Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

SOC code 51-9012 · O*NET-SOC 51-9012.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay

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

Median pay

$51,610

a year

Hourly

$24.81

per hour

10th$36,200Median$51,61090th$79,750

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

Average pay

$56,030

$26.94 per hour

Middle 50%

$44,410 – $63,930

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$36,200 – $79,750

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

60,100

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $36,200; $17.40/hr
25th percentile: $44,410; $21.35/hr
Median percentile: $51,610; $24.81/hr
75th percentile: $63,930; $30.74/hr
90th percentile: $79,750; $38.34/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
Communicate processing instructions to other workers.

How to qualify for this work

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 →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?

The national median is $51,610 a year. The full range runs from $36,200 at the 10th percentile to $79,750 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 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still 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

Critical Thinking3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5
Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Writing2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing4.2/5
English Language3.5/5
Food Production3.5/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Mathematics3.3/5
Chemistry3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.