaning worker?

You must be careful. Dry cleaning chemicals can hurt you. Hot irons and the pressing machine can burn you.
You must like to work with machines.
You need to do the same work again and again. You must do the work carefully.
You need to talk to customers. You have to understand their questions. You need to know the answers.
You must work well with coworkers and customers.

What education do dry cleaning workers need?

Dry cleaning workers learn on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma. Employers like workers who have experience with customers and with computers. Sometimes employers want workers with Grade 10.

What can dry cleaning workers do in the future?

Some dry cleaning workers with experience become supervisors.

How much does a dry cleaning worker make?

$15.00

to

$18.48

Per Hour

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

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