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.
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders work with specialized equipment and processes to treat and prepare materials, especially metals. Nationally, about 15,000 people are employed in this occupation, with a median annual salary of $41,460. The field shows projected employment growth of 3.6%, along with about 2,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing demand for new workers through growth and replacement needs. This role generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to people who want to enter a technical, hands-on occupation without a lengthy education path. Success in this career relies on a mix of physical strength and stamina, mechanical ability, fine motor skills, and strong problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities. Workers may also draw on science knowledge, computers and information technology, and interpersonal and leadership skills. For those exploring career options, similar roles include pourers and casters, metal; fishing and hunting workers; rock splitters, quarry; helpers–production workers; and cleaners of vehicles and equipment.
The national median annual salary for cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is $41,460. Pay levels vary by location. Among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $43,210 in Massachusetts to $46,290 in New York. California, Washington, and Virginia all show median salaries above $45,000. At the metro level, several areas stand out with higher pay. The San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA metro shows a median salary of $47,360, and San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA reports $46,390. New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ, Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA all offer median salaries above $41,000. These differences suggest that workers who are flexible about location may find higher earning potential in certain metros and states, particularly in parts of California and New York.
This occupation has national employment of about 15,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of 3.6%. In addition to growth, there are an estimated 2,000 annual openings, which reflects both new positions and the need to replace workers who move on to other roles or retire. The consistent projected growth rate of 3.6% appears across the top states and metro areas listed, suggesting broadly similar expectations for expansion in multiple regions. For job seekers, the combination of a defined national workforce, measurable projected growth, and steady annual openings points to ongoing opportunities to enter and advance in this field. People considering this career can use the employment and opportunity data from states and metros to decide where the job market may be most favorable for them, while also weighing salary levels and personal preferences about location.
Location can make a meaningful difference for cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders. Among states, California has the highest listed employment at 2,450, along with a median salary of $45,150 and an opportunity score of 67.38, the strongest of the states provided. New York combines a median salary of $46,290 with employment of 710 and an opportunity score of 65.78. Massachusetts also shows a relatively strong profile with a median salary of $43,210 and an opportunity score of 65.87. Washington and Virginia have smaller employment levels—180 and 140, respectively—but still offer median salaries above $45,000. At the metro level, San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $47,360. New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–NJ closely follows with a 77.27 opportunity score. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA; Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA–NH; and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA also provide strong combinations of salary, employment, and opportunity scores.
The typical education requirement for cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who want to enter the workforce relatively quickly without extensive formal education. However, success in this role relies on a broad mix of skills. Physical strength and stamina are important, as are fine motor skills and mechanical ability. Science knowledge and comfort with computers and information technology can also play a role, along with strong critical and analytical thinking. Problem solving and decision making are central to handling day-to-day challenges. Interpersonal and leadership skills, plus project management capabilities, can help workers coordinate with others and take on added responsibility over time. For people who build this blend of physical, technical, and cognitive skills, this occupation can serve as a solid platform for long-term employment or as a step toward related roles in production and equipment operation.
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