Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary Guide 2025
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders earn a median salary of $44,810 per year, or roughly $22 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $33,250 at the 10th percentile to $62,680 at the 90th. These workers operate machinery that roasts, bakes, dries, or processes food and tobacco products, often in manufacturing plants.
How much Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $45,930 for this occupation. The middle 50 percent earn between roughly $35,000 and $55,000. Top earners in the 90th percentile bring home over $62,680. Pay varies by industry—those in tobacco manufacturing often earn more than those in bakeries or coffee roasting.
Geographic location matters a lot. Operators in North Dakota average $77,300, a full $30,000 above the national median. Maryland ($60,170), Colorado ($59,590), Virginia ($59,260), and Alaska ($55,280) also pay well. At the low end, New Mexico ($35,480), Montana ($35,360), and Florida ($35,340) pay near the 10th percentile.
Pay by state
The highest-paying state for this role is North Dakota, with an average salary of $77,300. Other strong states include Maryland ($60,170), Colorado ($59,590), Virginia ($59,260), and Alaska ($55,280). The lowest-paying states are New Mexico ($35,480), Montana ($35,360), and Florida ($35,340). Regional cost of living and industry concentration drive these differences.
How to become Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tender
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months. You'll learn to monitor machine controls, adjust temperature and timing, and inspect products for quality. Attention to detail and mechanical aptitude help.
No formal certification is required, but certifications in food safety (e.g., ServSafe) or forklift operation can boost your resume. Some operators start in general production roles and move up. Advancement to supervisor or lead operator is possible with experience but typically takes several years.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Get hired as an entry-level operator or tender; many companies train on the job.
- Learn machine operation, safety protocols, and quality checks during training.
- Consider food safety or equipment certifications to stand out.
- Gain experience to qualify for higher pay or supervisory roles.
Job outlook
Employment for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders is projected to grow 0.6 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. About 2,400 job openings are expected each year, primarily from workers retiring or leaving the field. Automation may limit growth in some segments, but hands-on roles in specialized processing will persist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the job outlook for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators?
Employment is projected to grow only 0.6% from 2024 to 2034, slower than average. However, about 2,400 openings yearly are expected due to replacement needs.
What states pay the most for this job?
North Dakota tops the list at $77,300 average annual wage, followed by Maryland ($60,170), Colorado ($59,590), Virginia ($59,260), and Alaska ($55,280).
Do you need a degree to become a Food and Tobacco Roasting Operator?
No, a high school diploma is typically required. Most training is on the job, lasting a few weeks to months. Certifications in food safety may help but are not mandatory.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders data.