Best degree programs for Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, ranked by enrollment
3 college programs and 49 schools train Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $51,610 median wage, 60,100 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
3 college programs at 49 schools train separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders, graduating 451 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Viticulture and Enology. The job pays a median of $51,610 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
3 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 01.1004 | 239 | 53.0% | 27 | $51,883 | $21,000 |
| 2 | CIP 01.1003 | 113 | 25.1% | 19 | $51,883 | $21,000 |
| 3 | CIP 01.1005 | 99 | 22.0% | 4 | $51,883 | $21,000 |
Top 49 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KY Public · 1 feeder programs | 91 | Zymology/Fermentation Science | 71% | — | 93% |
| 2 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 48 | Viticulture and Enology | 86% | — | 31% |
| 3 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 42 | Viticulture and Enology | 34% | — | — |
| 4 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 28 | Brewing Science | 38% | — | — |
| 5 | Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 19 | Viticulture and Enology | 37% | — | — |
| 6 | California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 14 | Viticulture and Enology | 57% | — | 95% |
| 7 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 13 | Brewing Science | 67% | — | 83% |
| 8 | Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 11 | Brewing Science | 73% | $42,705 | 65% |
| 9 | Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 9 | Viticulture and Enology | 41% | — | 82% |
| 10 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 9 | Viticulture and Enology | 84% | — | 57% |
| 11 | Washington State University Pullman, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 9 | Viticulture and Enology | 60% | — | 87% |
| 12 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Brewing Science | 67% | — | 89% |
| 13 | Kent State University at Ashtabula Ashtabula, OH Public · 2 feeder programs | 8 | Viticulture and Enology | 25% | — | — |
| 14 | Linfield University McMinnville, OR Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Viticulture and Enology | 70% | $26,243 | 85% |
| 15 | Missouri State University - West Plains West Plains, MO Public · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Viticulture and Enology | 41% | — | — |
| 16 | Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 8 | Brewing Science | 32% | — | — |
| 17 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Brewing Science | 82% | — | 46% |
| 18 | Surry Community College Dobson, NC Public · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Viticulture and Enology | 6% | — | — |
| 19 | Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 7 | Viticulture and Enology | 38% | — | — |
| 20 | Chemeketa Community College Salem, OR Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Viticulture and Enology | 21% | — | — |
| 21 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Viticulture and Enology | 95% | $17,613 | 9% |
| 22 | Las Positas College Livermore, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Viticulture and Enology | 53% | — | — |
| 23 | Yakima Valley College Yakima, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 6 | Viticulture and Enology | 29% | — | — |
| 24 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Brewing Science | 16% | — | — |
| 25 | Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Zymology/Fermentation Science | 54% | — | 69% |
| 26 | Napa Valley College Napa, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Viticulture and Enology | 43% | — | — |
| 27 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Brewing Science | 61% | — | 90% |
| 28 | Regis University Denver, CO Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 5 | Brewing Science | 61% | $22,407 | 86% |
| 29 | Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Brewing Science | 32% | — | — |
| 30 | College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Viticulture and Enology | 45% | — | — |
| 31 | East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Brewing Science | 53% | — | 86% |
| 32 | Finger Lakes Community College Canandaigua, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Viticulture and Enology | 30% | — | — |
| 33 | MiraCosta College Oceanside, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Viticulture and Enology | 41% | — | — |
| 34 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · 1 feeder programs | 4 | Brewing Science | 53% | — | — |
| 35 | Allan Hancock College Santa Maria, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Viticulture and Enology | 26% | — | — |
| 36 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CA Public · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Viticulture and Enology | 38% | — | — |
| 37 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM Public · 1 feeder programs | 3 | Brewing Science | 31% | — | — |
| 38 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Zymology/Fermentation Science | 46% | — | 80% |
| 39 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Viticulture and Enology | 81% | — | 85% |
| 40 | The University of Montana Missoula, MT Public · 1 feeder programs | 2 | Brewing Science | 48% | — | 96% |
| 41 | Highland Community College Highland, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Viticulture and Enology | 39% | — | — |
| 42 | Hocking College Nelsonville, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Viticulture and Enology | 37% | — | — |
| 43 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Brewing Science | 28% | — | — |
| 44 | Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Viticulture and Enology | 22% | — | — |
| 45 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Brewing Science | 65% | — | 85% |
| 46 | SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill Cobleskill, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Zymology/Fermentation Science | 42% | — | 84% |
| 47 | University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Brewing Science | 51% | — | 86% |
| 48 | University of Wisconsin - Superior Superior, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Brewing Science | 42% | — | 93% |
| 49 | Wenatchee Valley College Wenatchee, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 1 | Viticulture and Enology | 43% | — | — |
What separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $52,910 | 14,210 | 2.02× | 9 | 106 |
| Kentuckylimited | $58,770 | 1,500 | 1.94× | 1 | 91 |
| Arizonalimited | $57,820 | 970 | 0.77× | 2 | 47 |
| Georgialimited | $55,500 | 1,210 | 0.64× | 1 | 28 |
| Coloradomoderate | $49,590 | 1,970 | 1.77× | 4 | 23 |
| Washingtonmoderate | $56,160 | 1,560 | 1.14× | 4 | 23 |
| Michigan | $49,480 | 2,230 | 1.31× | 5 | 19 |
| New Yorkmoderate | $55,990 | 3,490 | 0.93× | 4 | 19 |
| Ohiomoderate | $47,640 | 1,470 | 0.69× | 4 | 15 |
| Oregonlimited | $50,160 | 1,340 | 1.76× | 2 | 14 |
| Connecticutlimited | $50,370 | 310 | 0.47× | 1 | 11 |
| Tennesseelimited | $50,470 | 2,450 | 1.94× | 2 | 9 |
| Texaslimited | $46,910 | 1,460 | 0.27× | 1 | 9 |
| Missourilimited | $49,290 | 1,590 | 1.40× | 1 | 8 |
| Pennsylvanialimited | $48,390 | 2,150 | 0.92× | 2 | 8 |
| Alabamalimited | $46,970 | 140 | 0.17× | 1 | 7 |
| North Carolinalimited | $49,140 | 1,310 | 0.68× | 1 | 7 |
| New Mexicolimited | $41,370 | 370 | 1.11× | 1 | 3 |
| Montanalimited | $47,920 | 340 | 1.74× | 1 | 2 |
| Kansaslimited | $48,790 | 450 | 0.81× | 1 | 1 |
| Wisconsinlimited | $60,100 | 1,520 | 1.34× | 1 | 1 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
- Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
- Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
- Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
- Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
- Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
- Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
- Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
Skills
- Monitoring3.1
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Active Listening3.0
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Writing2.9
- Speaking2.9
- Active Learning2.9
- Learning Strategies2.8
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.8
- Mechanical3.3
- English Language3.1
- Public Safety and Security2.9
- Mathematics2.8
- Education and Training2.8
Abilities
- Near Vision3.9
- Perceptual Speed3.8
- Problem Sensitivity3.5
- Information Ordering3.4
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.4
- Reaction Time3.3
Core activities
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.0
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.0
- Getting Information3.9
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.9
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.9
- Controlling Machines and Processes3.6
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Separating
Job zone 2 of 5 · SVP Below 6.0- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 3 majors mapped to Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders3 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 01.1003Brewing Science
- 01.1004Viticulture and Enology
- 01.1005Zymology/Fermentation Science
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Separating?+
High school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Viticulture and Enology, which awarded 239 degrees in 2024-25, 53.0% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Separating?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 3 programs to this occupation. The largest are Food Science and Technology. Together they graduate about 451 people a year.
How much do separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?+
The median is $51,610 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $36,200 at the 10th percentile to $79,750 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders growing?+
BLS projects a -4.3% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, decline, with roughly 5,400 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
49 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 3 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Brewer, Cellar Worker, Machine Tender, Pulper Operator among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 51-9012.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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