Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend food or tobacco roasting, baking, or drying equipment, including hearth ovens, kiln driers, roasters, char kilns, and vacuum drying equipment.
SOC: 51-3091.00
Common Job Titles
Coffee RoasterMachine OperatorRoasterRoasterman
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate roasting, baking, and drying equipment including hearth ovens, kiln driers, and vacuum drying systems in food and tobacco production facilities, following established processing parameters.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze equipment gauges, sensors, and monitoring data to assess processing conditions during continuous production operations, using temperature, pressure, and moisture readings.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate product quality and processing standards compliance through visual inspection and instrument readings, adjusting equipment parameters as needed.Proficient
- Hands-onHandle raw materials and finished products using conveyors, carts, and material handling equipment during loading, processing, and unloading operations.Proficient
- Hands-onCalibrate temperature controls, humidity sensors, and automatic hopper scales to maintain precise processing specifications and product consistency.Developing
- KnowledgeApply food production and safety protocols when operating roasting and drying machinery, adhering to regulatory requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret production schedules, batch specifications, and written processing instructions to coordinate workflow and prioritize multiple roasting or drying cycles.Developing
- Hands-onPerform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning tasks following safety procedures to prevent contamination and ensure operational readiness.Developing
- KnowledgeDiagnose equipment malfunctions and processing irregularities by monitoring machine performance and identifying deviations from normal operating conditions.Developing
- MindsetEngage with supervisors and production team members to communicate processing status, quality issues, and coordination needs.Developing
- KnowledgeDocument batch records, equipment readings, and production data using paper logs and Microsoft Excel to maintain traceability and quality records.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
19,500
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $32,390 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $60,070 |
| Workers on average earn | $44,140 |
+ 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 Processing3.6/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Food Production3.0/5
- Mathematics2.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Excel
Technology Skills
Email software
Tools & Equipment
Automatic hopper scalesBaking equipmentBox barnsCentrifugal coffee roastersChar kilnsConveyor bakersConveyor dryersConveyor turntables