Laundry worker jobs in the USA can be an option for people looking for entry-level or less-skilled employment. These jobs are found in hotels, motels, resorts, laundry services, hospitals, and other businesses that handle clothing, towels, bedding, and linens.
For foreign workers, visa sponsorship is not automatic. One possible route for temporary non-agricultural work is the H-2B visa program. Under this program, a U.S. employer must complete the required labor certification and immigration process before a foreign worker can be hired under H-2B status. The U.S. Department of Labor states that H-2B jobs must be temporary, full-time, and non-agricultural.
Also Read
What Does a Laundry Worker Do?
Laundry workers handle basic cleaning and linen-related tasks. The exact duties depend on the employer and workplace.
Common duties can include:
- Sorting dirty clothes, towels, sheets, and other linens
- Loading and unloading commercial washing machines
- Moving laundry between washing, drying, and folding areas
- Folding clean towels, sheets, clothing, or other items
- Operating dryers and other laundry equipment
- Checking cleaned items for stains or damage
- Preparing clean laundry for storage or delivery
- Keeping the laundry area clean and organized
- Moving linen bags, carts, or supplies
Some jobs can involve physical work, standing for long periods, repeated movements, and lifting. Applicants should read the complete job description before applying because requirements are different for each position.
Can Foreign Workers Get Visa Sponsorship for Laundry Jobs?
Yes, some laundry positions have been listed through the U.S. Department of Labor’s H-2B temporary worker program. However, not every laundry employer sponsors foreign workers.
An employer seeking H-2B workers must meet specific requirements. The job must normally be a genuine temporary position, and the employer must follow the required recruitment and labor certification process. The Department of Labor also requires employers to recruit U.S. workers before obtaining H-2B certification.
A current example on the official SeasonalJobs.gov website is a laundry worker position in Montauk, New York. The listing identifies the occupation as Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers, requires no previous experience, and lists 35 hours per week. The job was posted on March 6, 2026.
This shows that entry-level laundry work can appear in the official H-2B job system, although individual vacancies have their own application deadlines, dates, locations, wages, and requirements.
Basic Requirements for Laundry Worker Jobs
Requirements vary by employer. Some official H-2B laundry job listings have stated that no previous experience or formal education is required. For example, one SeasonalJobs.gov listing for a laundry-related position states that no minimum education or experience was required.
Typical requirements may include:
| Requirement | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Experience | Some jobs require none |
| Education | May not be required for entry-level work |
| Physical ability | May involve standing, lifting, and moving laundry |
| Work schedule | Can include weekends or varying shifts |
| English | Check the individual job advertisement |
| Legal status | Foreign workers need the appropriate work authorization |
| Temporary period | H-2B positions are temporary |
Do not assume that every laundry job has the same requirements. Always follow the official job order.
How the H-2B Visa Process Works
The worker does not normally arrange an H-2B position independently. The U.S. employer starts the process by requesting the required labor certification and completing recruitment steps.
The general process includes:
- The employer establishes that it has a temporary need for workers.
- The employer obtains a prevailing wage determination.
- The employer submits the required application and job order.
- The employer conducts recruitment for U.S. workers.
- If the requirements are met, the employer can continue with the immigration process.
- The foreign worker applies for the appropriate visa after the required petition and other steps are completed.
The Department of Labor states that H-2B employment must generally be full-time, with at least 35 hours per week, and temporary employment is generally limited to nine months or less except for a one-time occurrence.
Where to Find Legitimate Laundry Jobs
The safest starting point is the official U.S. Department of Labor SeasonalJobs.gov website. It provides a searchable database of temporary job opportunities and allows users to search by occupation, employer, location, and other details.
When searching, useful terms include:
- Laundry Worker
- Laundry Attendant
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker
- Laundry Attendant/Driver
- Linen Worker
- Hotel Laundry Worker
Applicants should check whether the listing specifically identifies H-2B workers or provides information about visa-related arrangements.
What About Salary?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national median wage of $16.79 per hour for laundry and dry-cleaning workers in May 2025, with a median annual wage of $34,920. These figures cover the occupation nationally and are not a guaranteed wage for a particular sponsored job.
H-2B workers must be paid according to the wage requirements applicable to the certified job. The Department of Labor states that the required wage must be at least the highest applicable prevailing wage or federal, state, or local minimum wage.
Important Visa Sponsorship Safety Tips
Foreign applicants should be careful when dealing with recruiters or people offering U.S. jobs.
Remember these points:
- Verify the job on an official U.S. government source whenever possible.
- Check the employer’s name and job order information.
- Read the wage, location, work dates, hours, and duties carefully.
- Do not rely only on social media advertisements.
- Be cautious about anyone demanding large recruitment payments.
- Keep copies of job offers, contracts, receipts, and immigration documents.
- Never surrender your passport to an employer or recruiter.
The Department of Labor states that H-2B employers and their agents generally cannot seek or receive payment from H-2B workers for activities related to obtaining employment certification, including certain recruitment and application-related costs.
How to Apply for a Laundry Worker Job
Start by searching official H-2B job listings and identifying positions that match your skills and availability. Prepare a simple resume showing your previous work, physical or cleaning-related experience, contact information, and any relevant skills.
Before applying, check:
- Job title and employer
- Work location
- Pay rate
- Work hours
- Start and end dates
- Experience requirements
- Transportation or housing information, if stated
- Visa-related information
- Application method and deadline
Laundry work can provide an entry-level employment route for workers who do not have advanced education or specialized professional training. For foreign applicants, however, the key issue is finding an employer with a legitimate temporary position and an approved immigration process. Official government job listings and verified employer information should be used to confirm the details before making any payment or travel arrangements.