How to become Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$44,810
25th–75th pct. $37,540–$50,680
Top pay (est.)
$81,500
Top 10% $62,680
Pay in 5 years
$51,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$59,300est.
$51,000–$68,900
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
46%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.4%
2,500 openings / yr

How to become Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Typical education
No formal educational credential
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.6
Operation and Control
3.1
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Active Listening
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
3.3
Food Production
2.8
Public Safety and Security
2.8
English Language
2.7
Mechanical
2.2
Education and Training
2.2
Mathematics
1.9
Engineering and Technology
1.6

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording Information

Important abilities

Near VisionControl PrecisionAuditory AttentionPerceptual SpeedOral ComprehensionArm-Hand Steadiness

Education of workers

High school diploma
61%
Less than high school
23%
Some college
11%
Post-secondary certificate
6%

Training before entry

1–3 months
25%
6–12 months
24%
3–6 months
19%
None / short demo
18%
Up to 1 month
12%
1–2 years
1%

Related work experience

None
54%
1–2 years
23%
4–6 years
11%
3–6 months
11%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.