Production · SOC 51-9012
Operating separation and filtration equipment is physical and process-specific — AI improves logging but doesn't displace hands-on control.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automated data capture reduces logging burden now, but the physical setup, adjustment, and sample inspection work at the core of this role will remain human-led through at least 2030.
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$40,790 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$48,970 median pay
$40,860 median pay
AI job-risk card
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, 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 Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 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: Maintaining instrument reading logs for database entry, Communicating process instructions to other workers. Harder to automate: Loading and positioning materials in process equipment, Turning valves to control flow, mixing, and drainage, Setting machine controls for temperature and pressure, Visually and manually examining product samples for quality.
Lean into Separation and filtration process operations, Industrial instrumentation reading, Material handling safety, Process quality inspection. Consider roles such as Chemical process operator or Water treatment plant operator or Production quality technician.
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.