Production · SOC 51-3093
Food cooking machines are heavily automated; operators who monitor product quality by sight and taste add value computers don't yet match.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: AI-controlled cooking systems are already in industrial use for standard products; operators who master quality monitoring and sanitation oversight remain relevant through 2030.
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$47,260 median pay
$61,870 median pay
$99,670 median pay
$83,400 median pay
$41,690 median pay
AI job-risk card
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders is 28/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
28 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Recording cooking times, temperatures, and batch data, Operating auxiliary equipment like grinders and canners, Setting standard temperature and pressure controls. Harder to automate: Observing product characteristics and adjusting beyond sensor limits, Cleaning and sterilizing equipment to food-grade standards, Detecting and responding to equipment malfunctions in real time.
Lean into Food processing equipment operation, HACCP and food safety protocols, Sensory evaluation and product monitoring, Sanitation and hygiene standards. Consider roles such as Food equipment maintenance technician or Quality control lab technician or Food safety compliance inspector.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.