Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9192
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $41,460 and +3.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 14,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders (SOC 51-9192) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 14,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.6% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $41,460, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Add specified amounts of chemicals to equipment at required times to maintain solution levels and concentrations.
- 2. Observe machine operations, gauges, or thermometers, and adjust controls to maintain specified conditions.
- 3. Set controls to regulate temperature and length of cycles, and start conveyors, pumps, agitators, and machines.
- 4. Draw samples for laboratory analysis, or test solutions for conformance to specifications, such as acidity or specific gravity.
- 5. Adjust, clean, and lubricate mechanical parts of machines, using hand tools and grease guns.
- 6. Drain, clean, and refill machines or tanks at designated intervals, using cleaning solutions or water.
- 7. Operate or tend machines to wash and remove impurities from items such as barrels or kegs, glass products, tin plate surfaces, dried fruit, pulp, animal stock, coal, manufactured articles, plastic, or rubber.
- 8. Record gauge readings, materials used, processing times, or test results in production logs.
- 9. Examine and inspect machines to detect malfunctions.
- 10. Load machines with objects to be processed and unload them after cleaning, placing them on conveyors or racks.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology
- Education and Training
- Chemistry
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders has an AI exposure score of 37%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is projected to grow by 3.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 14,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
Key skills for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is $41,460, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders?
Cleaning, washing, and metal pickling equipment operators and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).