What Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders this way: "Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements"; "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 or equipment"; "Observe production or 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".
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 Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 97,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 91,400 in 2035, a decrease of 5,900 jobs (-6.1%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 7,900 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 8.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $48,990, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $49,345 in Indiana to $50,951 in Illinois, a gap of $1,607 (1.03 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $48,990 and 0 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 11,920, which is 54.1% of the 22,030 counted across them. Illinois follows with 10,110.
Highest-paying states
Illinois ($50,951) and Indiana ($49,345) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($49,345) and Illinois ($50,951) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-9000) include Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders, Semiconductor Processing Technicians, Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators and Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers.
Frequently asked questions about Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
How much do Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $48,990. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $49,345 to $50,951.
Which state pays Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders the most?
Illinois, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $50,951. Indiana is next at $49,345.
Is Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 6.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 7,900 openings a year.
What education do Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.