Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
Food cooking machine operators and tenders run and monitor large-scale cooking equipment like steam vats, deep fryers, pressure cookers, kettles, and boilers in food manufacturing and processing facilities. They prepare food products according to recipes and safety standards, adjusting temperatures and times as needed. This work takes place in commercial kitchens, food factories, and processing plants.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food cooking machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves starting equipment, loading ingredients, monitoring cooking times and temperatures, and removing finished products. Operators check gauges and displays regularly, adjust settings based on what's cooking, and clean equipment between batches. They follow recipes and safety procedures closely, document production, and may troubleshoot when equipment malfunctions. Physical tasks include standing for hours, lifting containers, and working around hot surfaces and steam.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're detail-oriented and prefer working with clear procedures and established systems. You do well with hands-on, practical tasks and like seeing direct results from your work. If you're reliable, follow instructions carefully, and appreciate straightforward work without a lot of ambiguity, this role suits you.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $47,580 | $51,100 | $56,850 | 310 |
| Utah | $37,070 | $48,620 | $52,630 | 390 |
| Massachusetts | $41,030 | $47,960 | $50,250 | 170 |
| Iowa | $46,380 | $47,900 | $49,880 | 850 |
| Michigan | $43,880 | $47,260 | $50,680 | 380 |
| Minnesota | $47,130 | $47,250 | $48,680 | 1,410 |
| Colorado | $44,050 | $46,900 | $51,440 | 300 |
| Kansas | $43,360 | $45,850 | $47,050 | 750 |
| New York | $41,590 | $45,680 | $55,740 | 1,300 |
| Tennessee | $41,200 | $45,620 | $55,270 | 1,820 |
| Nebraska | $36,790 | $45,420 | $48,420 | 670 |
| Idaho | $38,520 | $45,120 | $59,310 | 790 |
All 41 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against food cooking machine operators and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-3093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.