How to become a mixing and blending machine setter, operators, and tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders do

• Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products to ensure conformance to requirements.
• Read work orders to determine production specifications or information.
• Observe production or monitor equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Mix or blend ingredients by starting machines and mixing for specified times.
• Stop mixing or blending machines when specified product qualities are obtained and open valves and start pumps to transfer mixtures.
• Compound or process ingredients or dyes, according to formulas.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is mixing and blending machine setter, operators, and tenders a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 4% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Massachusetts $60,790
• Minnesota $59,270
• Wyoming $58,320
• New Jersey $57,810
• Maine $55,540

Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.