Shigoto Zukan
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How to become food cooking machine operators and tenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$41,590
25th–75th pct. $36,190–$47,380
Top pay (est.)
$70,700
Top 10% $54,410
Pay in 5 years
$47,400est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$53,900est.
$46,400–$62,600
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
55%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.3%
3,700 openings / yr

How to become food cooking machine operators and tenders

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
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 Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.1
Active Listening
3.0
Operation and Control
2.9
Monitoring
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.8
Coordination
2.8
Writing
2.6
Social Perceptiveness
2.4

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.6
Food Production
3.4
Mechanical
3.2
Administration and Management
3.2
Education and Training
3.0
Computers and Electronics
2.9
English Language
2.9
Chemistry
2.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Important abilities

Near VisionReaction TimeInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
86%
Post-secondary certificate
14%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
39%
6–12 months
16%
1–2 years
14%
3–6 months
12%
None / short demo
5%

Related work experience

4–6 years
27%
1–3 months
27%
None
18%
Up to 1 month
12%
3–6 months
12%
6–12 months
3%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as food cooking 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.