Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders work in a specialized production role that combines mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and consistent hands-on activity. Nationally, about 54,000 people work in this occupation, indicating a sizable workforce across the country. The typical entry point is a high school diploma or equivalent, which makes the field accessible to students and career changers who do not plan to complete a four-year degree. Strong mechanical skills, physical strength and stamina, and the ability to work precisely with fine motor movements are important. The role also benefits from science and mathematics skills, along with critical and analytical thinking and problem solving. Leadership and basic computers and information technology skills can support advancement opportunities within production environments. While projected employment growth is negative, there are still annual openings that may create opportunities for new entrants and experienced workers considering this path or related roles in production or metal and plastic work.
The national median annual salary for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders is $49,500. Pay varies across states and metro areas. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $48,970 in Massachusetts to $56,160 in Washington. New York stands out with a state median of $55,990. In the top metro areas, pay is generally higher than the national median: San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara reports a median of $56,910, while New York–Newark–Jersey City reports $59,690. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont has the highest listed metro median salary at $62,320. These figures suggest that workers willing to consider specific metropolitan regions may access higher earning potential than the national median. However, candidates should weigh salary differences alongside local job counts and personal preferences when evaluating opportunities.
National employment for this occupation is 54,000, with projected employment growth of -4.3%. This indicates a declining overall employment trend. Despite this negative growth rate, there are 5,000 annual openings. These openings can arise from retirements, workers moving into other roles, and normal turnover. Because overall employment is projected to decline, competition for stable positions may be an important factor for job seekers to consider. The consistent presence of annual openings suggests that individuals with the right mix of mechanical, scientific, and problem-solving skills may still find entry and progression opportunities, especially if they are flexible about location. The uniform -4.3% growth rate listed for the top states and metro areas reflects the broader national outlook, so applicants should pay particular attention to regions with stronger opportunity scores or higher employment counts when planning a job search or relocation.
Several states and metro areas stand out for this occupation based on CareerGPS opportunity scores, salaries, and employment levels. California ranks highest among states with an opportunity score of 67.38, the largest employment count at 14,210, and a median salary of $52,910. New York combines a relatively high median salary of $55,990 with employment of 3,490 and an opportunity score of 65.78. Washington has the highest state-level median salary listed at $56,160, though with a smaller workforce of 1,560. Among metro areas, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA and New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ lead in opportunity scores at 77.42 and 77.27, respectively, with median salaries above $56,000. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA stands out for the highest metro median salary at $62,320. Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV also offer strong opportunity scores and solid employment levels, giving candidates multiple high-potential regions to consider.
The typical education requirement for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals entering the workforce directly after high school or transitioning from other roles that do not require a college degree. However, success in this occupation relies on a well-developed skill set. Mechanical skills and physical strength and stamina support the hands-on, equipment-focused nature of the work. Science and mathematics skills are important for understanding and managing processes. Fine motor skills and a detail-oriented approach help maintain accuracy and quality. Critical and analytical thinking, along with problem solving and decision making, are valuable for addressing issues that arise during operations. Computers and information technology skills and leadership can help workers handle modern production systems and position themselves for future responsibility or supervisory paths within production settings. These skills together create a strong foundation for long-term employability in this occupation and related roles.
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