Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 2,541 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 13% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types.
AI could do much of this on its own
Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Helpers--Production Workers
Very similar work+24% pay580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 24% more—$44,531 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Depth Perception
- Mechanical
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Very similar work+32% pay45 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 32% more—$47,350 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Trunk Strength
- Finger Dexterity
New skills to build
- Psychology
- Production and Processing
Sewing Machine Operators
Very similar work+10% pay586 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 10% more—$39,358 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
Very similar work+12% pay1,693 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 12% more—$40,228 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- Equipment Maintenance
- Wrist-Finger Speed
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
Very similar work+4% pay269 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 4% more—$37,339 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Trunk Strength
- Finger Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Similar work+35% pay31 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 35% more—$48,321 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Production and Processing
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Similar work+20% pay32 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$43,096 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Operation and Control
- Static Strength
- Operations Monitoring
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+37% pay262 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 37% more—$49,094 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
New skills to build
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Mechanical
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Similar work+20% pay10,529 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$43,017 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Trunk Strength
- Customer and Personal Service
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Similar work+31% pay185 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 31% more—$46,989 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Comprehension
- Trunk Strength
New skills to build
- Design
- Mechanical
- Visualization
- Engineering and Technology
- Fine Arts
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Similar work+38% pay46 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$49,618 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
New skills to build
- Visual Color Discrimination
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Similar work+19% pay32,255 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 19% more—$42,694 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Trunk Strength
- Public Safety and Security
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
Somewhat similar work+12% pay3,317 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 12% more—$40,249 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Comprehension
- Trunk Strength
- Customer and Personal Service
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Somewhat similar work+24% pay94 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 24% more—$44,400 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Reaction Time
Packers and Packagers, Hand
Somewhat similar work+6% pay1,895 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 6% more—$38,077 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Trunk Strength
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
Furniture Finishers
Somewhat similar work+38% pay100 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$49,439 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Manual Dexterity
- Design
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Somewhat similar work+27% pay11,417 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 27% more—$45,611 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Education and Training
- Production and Processing
- Depth Perception
Dishwashers
Somewhat similar work+1% pay6,093 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 1% more—$36,343 vs your $35,849 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Trunk Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- English Language
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.