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.
Also called: Abrasive Mixer, Acetylene Cylinder Packing Mixer, Acid Adjuster, Acid Blower, Acid Mixer, Ammonia Worker
Median pay
$48,990
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,790 – $70,200
People employed
94,920
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 8.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in every state →
What mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
- 02Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
- 03Observe production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- 04Mix or blend ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times.
- 05Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
- 06Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic84% · 0%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers83% · −5%
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic83% · +2%
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82% · −5%
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · −3%
Change into mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders85% · $38,180
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · $47,720
- Food Batchmakers81% · $42,290
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders81% · $44,810
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic80% · $46,330