Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Separating Machine Operators
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.
Also called: Absorber Operator, Absorption Operator, Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Purifier, Almond Blancher Operator
Median pay
$51,610
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,200 – $79,750
People employed
60,100
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.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 6.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 7.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 8.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
- 02Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
- 03Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
- 04Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
- 05Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
- 06Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Food Production
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 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 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Chemical Plant and System Operators86% · +51%
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic85% · −6%
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders83% · −13%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers81% · −10%
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers80% · +20%
Change into separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders88% · $44,810
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic88% · $48,750
- Food Batchmakers87% · $42,290
- Biofuels Processing Technicians86% · $62,470
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders85% · $54,430
Majors that lead here
- Brewing Science
- Viticulture and Enology
- Zymology/Fermentation Science
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.