CFChooseField
Production

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

Median pay

$41,460
Median annual pay for Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

3.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

1,600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

14,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

+500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
View source ↗
O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Public Safety and Security
  4. 4Psychology
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Information Ordering
  5. 5Perceptual Speed
  6. 6Category Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  4. 4Spend Time Walking or Running
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Add specified amounts of chemicals to equipment at required times to maintain solution levels and concentrations.
  • Observe machine operations, gauges, or thermometers, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions.
  • Set controls to regulate temperature and length of cycles, and start conveyors, pumps, agitators, and machines.
  • Drain, clean, and refill machines or tanks at designated intervals, using cleaning solutions or water.
  • Operate or tend machines to wash and remove impurities from items such as barrels or kegs, glass products, tin plate surfaces, dried fruit, pulp, animal stock, coal, manufactured articles, plastic, or rubber.
  • Record gauge readings, materials used, processing times, or test results in production logs.
  • Examine and inspect machines to detect malfunctions.
  • Measure, weigh, or mix cleaning solutions, using measuring tanks, calibrated rods or suction tubes.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.