CFChooseField
Production

Food Batchmakers

Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Food Batchmakers

Median pay

$40,790
Median annual pay for Food Batchmakers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

24,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

173,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Food Batchmakers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+11,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

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

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

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

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2Food Production
  3. 3Production and Processing
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Information Ordering
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.
  • Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.
  • Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
  • Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.
  • Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.
  • Give directions to other workers who are assisting in the batchmaking process.
  • Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.
  • Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · hot technologyEdible SoftwarePlex Systems Plex Manufacturing Cloud

Sources

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