How much does a dry cleaner make in Japan?

Workers check pockets, care labels, fabric and stains, then sort clothes and choose water or solvent washing. They run machines, press or iron each item, fold and wrap it, and check that every piece is accounted for.

Did you know? Japanese dry-cleaning shops can reuse solvent: they filter or distill it to clean it, rather than simply pouring it away.

Many start in a shop or factory and learn at work; ordinary jobs need no special degree. For a Japanese cleaner's license, finish junior high, pass your prefecture's hygiene, laundry and skills exam, then apply; there is no age limit.

Why does pay differ?

In Japan, pay can differ with experience and credentials: a license brings added responsibility, and some employers offer qualification allowances. It also varies by employer (shop or factory, independent shop or chain), local area, full- or part-time hours, seasonal workload, and specialist duties like stain removal.