Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders

SOC Code: 51-9012
Also known as:
Absorber Operator, Absorption Operator, Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Extractor
Median Annual Salary
$49,500
-4.3% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
54K
Current Jobs

What Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders Do

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.

💰 Salary

$49,500
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-4.3%
Decline

🎓 Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

5K
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

54,400

Projected Employment (2034)

52,000

Top Skills Required

Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
  • Communicate processing instructions to other workers.

Technology & Tools

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software

📚 Entry-Level Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders:

Viticulture and Enology

268 degrees awarded • 26 colleges offer this program

Brewing Science

118 degrees awarded • 17 colleges offer this program

Zymology/Fermentation Science

74 degrees awarded • 4 colleges offer this program

Best Colleges for Becoming a Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 Cornell University Ithaca, NY 7 A
2 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA 65 B+
3 Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX 7 B+
4 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 63 B
5 California State University-Fresno Fresno, CA 19 B
6 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO 11 B
7 Auburn University Auburn, AL 11 B
8 Washington State University Pullman, WA 7 B
9 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN 7 B
10 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI 1 B
11 Yavapai College Prescott, AZ 26 C+
12 Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WA 13 C+
13 Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH 13 C+
14 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT 12 C+
15 Yakima Valley College Yakima, WA 9 C+
16 Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO 6 C+
17 Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA 5 C+
18 Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland, MD 4 C+
19 Wenatchee Valley College Wenatchee, WA 2 C+
20 College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CA 1 C+

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders make?
The median annual salary for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders is $49,500.
What education do separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders need?
Most separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Common degree programs include Viticulture and Enology, Brewing Science, Zymology/Fermentation Science.
Is becoming separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders a good career choice?
Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to see -4.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,400 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Top colleges for aspiring separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders include Cornell University, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Texas A & M University-College Station, University of Kentucky, California State University-Fresno. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders may also be known as: Absorber Operator, Absorption Operator, Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Extractor, Acid Purifier, Almond Blancher Operator, Almond Huller, Amalgamator, Ammonium Nitrate Crystallizer, Automatic Centrifugal Station Operator, Automatic Dry Starch Operator, Barley Steeper, Basin Operator, Batch Operator, Batch Still Operator, Batch Tank Controller, Bath Mix Operator, Beer Brewer, Beer Cooler. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.