Employment and jobs

Dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg: wages, requirements, documents

Dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg, while seemingly unglamorous, present a compelling option for many individuals, particularly those who may not be proficient in the national languages or English, as minimal verbal communication is required. We will elaborate on the specific characteristics of dishwasher positions, potential employers and other pertinent aspects for those considering this job option.

Table of content

Dishwasher jobs, though not the most in-demand roles in the country, certainly hold their place within the job market. Positioned midway in terms of demand, these roles are ubiquitous across Luxembourg, available not only in the capital but also in towns and villages where hotels and restaurants thrive.

Overview of dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg

A dishwasher, often referred to as a “plongeur” in restaurant or catering settings in Luxembourg, plays a crucial role in maintaining kitchen hygiene by cleaning dishes, utensils, and food processors. Although the name refers only to dishes, the job is versatile and includes other tasks. In particular, they must maintain kitchen hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting floors, counters, and kitchen equipment. They may also clean the dining room tables or wash and iron tablecloths and towels. In addition, they are often responsible for sorting garbage and taking out the bins..

Moreover, since cleaning tasks may not require 100% of the available time, in some restaurants they may assist in other preparatory duties such as peeling and chopping fruits and vegetables, opening seafood, and assembling simple cold dishes like desserts, appetizers, sandwiches, or salads.

PROS AND CONS

Many employers hire dishwashers without prior food industry experience, making it accessible for job seekers.

Positions are often plentiful in food and beverage establishments, facilitating quick employment.

Some places offer flexible hours, accommodating students or individuals with other commitments.

Ideal for those not fluent in national languages or English, as it involves limited interaction with customers and colleagues.

With demonstrated skills and willingness to learn, dishwashers can advance to more advanced kitchen roles.

It’s a physically demanding work, it involves long periods of standing, repetitive movements, and lifting heavy objects.

Kitchen settings can be loud and warm, which may be uncomfortable during extended shifts.

Dishwashing roles are sometimes undervalued, impacting job satisfaction.

Working with kitchen equipment and cleaning chemicals poses risks if safety protocols aren't followed.

Salaries for dishwashers can be comparatively low within the food industry, posing economic challenges.

Training and skills necessary to work as a dishwasher

While dishwasher jobs are typically accessible without any formal qualifications or professional experience, having certain training can be beneficial. For instance, a CAP (Certificat d'Aptitude Professionnelle) as a versatile restaurant agent can make it easier to secure a position. However, such training programs are not very common in Luxembourg and can be hard to find. One of the leading institutions in this field in Luxembourg is the Ecole d’Hotelerie et de Tourisme de Luxembourg, which offers basic training such as the CAP cuisine, but it does not include courses specifically for versatile restaurant agents.

In reality, this type of job is generally obtained without any formal training, as few people aim to become professional dishwashers. Instead, this role often serves as a temporary economic help or an entry point to more advanced positions in the restaurant industry while pursuing further studies.

Skills and Aptitudes

Even though formal education is not required, there are certain skills and competencies that are essential for the job. Here are some key attributes:

Attention to Detail

Crucial for ensuring that dishes and utensils are thoroughly cleaned and free of residues.

Teamwork

Collaborating effectively with other kitchen and service staff is essential for maintaining an efficient workflow.

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Important for staying calm and efficient during high-demand periods, such as peak restaurant hours.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Being able to adapt to changes in schedule, work priorities, or kitchen team needs.

Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive and professional demeanor, even in stressful or repetitive situations, can boost personal and team morale.

Show all

How to get a dishwasher job in Luxembourg?

Now we'll explore the various places where you can find dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg and identify the most in-demand positions. Understanding the job market and popular establishments hiring dishwashers will help you secure employment within Luxembourg's hospitality industry.

Top-7 in-demand dishwasher roles in Luxembourg

Dishwashers can be found in various establishments across Luxembourg, not just in street-level restaurants. Common workplaces include:

Hotels

Finding a dishwasher job in a hotel is very common since these places usually have restaurants and banquet and event areas where dishwashers are needed.

Resorts and Tourist Centers

These venues often have multiple dining outlets requiring dishwashing services.

Cafés and Coffee Shops

Both chain and independent cafes need dishwashers to maintain kitchen equipment.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Essential for cleaning utensils and trays in medical facility kitchens.

Schools and Universities

Cafeterias on educational campuses employ dishwashers for student and staff meals.

Event Centers and Catering Services

Large kitchens where dishwashers handle dishwashing during special events.

Mobile Catering Services

Companies providing off-site catering also employ dishwashers for utensil preparation and cleaning.

Show all

How much in demand are dishwashers in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg boasts a significant number of restaurants offering diverse cuisines from around the world. As we see in the previous section, these dining establishments are not limited to city streets; they can also be found in schools, universities, hospitals, and various other locations. Consequently, the demand for dishwashers is generally high. To provide a more precise assessment, we refer to a sectoral study conducted by the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Agency for Employment Development (ADEM) regarding the hospitality and restaurant industry.

According to this study, dishwashers accounted for 9% of job offers in this sector between 2015 and 2020. While not the most in-demand profession, dishwashers rank third, following service staff positions such as waiters and head waiters, which hold the second position with 22.7% of job offers. The most sought-after roles are in kitchen staff, covering 27.7% of job offers in the sector during this period.

Source: ADEM

27.7%

of the most sought-after positions correspond to kitchen staff

22.7%

of the most sought-after positions correspond to service staff in restaurants, such as waiters and head waiters

of the most sought-after positions correspond to dishwashers

Luxembourg establishments recruiting dishwashers

If you're interested in dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg, you might be wondering where to find opportunities in this field. Previously, we discussed the types of places where these jobs can be found, such as city restaurants, hotels, universities, and hospitals. We will now go into more detail by exploring some specific establishments in Luxembourg that frequently hire dishwashers.

For those living outside of Luxembourg and concerned about visa procedures, it is possible to find dishwasher jobs with visa sponsorship. Although visa sponsorship may not be explicitly mentioned in job listings, some employers might be willing to handle visa arrangements. It is advisable to inquire about this during the job application process.

Luxembourg companies recruiting dishwashers

Dishwashers can work in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, brasseries, or catering companies. Here is a list of some of the prominent establishments in Luxembourg where you can find dishwasher jobs, along with links to their job listings:

Novotel

This well-known hotel brand offers a comfortable and modern hospitality experience worldwide. In Luxembourg, Novotel actively seeks restaurant service staff, occasionally including dishwashers.

Know more

Pizza Hut

A global pizza restaurant chain, Pizza Hut is renowned for its delicious pizzas and diverse menu. They periodically look for dishwashers to join their team in Luxembourg.

Know more

Mercure Luxembourg Kikuoka

This renowned hotel chain has a presence in Luxembourg. The Mercure Luxembourg Kikuoka, with its restaurant, often seeks dishwashers to join its dynamic team.

Know more

Sofitel

A luxurious hotel brand that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Known for exceptional dining experiences, Sofitel regularly requires dishwashers to maintain their high culinary standards.

Know more

Mama Shelter

A relatively new French hotel chain founded in 2008. Owned by the Accor group, Mama Shelter has more than 2370 rooms, over 30 restaurants, and 1100 employees in 16 cities across 8 countries. They occasionally seek dishwashers for their restaurants in Luxembourg.

Know more

Equilibrium

A new restaurant in Clausen offering modern and inventive cuisine that highlights local, seasonal ingredients. Founded by Belgian chef Baptiste Heugens, they seek service staff, including dishwashers, as needed.

Know more

Ibis

A renowned hotel chain with multiple locations in Luxembourg, such as Ibis Budget Luxembourg Airport, Ibis Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare, Ibis Budget Luxembourg Sud near Bettembourg, and Ibis Esch Belval. These hotels typically have restaurants that require dishwashers.

Know more

Gusto Naturale S.A

An Italian restaurant in Schifflange founded in 2021 by chef Bernardi. Known for its exquisite Italian culinary experience, Gusto Naturale occasionally seeks dishwashers.

Know more

Steffen Traiteur

Part of the Steffen Group, this prominent catering service in Luxembourg is famous for its delectable offerings and periodically looks for dishwashers to join their team.

Know more

Job portals for search

In addition to visiting the websites of various establishments, using a combination of online job portals and personal networking can maximize your chances of finding dishwasher jobs in Luxembourg. Let's explore these two options:

Online Job Portals

Professional Network

Temporary work as a dishwasher in Luxembourg

Temporary work is very common in low-skilled professions like dishwashing. Employers often rely on interim workers to fill gaps during busy periods, holidays, or when regular staff are unavailable. This flexibility allows businesses to maintain smooth operations without the commitment of permanent employment. For workers, interim positions can provide immediate income and opportunities to gain experience in various environments.

Some advantages and disadvantages of working through temporary agencies include:

Flexibility in scheduling allows employees to accommodate personal commitments.

Interim work allows individuals to experience different workplaces, from restaurants to hotels and catering services.

Opportunity to earn additional income through overtime or weekend shifts.

Temporary positions often have a faster hiring process, providing immediate job opportunities.

Interim jobs can help build connections with potential future employers and colleagues.

Temporary contracts do not provide long-term job security and can end at any time.

Limited access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Potential for inconsistent income due to fluctuations in work availability.

Temporary jobs may offer fewer opportunities for career progression compared to permanent positions.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on job search, career development, and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out.

Salaries for dishwashers in Luxembourg in 2024

The average salary for a dishwasher in Luxembourg typically corresponds to the unskilled minimum wage, which amounts to 2,570.93 euros gross per month (based on a 40-hour work week).

However, due to labor shortages in the hospitality sector during peak seasons, it is sometimes possible to negotiate a higher salary. Additionally, working night shifts (between 01:00 and 06:00) entitles workers to 25% extra pay. Moreover, if the role includes basic kitchen duties and you have prior experience, there may be opportunities to negotiate a slight salary increase as well.

Wage one can count on

The normal salary for dishwasher professionals in Luxembourg is usually the minimum wage for unskilled workers which stands at 2,570.93 euros gross per month.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

If you are a European national, you do not need to worry about these matters as you have the right to live and work in any European country. However, if you are not, you will need to complete several procedures to obtain the necessary documents.

The specific requirements can vary based on your circumstances and family situation. For instance, having a partner who is a Luxembourgish or European national may simplify the process.

Here are some documents and prerequisites that are typically required