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Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in South Carolina

Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators run specialized equipment that processes ingredients and products through heat and drying. They work in food manufacturing facilities, bakeries, tobacco processing plants, and other industrial settings, monitoring machines like roasters, kilns, and vacuum dryers to ensure proper temperature and timing. In South Carolina the median pay is $40,000 a year, 11% below the national median of $44,810.

$40,000median pay in South Carolina, per year
$36,680–$45,110middle half earn
140employed in South Carolina
$44,810U.S. median, for comparison
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What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.

Skills that matter most

Operations MonitoringMonitoringReading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisSpeaking

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityFood Production

Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders.

Licenses and training in South Carolina

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders pay in other states

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 51-3091.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, South Carolina, annual.