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What's the salary outlook for Food Cooking Machine Operator and Tender and is it growing?

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Supply Chain & ProductionStable

Food Cooking Machine Operator and Tender

Operational-level

Also known as: Bakery Fryer, Blanching Machine Operator, Boiler, Brine Maker

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate or tend cooking equipment, such as steam cooking vats, deep fry cookers, pressure cookers, kettles, and boilers, to prepare food products.
Food ProductionFood ProcessingIndustrial CookingFood ManufacturingSupply ChainProduction OperationsManufacturingSkilled TradeProduction

A Day in the Life

You clock in at the food processing plant, the smell of cooked tomatoes already faint in the air from the overnight shift. After grabbing your safety goggles and hearing protection, you head to your station. Today's schedule, displayed on a digital screen, shows you're overseeing the large industrial steam kettles for a new batch of marinara sauce. You quickly review the recipe's precise temperature and stirring requirements, ensuring all ingredients are ready for the batch you'll start.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-0.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

31,200

in 2025 → 31,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Ouvrier de production alimentaire
  • Manutentionnaire
  • Aide de cuisine industrielle

Where it can lead

  • Superviseur de production alimentaire
  • Technicien de maintenance d'équipement
  • Spécialiste du contrôle qualité

Impact of AI on this Job

In the next 5-10 years, AI will likely enhance the autonomy and precision of food cooking machines, potentially reducing the need for constant manual oversight from operators. This shift will transform the role into one focused on monitoring AI systems, performing quality control, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and managing overall workflow, rather than direct tending.