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Production

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Median pay

$47,680
Median annual pay for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-6.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

8,800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

101,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-6,800
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. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Chemistry

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Category Flexibility
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Far Vision

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Performing General Physical Activities
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

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. 3Time Pressure
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
  • Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
  • Observe production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Mix or blend ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times.
  • Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
  • Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.
  • Examine materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands to ensure conformance to established standards.
  • Operate or tend machines to mix or blend any of a wide variety of materials, such as spices, dough batter, tobacco, fruit juices, chemicals, livestock feed, food products, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail softwareOperational databases

Sources

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

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