Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.
SOC: 51-9192.00
Common Job Titles
Clean in Places Operator (CIP Operator)
Sanitation Technician
Sanitation Worker
Sanitizer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment in industrial production settings to remove impurities from diverse products including glass, metal, food, and plastics.
Developing
KnowledgeExamine equipment, materials, and finished products for defects and compliance during production runs following quality standards and safety protocols.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate control panels, valves, and machine settings to adjust cleaning cycle parameters such as temperature, chemical concentration, and processing time.
Developing
Hands-onHandle hazardous chemicals and cleaning agents using personal protective equipment and following material safety data sheet guidelines.
Developing
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to determine appropriate cleaning methods, chemical solutions, and cycle times for various materials.
Developing
MindsetEngage with supervisors, peers, and maintenance personnel when coordinating work activities, reporting equipment issues, and ensuring production schedules are met.
Developing
Hands-onPerform routine maintenance tasks on cleaning equipment including greasing, minor adjustments, and replacement of worn components to prevent downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeClassify process deviations and equipment malfunctions while monitoring machines and surroundings to maintain production flow and safety.
Emerging
KnowledgeExplain operational procedures and safety requirements to new team members during training and orientation.
Emerging
KnowledgeDiscuss production records, batch logs, and inspection results using personal computers and documentation systems to track cleaning cycles and material throughput.
Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
13,890
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $32,770. 25th percentile: U.S. $37,140. 50th percentile: U.S. $41,460. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,280. 90th percentile: U.S. $56,590. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$32,770
10% of workers earn the following or more
$56,590
Workers on average earn
$43,380
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.9/5
English Language3.0/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Psychology2.7/5
Education and Training2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
