Food Batchmakers

What the work involves

• 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.
• Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
• Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.

What to study

The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.

• Food Science and TechnologySee 78 colleges that teach it

Who it suits

O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.

• Hands-on and practical

• Organised and precise

• Leading and persuading

Careers like this one

• Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51,610
• Bakers$37,160
• Electricians$63,190
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$49,590
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$53,750
• Butchers and Meat Cutters$40,140