All food processing workers not listed separately.
SOC: 51-3099.00
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate food processing equipment and machinery following established safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
Developing
Hands-onPerform food preparation tasks including cutting, trimming, and packaging meeting production quotas while maintaining quality standards.
Developing
Hands-onCalibrate scales, thermometers, and measuring instruments to ensure accurate portion control and processing parameters.
Developing
KnowledgeApply proper handling techniques for different food categories to prevent cross-contamination and maintain product integrity.
Developing
MindsetEngage in team coordination and communication with coworkers on the production floor to maintain workflow efficiency.
Developing
Hands-onExecute cleaning and sanitization procedures for work areas and equipment following food safety protocols between production runs.
Developing
Hands-onHandle raw materials and ingredients using proper lifting techniques and personal protective equipment in temperature-controlled environments.
Developing
KnowledgeIdentify quality defects and contamination in food products during visual inspection on production lines.
Emerging
KnowledgeExplain food safety and sanitation requirements in compliance with regulatory guidelines and facility policies.
Emerging
KnowledgeDescribe production records and batch documentation to support traceability and quality control requirements.
Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Food Processing Workers, All Other (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
57,920
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,290. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,360. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,420. 75th percentile: U.S. $43,020. 90th percentile: U.S. $47,470. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$30,290
10% of workers earn the following or more
$47,470
Workers on average earn
$39,260
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)