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Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Compare to another career

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $51,610/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$36,200$79,750

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: -4.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.

About 5,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Operations MonitoringCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringReading ComprehensionTime ManagementActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem Solving
Top knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsEducation and TrainingChemistryComputers and Electronics
Core 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.

Frequently asked questions

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

The median pay for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $51,610 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

Employment for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to change -4.3% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

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

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

About 5,400 openings per year, on average, over the decade.