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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Mixing and Blending Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Operational-level

Also known as: Abrasive Mixer, Acetylene Cylinder Packing Mixer, Acid Adjuster, Acid Blower

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.
Chemical MixingMaterials BlendingProcess OperationsIndustrial Machine OperationManufacturingProductionIndustrial EngineeringSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-6.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,900

per year (US)

Jobs today

97,300

in 2025 → 91,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

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
Moderate
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Moderate

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

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Opérateur de machine de production
  • Aide à la production
  • Manutentionnaire

Where it can lead

  • Superviseur de production
  • Technicien de procédés
  • Spécialiste en contrôle qualité

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate many routine operational and tending tasks for mixing and blending machines, such as precise ingredient dispensing and real-time process adjustments. This shift will require operators to transition from manual control to supervising AI-driven systems, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and focusing on predictive maintenance. Consequently, the demand for purely manual operation may decrease, while roles requiring advanced skills in automation oversight and data analysis will emerge.