Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders Salary 2025: $41,590 Median, Steady Outlook
The median salary for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders in the U.S. is $41,590 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That works out to roughly $20 an hour. Most workers earn between $31,680 and $54,410, with the top 10% pulling in over $54,000. These operators and tenders run the machinery that cooks, roasts, or processes food on a large scale — think bakeries, snack manufacturers, and meat processors.
How much Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders earn
The BLS reports the national average wage is $42,570, with the median a hair below that at $41,590. That’s a solid hourly rate of about $20.47. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $31,680, while experienced operators at the 90th percentile can earn up to $54,410. Pay varies by industry, too; for example, those in dairy product manufacturing might see different numbers than those working in fruit and vegetable canning.
- Median annual salary: $41,590 (mean $42,570)
- Typical range: $31,680 (10th percentile) to $54,410 (90th percentile)
- Approximate hourly pay: $20.47
Pay by state
Where you work makes a big difference. Washington is the top-paying state at $51,100, followed by Utah ($48,620), Massachusetts ($47,960), Iowa ($47,900), and Michigan ($47,260). On the lower end, Delaware averages $31,240, Mississippi $31,150, and Alabama just $27,080. That’s a swing of nearly $24,000 between the highest and lowest states. Note that BLS state-level data can lag a bit, but these figures are the latest available estimates.
How to become Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tender
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is standard; you’ll typically spend a few months learning from an experienced operator how to set temperatures, monitor cooking times, and clean equipment. No formal certification is required, though a food safety certificate (like ServSafe) can give you an edge. Some vocational schools offer short courses in industrial food processing, but that’s optional. The key skills are attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to stand for long shifts.
- High school diploma (or GED) is the typical minimum
- On-the-job training lasting several weeks to months
- No mandatory licensing, but food safety certification helpful
- Key skills: mechanical troubleshooting, attention to detail, physical stamina
Job outlook
Employment is projected to grow just 0.6% from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS calls “slower than average.” That’s essentially flat compared to the 4% average for all occupations. Still, with about 31,250 operators currently employed, roughly 4,400 new openings are expected each year — mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Automation is a factor, but food production isn’t going away, so steady demand remains.
- Projected growth (2024–2034): 0.6% (slower than average)
- Current employment: 31,250
- Estimated annual openings: 4,400 (due to replacement needs)
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Food Cooking Machine Operator?
Entry-level operators typically start around $31,680 per year, which is the 10th percentile according to BLS data. With experience, pay can rise to over $54,000.
Do Food Cooking Machine Operators need a degree?
No. Most employers require only a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is provided on the job.
Is there demand for Food Cooking Machine Operators?
The occupation is expected to grow only 0.6% from 2024–2034, slower than average. However, about 4,400 openings per year will arise from workers leaving the field, so steady opportunities exist.
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 Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders data.