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Career Profile

Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders

What they do:

Operate or tend machines to wash or clean products, such as barrels or kegs, glass items, tin plate, food, pulp, coal, plastic, or rubber, to remove impurities.

Also Called:

Anodizer, Clean in Places Operator (CIP Operator), Filler Operator, Parts Cleaner, Sanitation Technician, Sanitation Worker, Sanitizer, Tub Wash Operator, Tub Washer, Wash Crew Person, Anodizer, Clean in Places Operator (CIP Operator), Filler Operator, Parts Cleaner, Sanitation Technician, Sanitation Worker, Sanitizer, Tub Wash Operator, Tub Washer, Wash Crew Person

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$32,210
Starting Salary (2025)
$40,510
Median Salary (2025)
3.6%
Projected Job Growth
200
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Drain, clean, and refill machines or tanks at designated intervals, using cleaning solutions or water.
Examine and inspect machines to detect malfunctions.
Set controls to regulate temperature and length of cycles, and start conveyors, pumps, agitators, and machines.
Record gauge readings, materials used, processing times, or test results in production logs.
Observe machine operations, gauges, or thermometers, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions.

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Persistence
Achievement/Effort
Initiative
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Time Management
Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 60%
  • Less than high school 32%
  • Some college 4%
  • Associate's degree 4%
  • Post-secondary certificate 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.