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Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Median pay

$49,500
Median annual pay for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-4.3%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

54,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-2,300
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. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

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

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Perceptual Speed
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Reaction Time

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

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

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
  • Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
  • Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
  • Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
  • 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.
  • Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
  • Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail software

The short answer

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.

The measurable national baseline is $49,500 median annual pay, -4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 5,400 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $49,500. Current employment is 54,400, with projected 2034 employment of 52,000. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects -4.3% employment growth for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders from 2024 to 2034 and about 5,400 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Moderate-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

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.

A representative O*NET task is: Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage. The broader activity profile emphasizes Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events, Getting Information.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening. Leading knowledge areas are Production and Processing, Mechanical, English Language. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Common questions

What is the median pay for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

The national median annual pay in the current dataset is $49,500. Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours.

Is demand growing for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

BLS projects -4.3% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 5,400 openings per year. Openings include both newly created positions and replacement demand.

What education is needed for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

The typical BLS entry-education category is High school diploma or equivalent. Related experience, on-the-job training, licensing, or certification requirements may also apply.

What does Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders involve?

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.

Sources

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

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