What Food Batchmakers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Food Batchmakers this way: "Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle"; "Observe gauges and thermometers to determine if the mixing chamber temperature is within specified limits, and turn valves to control the temperature"; "Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas"; "Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps"; "Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Food Batchmakers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 176,800 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 188,200 in 2035, an increase of 11,400 jobs (+6.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 23,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 13.1% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,290, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Food Batchmakers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $45,631 in Indiana to $47,890 in Illinois, a gap of $2,259 (1.05 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $42,290 and 0 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 15,980, which is 55.9% of the 28,590 counted across them. Illinois follows with 12,610.
Highest-paying states
Illinois ($47,890) and Indiana ($45,631) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($45,631) and Illinois ($47,890) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Food Batchmakers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-3000) include Bakers.
Frequently asked questions about Food Batchmakers
What is the national median wage for Food Batchmakers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $42,290. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $45,631 to $47,890.
Which state pays Food Batchmakers the most?
Illinois, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $47,890. Indiana is next at $45,631.
What is the job outlook for Food Batchmakers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 23,100 openings a year.
What education do Food Batchmakers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.