What Separating & Filtering Machine Operators DoSet up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
- Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
- Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
- Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
- Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
- Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
Separating & Filtering Machine Operators Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings5,400 Annually
Median Earnings
$59,090 in California
$49,500 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Thinking and problem solving
- Using data or completing tasks
- Working with my hands
you value
- Having support
- Having freedom
- Job security
you are skilled in
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
Go Deeper: Separating & Filtering Machine Operators Explained

Separating & Filtering Machine OperatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
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Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
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