How much does a food machine operator make?

In the U.S., experience, useful training or certificates, special machine skills, and extra responsibility can affect pay. Pay also varies by employer, food industry, and location; hours and shift premiums may matter too.

Operate or tend cooking equipment, such as steam cooking vats, deep fry cookers, pressure cookers, kettles, and boilers, to prepare food products. Excludes “Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders” (51-3091).

What's a typical day like?

They read a recipe or work order, weigh ingredients, and load a kettle, fryer, or steamer. Then they watch gauges and food samples, adjust the heat and pressure, record each batch, and clean the equipment.

Many U.S. employers ask for a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs require less. New operators usually learn the equipment and safety rules from experienced coworkers on the job, often over a few weeks to a few months.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some operators make potato chips on frying equipment, while others set up commercial steamers used to make dumplings.