Dishwasher — ONET Occupation Study

$50/hrrate as listed

Mercor is collecting first-hand task descriptions from working dishwashers to rebuild O*NET's occupational profile for SOC 35-9021.00. The commitment is a single online survey or interview of up to 30 minutes, with optional paid follow-ups.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.

What the work involves

This is a one-time knowledge-capture study, not ongoing evaluation work. You complete an online survey or short interview — up to 30 minutes — describing what you actually do during a shift: the order you work a rack line, how you handle a three-compartment sink versus a conveyor machine, when you break down and delime equipment, how you coordinate with the line during a rush, and which tasks eat the most time. The goal is a description of the occupation that reflects real kitchens rather than a generic job posting.

Mercor may invite a subset of participants back for a follow-up survey, task, or short interview. Those are compensated separately at rates quoted at the time. The observed rate for this study is $16/hr, prorated to the time the instrument takes; treat it as observed, not guaranteed.

What the platform screens for

Occupational match. Four or more years working specifically as a dishwasher, with current employment or work in the role within the last 12 months. U.S.-based.
Role purity. The study explicitly excludes cooks and prep workers (35-2014.00, 35-2021.00), servers and front-of-house staff, and kitchen or restaurant managers. If food prep or supervision is your primary duty, you are a confounder for this SOC code, not a candidate.
Concrete recall. Screening questions probe equipment names, chemical handling, sanitizer testing, and shift sequencing. Vague answers about "cleaning dishes" do not survive follow-up.

Logistics

Fully remote and asynchronous — you complete the instrument on your own device whenever you have a free half hour. There is no scheduled shift, no minimum weekly volume, and no ongoing obligation. Payment is processed by Mercor after the response is reviewed for completeness and internal consistency.

What they look for

4+ years of experience working specifically as a dishwasher
Current employment in the role, or work in it within the last 12 months
Direct hands-on knowledge of dish machines, three-compartment sinks, and kitchen workflow
U.S.-based with authorization to receive platform payments
Ability to describe daily tasks clearly in writing or on a short call

Before you apply

Would you pass this screen?

Drawn from what this listing actually requires. Answered in your browser — nothing is sent to us, and we do not store your answers.

Have you worked in a dishwasher role for at least 4 years, whether at one workplace or across multiple jobs?
4+ years dishwashing experience · required
Are you currently working as a dishwasher, or have you worked in this role within the last 12 months?
Current or recent work in role · required
Are you currently located in the United States?
U.S. based · required
Is dishwashing your primary role, rather than food preparation, cooking, or managing a kitchen?
Not a cook or prep worker · required

0 of 4 answered

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 11 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: Verifying genuine, sustained hands-on experience with the actual sequence and pace of dishwashing work, not secondhand knowledge or memory from years ago.
A strong answer: A clear timeline from arrival through closing that names specific equipment (3-compartment sink, industrial washer, drain board), describes the actual order of tasks (pre-rinsing, loading, cycle times, stacking), and mentions realistic interruptions or priorities (rush periods, special requests from kitchen).
Where people lose it: Vague or generic description ('I wash dishes') without concrete detail about the setup, timing, or workflow; or describing only one small part of the job rather than the full shift arc.