Food batchmakers
SOC Code: 51-3092
Food batchmakers carries a 41% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $40,790 and +6.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 173,500 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
Food batchmakers (SOC 51-3092) carries an AI exposure score of 41%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 173,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.9% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $40,790, 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 Food batchmakers. 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. Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.
- 2. Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.
- 3. Test food product samples for moisture content, acidity level, specific gravity, or butter-fat content, and continue processing until desired levels are reached.
- 4. Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.
- 5. Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.
- 6. Inspect vats after cleaning to ensure that fermentable residue has been removed.
- 7. Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.
- 8. Give directions to other workers who are assisting in the batchmaking process.
- 9. Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.
- 10. Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Operation and Control
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Food Production
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Food batchmakers?
Food batchmakers has an AI exposure score of 41%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Food batchmakers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Food batchmakers is projected to grow by 6.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 173,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Food batchmakers?
Key skills for Food batchmakers include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Food batchmakers earn?
The median annual wage for Food batchmakers is $40,790, 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 Food batchmakers?
The typical entry-level education for Food batchmakers 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 Food batchmakers?
Food batchmakers 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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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).