CareerGPS

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
537 588 51 9.54% 10 69 80 $24.29 $50,531 High school diploma or equivalent
Description: Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, and products to ensure conformance to requirements.
  • Test samples of materials or products to ensure compliance with specifications, using test equipment.
  • Start machines to mix or blend ingredients; then allow them to mix for specified times.
  • 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.
  • Dump or pour specified amounts of materials into machinery and equipment.
  • Observe production and monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained, and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory testing.
  • Add or mix chemicals and ingredients for processing, using hand tools or other devices.
  • Examine materials, ingredients, or products visually or with hands, in order to ensure conformance to established standards.
  • Record operational and production data on specified forms.
  • Transfer materials, supplies, and products between work areas, using moving equipment and hand tools.
  • Tend accessory equipment such as pumps and conveyors to move materials or ingredients through production processes.
  • Read work orders to determine production specifications and information.
  • Compound and process ingredients or dyes according to formulas.
  • Unload mixtures into containers or onto conveyors for further processing.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
  • Dislodge and clear jammed materials or other items from machinery and equipment, using hand tools.

Knowledge

77%
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
63%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
54%
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
53%
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
53%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills

69%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
65%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
62%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
60%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
56%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
56%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
53%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
53%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
53%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
53%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
50%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
50%
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Abilities

62%
Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
62%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
62%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
60%
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
60%
Perceptual Speed - The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes compa
60%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
60%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
56%
Rate Control - The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
56%
Multilimb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
53%
Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
53%
Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
53%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
53%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
53%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
53%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
53%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
53%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
53%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50%
Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
50%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Work Activities

75%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
74%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
72%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
70%
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
70%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
68%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
68%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
65%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
64%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
64%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
58%
Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
54%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
54%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
54%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
51%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
50%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Styles

Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Work Values

Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.