SOC 9224 Elementary administration and service occupations

Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers Salary

Median salary £20,464 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £20,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For launderers, dry cleaners and pressers, £23,331 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -40% versus the national average. Experienced launderers, dry cleaners and pressers (top 25%) earn over £23,462.

About this role

Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers maintain cleanliness and hygiene in buildings, facilities and environments. They carry out cleaning tasks using appropriate equipment, chemicals and methods, ensuring spaces meet health, safety and presentation standards.

Key responsibilities

Cleaning and maintaining designated areas to required standards
Using cleaning equipment, chemicals and methods safely
Replenishing supplies and reporting maintenance issues
Following health and safety and COSHH procedures
Working to schedules and adapting to changing priorities

Qualifications and entry routes

No formal qualifications are required, though training in COSHH, health and safety and specialist cleaning techniques is standard. BICSc qualifications are available for professional development.

Career outlook

Entry-level roles with opportunities for progression through experience, additional training and skills development. Apprenticeships offer structured routes into skilled occupations.

Key skills

Attention to detail Physical fitness Reliability Time management Safety awareness

Common industries

Facilities management
NHS
Hospitality
Education
Commercial offices

Data coverage

SOC code 9224

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 13,000

Median Salary

£20,464

Mean Salary

£18,570

Jobs (000s)

13k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £13,799Median: £20,464P75: £23,462

P10: --P25: £14kMedian: £20kP75: £23kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£13,799

0-2 years

Mid Level

£13,799

3-7 years

Senior

£23,462

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +70% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +68.2%Real growth: +21.9%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 10.5%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£20,464

Full-time Only

£23,331

Full-time premium: +£2,867

Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers salary: common questions

How much do launderers, dry cleaners and pressers earn in the UK?

Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers earn a median of £23,331 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £13,799 and £23,462.

Is £23,331 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for launderers, dry cleaners and pressers?

Entry-level launderers, dry cleaners and pressers typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £13,799, though this varies by employer and region.

Have launderers, dry cleaners and pressers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median launderers, dry cleaners and pressers pay has risen from £14,016 to £23,331 — +66% in cash terms, or +21% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for launderers, dry cleaners and pressers?

Male launderers, dry cleaners and pressers earn a median £21,720 and female launderers, dry cleaners and pressers £19,441 — a gap of +10% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).