Updated 2019

Details Report for:
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.

Sample of reported job titles: Cook, Fryer Operator, Kettle Fry Cook Operator, Machine Operator, Master Cook, Mogul Operator, Peeler Operator, Processing Operator, Processor, Retort Operator

View report: Summary Details Custom

Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance	Category	Task
89	Core	Tend or operate and control equipment, such as kettles, cookers, vats and tanks, and boilers, to cook ingredients or prepare products for further processing.
87	Core	Set temperature, pressure, and time controls, and start conveyers, machines, or pumps.
86	Core	Clean, wash, and sterilize equipment and cooking area, using water hoses, cleaning or sterilizing solutions, or rinses.
86	Core	Observe gauges, dials, and product characteristics, and adjust controls to maintain appropriate temperature, pressure, and flow of ingredients.
84	Core	Listen for malfunction alarms, and shut down equipment and notify supervisors when necessary.
83	Core	Remove cooked material or products from equipment.
82	Core	Turn valves or start pumps to add ingredients or drain products from equipment and to transfer products for storage, cooling, or further processing.
82	Core	Measure or weigh ingredients, using scales or measuring containers.
82	Core	Read work orders, recipes, or formulas to determine cooking times and temperatures, and ingredient specifications.
80	Core	Collect and examine product samples during production to test them for quality, color, content, consistency, viscosity, acidity, or specific gravity.
77	Core	Notify or signal other workers to operate equipment or when processing is complete.
76	Core	Record production and test data, such as processing steps, temperature and steam readings, cooking time, batches processed, and test results.
76	Core	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.
83	Supplemental	Pour, dump, or load prescribed quantities of ingredients or products into cooking equipment, manually or using a hoist.
80	Supplemental	Place products on conveyors or carts, and monitor product flow.
78	Supplemental	Activate agitators and paddles to mix or stir ingredients, stopping machines when ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
76	Supplemental	Operate auxiliary machines and equipment, such as grinders, canners, and molding presses, to prepare or further process products.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

Technology Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Data base user interface and query software — Database software

Tools Used Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Bucket conveyors — Bucket belt conveyors
Commercial use food grinders — Grinders
Conveyor feeders — Electromagnetic vibratory feeders
Cooking machinery — Boilers; Continuous baking ovens; Vacuum batch cookers; Water immersion retorts (see all 11 examples)
Filling machinery — Canners
Floor or platform scales — Ingredient scales
Forming machine — Molding machines; Molding presses
Hand trucks or accessories — Hand trucks
Hoists — Chain hoists
Roasting machinery — Hot oil roasting equipment; Roasting equipment
Sifting machinery — Combination feeders
Smoking machinery — Smoke generators; Smoking equipment
Steaming machinery — Steam air retorts; Steam kettles; Steam retorts; Water spray retorts
Water hoses

Knowledge Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Knowledge
72		Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
62		English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
55		Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
55		Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
55		Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
44		Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
44		Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
37		Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
32		Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
27		Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
27		Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
27		Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
26		Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
25		Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
19		Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
18		Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
18		Foreign Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
18		Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
14		Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
14		Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
11		Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
10		Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
9		Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
8		Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
7		Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
5		Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
3		Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
3		Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
3		Philosophy and Theology — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
2		Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
1		Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
0		Fine Arts — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
0		History and Archeology — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Skills Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Skill
69		Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
60		Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
56		Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53		Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
53		Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50		Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
50		Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50		Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
50		Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
47		Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
47		Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
44		Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
44		Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
41		Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
41		Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
28		Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
28		Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
25		Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
25		Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
25		Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
25		Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
25		Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
22		Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
22		Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
22		Persuasion — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
22		Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
22		Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
22		Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
19		Management of Material Resources — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
19		Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
19		Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
16		Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
10		Management of Financial Resources — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
10		Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
0		Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Abilities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Ability
69		Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
60		Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
60		Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
60		Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
56		Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
56		Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53		Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53		Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
53		Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50		Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50		Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
50		Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
47		Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
47		Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
47		Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
47		Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
47		Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
47		Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
44		Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
44		Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
44		Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
44		Rate Control — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
44		Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
38		Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
38		Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
38		Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
38		Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
35		Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
35		Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
35		Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
31		Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
31		Speed of Limb Movement — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
31		Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
31		Time Sharing — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
28		Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
28		Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
28		Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
28		Memorization — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
28		Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
28		Response Orientation — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
25		Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
25		Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
25		Sound Localization — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
22		Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
22		Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
22		Wrist-Finger Speed — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
19		Peripheral Vision — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
16		Glare Sensitivity — The ability to see objects in the presence of glare or bright lighting.
16		Night Vision — The ability to see under low light conditions.
16		Spatial Orientation — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
6		Dynamic Flexibility — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
0		Explosive Strength — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Activity
83		Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
80		Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
77		Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
76		Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
73		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
72		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
72		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
71		Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
70		Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
70		Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
65		Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
65		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
63		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
63		Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
61		Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
61		Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
58		Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
57		Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
55		Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
55		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
55		Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
54		Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
54		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
52		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
51		Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51		Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
50		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
50		Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
49		Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
49		Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
47		Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
46		Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
45		Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
43		Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
40		Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
39		Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
35		Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
34		Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
31		Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
27		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
25		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Detailed Work Activities Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Operate cooking, baking, or other food preparation equipment.
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products.
Clean work areas.
Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
Sterilize food cooking or processing equipment.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment.
Load materials into production equipment.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
Inspect food products.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
Operate mixing equipment.
Signal others to coordinate work activities.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow.
Record operational or production data.
Operate grinding equipment.

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Work Context Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Work Context

Percentage of Top Responses

Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

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63	Constant contact with others
29	Contact with others most of the time

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?


85	Every day
15	Never

Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?


67	Every day
13	Once a week or more but not every day
11	Once a month or more but not every week

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?


46	Extremely important
43	Very important
11	Important

Spend Time Standing — How much does this job require standing?


57	Continually or almost continually
31	More than half the time

Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?


62	Extremely important
18	Very important
14	Important

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?


83	Every day
17	Never

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?


75	Every day
11	Once a year or more but not every month

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?


72	Every day
15	Never

Spend Time Walking and Running — How much does this job require walking and running?


39	Continually or almost continually
37	More than half the time
21	About half the time

Time Pressure — How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?


73	Every day
20	Never

Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?


63	Every day
17	Once a week or more but not every day
17	Never

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?


41	Every day
39	Once a week or more but not every day

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?


63	Extremely important
11	Fairly important
12	Not important at all

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?


46	Very important results
12	Important results
31	Moderate results

Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?


30	Very close (near touching)
40	Moderately close (at arm's length)
22	Slightly close (e.g., shared office)

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?


49	Continually or almost continually
23	More than half the time
15	Never

Coordinate or Lead Others — How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?


30	Extremely important
42	Very important
21	Fairly important

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)


48	Extremely important
22	Very important
18	Not important at all

Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?


28	A lot of freedom
29	Some freedom
34	Limited freedom

Exposed to Contaminants — How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?


55	Every day
29	Never

Duration of Typical Work Week — Number of hours typically worked in one week.


28	More than 40 hours
72	40 hours

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?


44	Every day
24	Once a week or more but not every day
27	Never

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?


39	Every day
17	Once a week or more but not every day
12	Once a month or more but not every week
12	Once a year or more but not every month
20	Never

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — How much does this job require making repetitive motions?


32	Continually or almost continually
24	More than half the time
11	About half the time
22	Less than half the time
11	Never

Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?


19	A lot of freedom
35	Some freedom
15	Limited freedom
27	Very little freedom

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?


23	Very high responsibility
30	High responsibility
14	Moderate responsibility
16	Limited responsibility
17	No responsibility

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?


18	Very high responsibility
20	High responsibility
43	Moderate responsibility
12	No responsibility

Consequence of Error — How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?


21	Extremely serious
22	Very serious
24	Serious
15	Fairly serious
18	Not serious at all

Degree of Automation — How automated is the job?


12	Completely automated
29	Highly automated
33	Moderately automated
11	Slightly automated
15	Not at all automated

Exposed to High Places — How often does this job require exposure to high places?


30	Every day
20	Once a week or more but not every day
32	Never

Frequency of Conflict Situations — How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?


30	Every day
18	Once a month or more but not every week
32	Never

Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?


15	Continually or almost continually
20	More than half the time
14	About half the time
40	Less than half the time
11	Never

Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?


32	Every day
12	Once a week or more but not every day
47	Never

Letters and Memos — How often does the job require written letters and memos?


27	Every day
21	Once a week or more but not every day
45	Never

Level of Competition — To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?


41	Highly competitive
17	Slightly competitive
32	Not at all competitive

Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?


33	Extremely important
58	Not important at all

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?


18	Every day
13	Once a week or more but not every day
18	Once a month or more but not every week
52	Never

Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?


11	Every day
19	Once a week or more but not every day
16	Once a month or more but not every week
46	Never

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?


52	Less than half the time
22	Never

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?


19	Every day
14	Once a year or more but not every month
58	Never

Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?


14	Every day
17	Once a year or more but not every month
61	Never

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles — How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, or poles?


54	Less than half the time
36	Never

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?


15	Once a month or more but not every week
22	Once a year or more but not every month
55	Never

Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting?


54	Less than half the time
41	Never

Work Schedules — How regular are the work schedules for this job?


19	Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)
74	Regular (established routine, set schedule)

Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?


79	Never

Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?


15	Once a week or more but not every day
80	Never

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration — How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?


80	Never

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance — How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?


20	Less than half the time
73	Never

Public Speaking — How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?


82	Never

In an Open Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?


89	Never

Deal With Physically Aggressive People — How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?


94	Never

Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job?


97	Never

Outdoors, Under Cover — How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (e.g., structure with roof but no walls)?


98	Never

Exposed to Radiation — How often does this job require exposure to radiation?


100	Never

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?


100	Never

Job Zone Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Title	Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education	These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience	Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
SVP Range	(4.0 to < 6.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
Not available	High school diploma or equivalent
Not available	Less than high school diploma
Not available	Some college, no degree

Credentials

Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Occupational Interest		Interest
100		Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
72		Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
39		Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
28		Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
6		Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
0		Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Work Styles Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Importance		Work Style
90		Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
83		Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
82		Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
79		Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
78		Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
76		Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
75		Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
75		Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
75		Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
73		Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
69		Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
69		Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
69		Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
69		Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
68		Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
58		Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)

Extent		Work Value
61		Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
39		Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
33		Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
28		Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
22		Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
17		Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations Save Table (XLS/CSV)

51-3091.00	Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
51-3092.00	Food Batchmakers
51-4121.07	Solderers and Brazers Green
51-5113.00	Print Binding and Finishing Workers
51-6091.00	Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
51-9032.00	Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9111.00	Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
51-9121.00	Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-9191.00	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
51-9196.00	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2018)	$14.48 hourly, $30,120 annual
State wages

Employment (2016)	37,000 employees
Projected growth (2016-2026)	Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Projected job openings (2016-2026)	5,200
State trends

Top industries (2016)	Manufacturing (77% employed in this sector) Accommodation and Food Services (12%) (see all industries)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2016-2026). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

Sources of Additional Information

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