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Laundry Worker: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Is quality service important to you? Do you enjoy operating machinery? Do you enjoy doing repetitive tasks? Do you like teamwork? Then you may want to iron the wrinkles out of your career as a laundry worker.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Laundry Worker

Laundry workers use various methods, tools, and equipment to clean clothes, linen, and other fabric items in commercial or institutional laundries.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Laundry Cleaner

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6681.1: Dry Cleaning and Laundry Machine Operators

2006 NOC-S

  • G981: Dry Cleaning and Laundry Occupations

2011 NOC

  • 6741: Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

2016 NOC

  • 6741: Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

2021 NOC

  • 65320: Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 65320.01: Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Laundry workers’ duties vary depending on the size and nature of the employer. Laundry workers may work for institutions such as hospitals or prisons, large hotel chains, diaper supply services, or commercial laundries that clean vast quantities of items such as uniforms, bedding, and towels.

In general, laundry workers:

  • Receive and keep records of articles to be laundered
  • Sort soiled linen and clothing
  • Load and unload washing machines, extractors, and other computer-controlled equipment
  • Feed linen into equipment for pressing
  • Catch and count processed linen
  • Note stains, tears, and wear
  • Remove stains and mend items as needed
  • Hand-fold certain linen items
  • Count, sort, and package linen
  • Place linen on carts for delivery to customers

In large-volume plants, workers may specialize in particular areas. For example, those completing mark-in or processing may:

  • Sort, record, and mark linen and other articles
  • Examine articles for defects and send them for repairs
  • Count finished articles and verify the count with plant records

Stain removers or stain treaters may:

  • Inspect articles for stains and colour imperfections
  • Identify items requiring special treatment
  • Determine the cleaning process required
  • Use appropriate treatments to remove stains

Sorters, finishers, and folders may:

  • Sort soiled linen into bins for washing
  • Operate specialized finishing equipment
  • Shake laundry before it is folded
  • Fold finished articles

Cart packers select linen items from shelves according to a pick list and place the required number and type of linens on carts.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

Laundry facilities are clean, well-lit, and ventilated. Modern laundry equipment is less noisy but still creates heat and humidity. Laundry workers may work shifts that include days, evenings, or weekends. In hospitals and other institutions that are open 365 days a year, shifts include holidays.

The work is physically demanding, fast-paced, and repetitive. Laundry workers are on their feet all day and routinely lift items that may weigh up to 10 kilograms.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
R
Realistic
This occupation
You
C
Conventional

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators
2023 OaSIS: 65320.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Realistic

    Realistic jobs focus on working with your hands, tools, machines, or animals. People in these jobs often fix, build, or take care of things. They like clear tasks and working in a physical way. These jobs usually don’t need much paperwork or teamwork. Examples include mechanics, farmers, and builders.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Dry cleaning and laundry machine operators
2023 OaSIS: 65320.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Laundry workers need:

  • Hand-eye coordination
  • The ability to perform routine, repetitive work while remaining mentally alert
  • The ability to work well with others
  • Communication skills (spoken and written)

They should enjoy operating machines and taking a methodical approach to their work.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

2016 NOC: 6741

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 102 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 11, 2023 and Oct 24, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Hand fold and bag shirts, sheets and other articles
Tasks: Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other solutions and chemicals
Tasks: Assemble and bag finished articles
Experience: Will train
Tasks: Check finished dry-cleaned or laundered articles to ensure that establishment standards are met
Tasks: Record damage or improper cleaning or laundering of articles
Tasks: Use hand-held steam iron to touch up finished garments and other articles
Attention to detail
Tasks: Hand iron laundered fine linens or dry-cleaned silk garments
Tasks: Operate machines to dye, spray, re-oil, and re-buff suede and leather garments
Tasks: Hand fold and bag shirts, sheets and other articles 84
Tasks: Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other solutions and chemicals 70
Tasks: Assemble and bag finished articles 70
Experience: Will train 68
Tasks: Check finished dry-cleaned or laundered articles to ensure that establishment standards are met 67
Tasks: Record damage or improper cleaning or laundering of articles 62
Tasks: Use hand-held steam iron to touch up finished garments and other articles 56
Attention to detail 53
Tasks: Hand iron laundered fine linens or dry-cleaned silk garments 45
Tasks: Operate machines to dye, spray, re-oil, and re-buff suede and leather garments 41
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no formal education requirements in this occupation. However, employers generally prefer to hire applicants who have:

  • A minimum Grade 10 education
  • Basic health and safety knowledge
  • A good knowledge of fabrics and textiles
  • Basic computer skills

Previous experience in a production environment is an asset. Laundry workers are trained on the job and may take related training courses provided by the employer.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

 

Laundry workers work in commercial laundries, hotel laundries, and institutional laundries, such as in hospitals and prisons. Experienced workers may advance to positions such as lead hand, supervisor, and manager.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6741

80.4% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
2021 NOC: 65320
Cold
Job Market
1,600
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
2016 NOC: 6741
2.5%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
37
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations

2021 NOC: 65320
Average Wage
$18.40
Per Hour
Average Salary
$35,189.00
Per Year
Average Hours
36.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 65320 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $15.00 $19.69 $17.08 $16.50
Overall $15.93 $22.00 $18.40 $18.50
Top $16.50 $23.50 $20.20 $20.49

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $35,189
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing $37,453
Health Care & Social Assistance $33,373
Accommodation & Food Services $28,949
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $37,784
Public Administration $45,354

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
66%
66%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
32%
32%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
7%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Alberta Textile Care Association (ATCA) website: www.abtca.com

Drycleaning and Laundry Institute International (DLI) website: dlionline.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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