Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9192Also known as:
Acid Dipper, Agitator, Agricultural Produce Washer, Air Table Operator, Ampoule Washing Machine Operator
Median Annual Salary
$41,460
+3.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
15K
Current Jobs
What Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders Do
Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.
💰 Salary
$41,460
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
14,600
Projected Employment (2034)
15,200
Related Careers
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers
$33,800 •
+5.4% growth
Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders
$37,320 •
-10.1% growth
Mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders
$47,680 •
-6.8% growth
Furnace, kiln, oven, drier, and kettle operators and tenders
$47,010 •
+3.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Add specified amounts of chemicals to equipment at required times to maintain solution levels and concentrations.
- Observe machine operations, gauges, or thermometers, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions.
- Set controls to regulate temperature and length of cycles, and start conveyors, pumps, agitators, and machines.
- Drain, clean, and refill machines or tanks at designated intervals, using cleaning solutions or water.
- Operate or tend machines to wash and remove impurities from items such as barrels or kegs, glass products, tin plate surfaces, dried fruit, pulp, animal stock, coal, manufactured articles, plastic, or rubber.
- Record gauge readings, materials used, processing times, or test results in production logs.
- Examine and inspect machines to detect malfunctions.
- Measure, weigh, or mix cleaning solutions, using measuring tanks, calibrated rods or suction tubes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders make?
The median annual salary for cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is $41,460.
What education do cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders need?
Most cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders a good career choice?
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is projected to see +3.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders may also be known as: Acid Dipper, Agitator, Agricultural Produce Washer, Air Table Operator, Ampoule Washing Machine Operator, Anodizer, Bag Bleacher, Barrel Cleaner, Benzene Washer, Benzene Washer Operator, Benzol Operator, Benzol Still Operator, Blancher, Blanching Machine Operator, Bleach Boiler Filler, Bleach Machine Operator, Bleach Plant Operator, Bleacher, Bleacher Operator, Bleaching Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.