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Occupation AtlasFood Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

O*NET · 51-3093.00

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend cooking equipment, such as steam cooking vats, deep fry cookers, pressure cookers, kettles, and boilers, to prepare food products.

Also called Bakery Fryer · Blanching Machine Operator · Boiler · Brine Maker · Casing Cooker · Chip Fryer · Chocolate Temperer · Coconut Boiler
70 more

Confectionery Cooker · Cook Box Filler · Cook-Box Filler · Cooker · Cooker Operator · Cooker Tender · Corn Cooker · Deep Fat Fry Cook · Dextrine Mixer · Dog and Cat Food Cook · Donut Fryer · Dough Maker · Doughnut Fryer · Doughnut Machine Operator · Doughnut Maker · Doughnut Processor · Dumpling Machine Operator · Fish Fryer · Food Cooking Machine Operator · Food Production Worker · Fryer · Fryer Operator · Gum Cook · Gum Machine Operator · Gum Maker · Industrial Cook · Instant Potato Processor · Kettle Cook · Kettle Fry Cook Operator · Kettle Operator · Kettle Tender · Machine Operator · Mash Tub Cooker Operator · Masher · Meal Temperer · Mogul Operator · Molasses and Caramel Operator · Nut Steamer · Ordering Machine Operator · Oven Operator · Peeler Operator · Pierogi Maker · Popcorn Candy Maker · Potato Chip Frier · Potato Chip Fryer · Potato Chip Maker · Potato Pancake Fryer · Process Cheese Cooker · Retort Operator · Sausage Cooker · Scalder · Soybean Specialties Cook · Steak Sauce Maker · Steam Box Hand · Steam Box Tender · Steam Conditioner Operator · Steam Conditioning Operator · Steam Oven Operator · Steam Table Associate · Steam Tender · Steamer · Sterilizer Operator · Sugar Boiler · Thermo Processor · Thermoscrew Operator · Tripe Cooker · Vacuum Kettle Cook · Vat Skimmer · Wine Pasteurizer · Yeast Distiller

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Batchmakers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.82
  • C Conventional4.67
  • I Investigative1.98
  • E Enterprising1.68
  • S Social1.34
  • A Artistic1.15

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent86%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate14%
Related work experience
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (39%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (41%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Operation and Control3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.4Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Coordination2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Writingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Quality Control Analysis2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active Learningbasic2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Speakingbasic2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Persuasion2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Troubleshooting1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Negotiation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Maintenance1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.8
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Equipment Selection1.50.5
  • Repairing1.40.4
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Programming1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

14 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Clean, wash, and sterilize equipment and cooking area, using water hoses, cleaning or sterilizing solutions, or rinses.4.7
  2. Observe gauges, dials, and product characteristics, and adjust controls to maintain appropriate temperature, pressure, and flow of ingredients.4.6
  3. Read work orders, recipes, or formulas to determine cooking times and temperatures, and ingredient specifications.4.6
  4. Record production and test data, such as processing steps, temperature and steam readings, cooking time, batches processed, and test results.4.5
  5. Tend or operate and control equipment, such as kettles, cookers, vats and tanks, and boilers, to cook ingredients or prepare products for further processing.4.5
  6. Measure or weigh ingredients, using scales or measuring containers.4.5
  7. Collect and examine product samples during production to test them for quality, color, content, consistency, viscosity, acidity, or specific gravity.4.4
  8. Set temperature, pressure, and time controls, and start conveyers, machines, or pumps.4.4
  9. Remove cooked material or products from equipment.4.4
  10. Listen for malfunction alarms, and shut down equipment and notify supervisors when necessary.4.3
  11. Pour, dump, or load prescribed quantities of ingredients or products into cooking equipment, manually or using a hoist.4.3
  12. Admit required amounts of water, steam, cooking oils, or compressed air into equipment, such as by opening water valves to cool mixtures to the desired consistency.4.2
Show the other 5
  1. Notify or signal other workers to operate equipment or when processing is complete.4.2
  2. Turn valves or start pumps to add ingredients or drain products from equipment and to transfer products for storage, cooling, or further processing.4.2
  3. Activate agitators and paddles to mix or stir ingredients, stopping machines when ingredients are thoroughly mixed.4.4
  4. Operate auxiliary machines and equipment, such as grinders, canners, and molding presses, to prepare or further process products.4.3
  5. Place products on conveyors or carts, and monitor product flow.4.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Food Production3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Administration and Management3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Mechanical3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language2.82.9
  • Computers and Electronics2.62.9
  • Customer and Personal Service2.61.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
Show all 33
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Chemistry2.32.6
  • Mathematics2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Public Safety and Security2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Administrative2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Psychology2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.90.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sales and Marketing1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.70.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Communications and Media1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Engineering and Technology1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Foreign Language1.6—
  • Building and Construction1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Design1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Transportation1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Physics1.4—
  • Biology1.3—
  • Law and Government1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Telecommunications1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Written Comprehension3.42.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Near Vision3.33.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Control Precision3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Information Ordering3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
Show all 52
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Reaction Time3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Clarity2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Category Flexibility2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control2.82.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Static Strength2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Written Expression2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Auditory Attention2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk Strength2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Extent Flexibility2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Far Vision2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number Facility2.32.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Stamina2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visualization2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Depth Perception2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Coordination2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.02.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive Strength1.60.9
  • Response Orientation1.61.3Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization1.50.9
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.4
  • Night Vision1.40.5
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.4
  • Spatial Orientation1.40.4
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.23.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting Information4.23.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.05.8
Show all 41
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.63.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.52.7
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.42.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.7
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.61.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Working with Computers2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.7
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.43.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.32.7
  • Thinking Creatively2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Spend Time Walking or Running4.3
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.3
  • Time Pressure4.1

Technology

1 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (1)
  • Database software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Food Batchmakers
  2. Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
  3. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  4. Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
  5. Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
  6. Bakers
  7. Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  8. Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
  9. Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
  10. Cooks, Restaurant

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.