Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
Also called: Blender · Brewer · Cellar Worker · Digester Cook · Machine Tender · Paper Machine Tender
Median pay (national)
$49,500
$35,810–$75,860 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
54,200
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-4.3%
~5,400 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $75,860 versus $35,810 at the bottom 10% — 2.1x. The median of $49,500 leaves roughly 53% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -4.3% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 5,400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 53 states with released data, Wyoming pays the most for this role (median $105,470, +113% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $27,560 — a 283% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
- Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
- Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
- Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
- Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
- Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
- Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
- Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
- Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
- Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Office software
- SAP software
- Email software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics