# Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

> Set up, operate, or tend machines to mix or blend materials, such as chemicals, tobacco, liquids, color pigments, or explosive ingredients.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/mixing-and-blending-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders
- SOC code: 51-9023.00
- Career family: Production
- Median annual pay: $48,990 (10th percentile $36,790, 90th percentile $70,200)
- Projected growth: Decline, -6.1%
- Openings a year: 7,900
- Typical entry education: High school diploma
- Bright outlook: no
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code RCI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 93 |
| Investigative (I) | 16 |
| Artistic (A) | 2 |
| Social (S) | 2 |
| Enterprising (E) | 3 |
| Conventional (C) | 54 |

## What you'd do

- Getting Information (importance 85/100)
- Controlling Machines and Processes (importance 83/100)
- Performing General Physical Activities (importance 81/100)
- Handling and Moving Objects (importance 79/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 79/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 77/100)
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (importance 74/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 72/100)
- Training and Teaching Others (importance 69/100)
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (importance 66/100)

## Skills

Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Repairing, Time Management, Troubleshooting

## Knowledge

Production and Processing, English Language, Mechanical, Public Safety and Security, Mathematics, Chemistry, Education and Training, Administration and Management, Law and Government, Personnel and Human Resources

## Also called

Abrasive Mixer, Acetylene Cylinder Packing Mixer, Acid Adjuster, Acid Blower, Acid Mixer, Ammonia Worker, Asphalt Blender, Asphalt Mixer, Asphalt Mixing Machine Operator, Auger Mill Operator

## Related careers

- [Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/separating-filtering-clarifying-precipitating-and-still-machine-setters-operators-and): $51,610 median pay
- [Food Batchmakers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/food-batchmakers): $42,290 median pay
- [Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/cleaning-washing-and-metal-pickling-equipment-operators-and-tenders): $43,530 median pay
- [Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/crushing-grinding-and-polishing-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders): $48,540 median pay
- [Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/extruding-forming-pressing-and-compacting-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders): $45,760 median pay
- [Machine Feeders and Offbearers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/machine-feeders-and-offbearers): $41,220 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.