What Food Batchmakers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Food Batchmakers this way: "Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle"; "Observe gauges and thermometers to determine if the mixing chamber temperature is within specified limits, and turn valves to control the temperature"; "Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas"; "Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps"; "Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Food Batchmakers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 176,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 188,200 in 2035, an increase of 11,400 jobs (+6.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 23,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,290, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Food Batchmakers earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $38,636 in New Jersey to $47,890 in Illinois, a gap of $9,255 (1.24 times). 2 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $42,290 and 2 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,980, which is 32.3% of the 49,540 counted across them. Illinois follows with 12,610.
Highest-paying states
Illinois ($47,890), Indiana ($45,631) and New York ($39,252) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($38,636) and New York ($39,252) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Food Batchmakers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $18,128. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $9,117 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 4 markets and falls short in 1. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 36.2% and 103.1% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Food Batchmakers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-3000) include Bakers.
Frequently asked questions about Food Batchmakers
What is the national median wage for Food Batchmakers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,290. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $38,636 to $47,890.
Which state pays Food Batchmakers the most?
Illinois, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $47,890. Indiana is next at $45,631.
What is the job outlook for Food Batchmakers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 23,100 openings a year.
What education do Food Batchmakers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Food Batchmakers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $18,128 on a median wage of $47,660.