Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Machines can already do 28% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 67%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 28% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 67% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 60,100 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $51,610 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 69% for contact with people.
- Also called: Blender, Brewer, Cellar Worker, Digester Cook.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions | 16% | 40% to 80% | |
| Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations | 10% | 20% to 60% | |
| Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions | 9% | 30% to 75% | |
| Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases | 5% | 70% to 95% | |
| Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks | 4% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $70,070
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic64% of tasks by 2035 · US median $47,180
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,270
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $79,870
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Machines can do 28% of the tasks of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders today and 67% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-9012.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/separating-filtering-clarifying-precipitating-and-still-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders/