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Cleaner
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Laundry workers' duties vary depending on the size and nature of the employer. Laundry workers may work for institutions (for example, hospitals or prisons), large hotel chains, diaper suppliers or commercial laundries that clean vast quantities of items such as uniforms, bedding and towels.
In general, laundry workers
In large-volume plants, workers may specialize in particular areas. For example, markers or processors may
Spotters or stain treaters may
Sorters, finishers and folders may
Cart packers may select linen items from shelves according to a pick list and place the required number and type of items on a cart.
Laundry facilities are clean, well-lit and ventilated. Modern laundry equipment is less noisy but still creates heat and humidity. Laundry workers may be required to work shifts that include evening, night or weekend hours. 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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating machines to dry-clean dresses, suits, coats, sweaters and other garments, draperies, cushion covers and other articles, and to use washing machines and dryers to clean and dry garments, sheets, blankets, towels and other articles
Interest in comparing to dry-clean and launder garments and household articles
Interest in using specialized machines to clean and blow-dry fur garments, and to dry-clean, dye, spray, re-oil and re-buff suede and leather garments
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Laundry workers need to possess:
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.
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 Dec 22, 2022 and Apr 24, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Operate dry cleaning and washing machines, dryers and blow drying machines to clean and dry garments, draperies, cushion covers, sheets, blankets, furs and other articles | 88 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Hand fold and bag shirts, sheets and other articles | 74 |
| Tasks: Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other solutions and chemicals | 68 |
| Attention to detail | 63 |
| Experience: Will train | 61 |
| Tasks: Check finished dry-cleaned or laundered articles to ensure that establishment standards are met | 56 |
| Tasks: Assemble and bag finished articles | 54 |
| Tasks: Use hand-held steam iron to touch up finished garments and other articles | 47 |
| Tasks: Operate machines to dye, spray, re-oil, and re-buff suede and leather garments | 47 |
| Tasks: Record damage or improper cleaning or laundering of articles | 43 |
There areno formal education requirements in this occupation but employers generally prefer to hire job applicants who have:
Previous experience in a production environment is an asset.
Laundry workers aretrained on the job and may take related training courses provided by the employer.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Laundry workers are employed in commercial laundries, hotel laundries and institutional laundries (for example, in hospitals). Experienced workers may advance to lead hand, supervisory and management positions.
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.
In the 6741: Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations occupational group, 80.4% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6741: Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
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.
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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $19.43 | $15.91 | $15.61 |
| Overall | $15.20 | $20.93 | $16.95 | $16.43 |
| Top | $16.00 | $22.50 | $18.48 | $18.00 |
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
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $29,634 |
|---|---|
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $35,494 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $27,561 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $24,601 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $30,697 |
| Public Administration | $37,512 |
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 Jan 30, 2017. 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.
