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

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is a notable career in the 51 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.

Live DataLast updated: April 17, 2026·Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0

Verified

Sources: BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0Updated: 2024 data · Verified April 2026How we compile →

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Data Overview

soc	51-9012
title	Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
onet code	51-9012.00
description	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.
job zone	2
major group	51
tot emp	54,200
a mean	53,830
a median	49,500
a pct10	35,810
a pct25	41,830
a pct75	61,350
a pct90	75,860
h mean	25
h median	23

Typical Tasks for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

The day-to-day work of a separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders typically centers on dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.

Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.Core
Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.Core
Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.Core
Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.Core
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.Core
Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.Core
Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.Core
Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.Core

Top Skills for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Workers in this occupation rely most on Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, and Operation and Control. Across the top 9 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.14 out of 5 — moderately weighted for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.

Operations Monitoring

3.75

Monitoring

3.12

Operation and Control

3.12

Critical Thinking

3.12

Quality Control Analysis

3.12

Active Listening

3.00

Reading Comprehension

3.00

Time Management

3.00

Judgment and Decision Making

3.00

Education & Entry Qualifications

Among working separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders, the most common entry qualification is a High School Diploma (90.8%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 1% of incumbents. Most workers enter without a four-year degree, making this a relatively accessible career path.

High School Diploma

90.8%

Less than a High School Diploma

4.7%

Post

1.9%

Some College Courses

1.5%

Bachelor's Degree

0.8%

Salary by State — Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Median annual pay is highest in Wyoming at $105,470 and lowest in West Virginia at $31,060 — a 3.4× spread. The top five states (Wyoming, Nevada, Wisconsin, Alaska, California) average $69,842. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.

State	Median	Mean	10th %	90th %	Employed
Wyoming	$105,470	$85,910	$37,300	$113,900	370
Nevada	$62,400	$62,620	$38,440	$93,690	270
Wisconsin	$61,790	$60,490	$39,820	$74,330	1,580
Alaska	$60,460	$63,910	$34,740	$90,160	130
California	$59,090	$62,590	$38,650	$86,070	11,030
Washington	$58,530	$61,840	$43,460	$87,590	1,470
North Dakota	$56,600	$56,760	$41,600	$70,950	190
New Hampshire	$56,510	$58,470	$39,060	$81,180	570
Kentucky	$55,400	$52,650	$40,260	$63,170	1,150
Minnesota	$53,150	$53,440	$40,130	$64,370	1,510
Illinois	$52,850	$53,840	$30,100	$72,160	1,010
Arizona	$52,220	$52,730	$36,650	$65,320	620
New York	$51,880	$53,390	$38,230	$63,940	3,080
Hawaii	$51,370	$52,980	$38,500	$62,300	200
Indiana	$50,960	$51,900	$37,870	$61,690	1,770
Idaho	$50,780	$52,280	$38,580	$67,020	710
Vermont	$50,750	$55,560	$40,040	$69,690	210
Connecticut	$50,380	$53,430	$37,800	$66,550	300
Iowa	$50,260	$51,980	$39,930	$63,260	850
Pennsylvania	$49,930	$51,050	$34,320	$68,370	2,170
Maryland	$49,920	$54,500	$34,150	$78,950	470
New Jersey	$49,880	$57,580	$36,930	$87,970	650
Virginia	$49,650	$54,850	$34,340	$76,930	1,130
Maine	$49,590	$52,980	$40,200	$70,170	450
Montana	$49,090	$49,010	$35,200	$60,420	300
South Dakota	$48,750	$48,140	$34,370	$60,690	320
District of Columbia	$48,340	$55,410	$39,970	$75,130	30
Oregon	$48,140	$54,130	$37,630	$79,930	1,230
Louisiana	$48,050	$54,150	$35,250	$74,920	810
South Carolina	$47,770	$47,920	$31,060	$65,740	530
Rhode Island	$47,430	$49,120	$36,870	$58,650	130
Georgia	$47,280	$47,110	$30,210	$65,800	910
Michigan	$46,900	$49,300	$35,510	$68,310	1,870
Colorado	$46,800	$49,790	$36,490	$65,500	1,990
Ohio	$46,760	$49,370	$35,790	$63,960	1,360
Massachusetts	$46,400	$48,690	$34,730	$65,830	700
North Carolina	$46,090	$50,310	$35,940	$69,520	1,590
Tennessee	$45,910	$44,180	$27,280	$59,440	2,350
Utah	$45,620	$49,580	$35,910	$67,700	490
Delaware	$45,360	$46,670	$32,790	$58,400	120
Nebraska	$44,820	$47,670	$37,350	$61,170	530
Texas	$44,260	$50,000	$30,220	$80,950	2,110
Missouri	$44,210	$44,110	$31,890	$60,080	1,060
Kansas	$43,840	$48,220	$35,780	$64,100	350
Florida	$43,720	$48,010	$27,660	$71,170	1,490
Mississippi	$42,670	$43,810	$29,310	$65,480	—
Arkansas	$41,830	$41,500	$30,100	$51,750	710
Alabama	$41,290	$42,950	$31,440	$56,890	270
New Mexico	$40,010	$43,050	$31,310	$56,300	360
Oklahoma	$37,540	$39,950	$30,400	$53,760	170
West Virginia	$31,060	$35,090	$25,370	$46,020	170

Also Known As

Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for Absorber Operator or Absorption Operator frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.

Absorber OperatorAbsorption OperatorAcetone Recovery WorkerAcetylene Plant OperatorAcid ExtractorAcid PurifierAlmond Blancher OperatorAlmond HullerAmalgamatorAmmonium Nitrate CrystallizerAutomatic Centrifugal Station OperatorAutomatic Dry Starch OperatorBarley SteeperBasin OperatorBatch Operator

💡 Why it matters: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

This data helps you understand how Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders compares to others in the 51 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.

Key Takeaways

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a job zone of 2.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a tot emp of 54,200.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a a mean of 53,830.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a a median of 49,500.

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BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0

📊

CertifyWize Editorial TeamData Specialists

The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

✓ Sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0✓ Quarterly review✓ No paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is a career in the 51 category tracked in our database with detailed statistics and comparisons. Data is sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024).

Where does the data for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders come from?

All data for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024). We verify and cross-reference data to ensure accuracy. Our methodology page explains how we process and validate the data.

What is the job zone of Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a job zone of 2. This metric is one of the key data points tracked for careers in our database. Use our comparison tool to see how this compares to similar careers.

How does the tot emp of Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders compare to average?

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has a tot emp of 54,200. To see how this compares, visit our rankings page or use the comparison tool to compare Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders against similar careers.

How does Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders compare to other careers?

You can compare Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders with similar careers using our side-by-side comparison tool. Check the "Similar careers" section on this page for the closest matches based on data values, or visit the compare page for a full analysis.

What other careers are in the 51 category?

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