Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Median pay: $48,990/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
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: -6.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 8,800 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.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The median pay for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $48,990 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Employment for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to change -6.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
About 8,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.