Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

SOC code 51-9023 · O*NET-SOC 51-9023.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,990

a year

Hourly

$23.55

per hour

10th$36,790Median$48,99090th$70,200

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$52,090

$25.04 per hour

Middle 50%

$42,850 – $59,860

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$36,790 – $70,200

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

94,920

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $36,790; $17.69/hr
25th percentile: $42,850; $20.60/hr
Median percentile: $48,990; $23.55/hr
75th percentile: $59,860; $28.78/hr
90th percentile: $70,200; $33.75/hr

What do mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders do?

Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 80% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)80%
Post-Secondary Certificate12%
Some College Courses6%
Less than a High School Diploma2%

Common questions

How much does a mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?

The national median is $48,990 a year. The full range runs from $36,790 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing4.3/5
English Language3.0/5
Mechanical2.8/5
Public Safety and Security2.7/5
Mathematics2.6/5
Chemistry2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Quality Control Analysis.