As of June 2026, Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders has an AI-exposure score of 52/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

52/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 38% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$51,610. About 5,400 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (you)
52
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
52
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
52
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
52
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
52
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
53
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Turn valves to pump sterilizing solutions or rinse water through pipes or equipment or to spray vats with atomizers.
Augmentable
  • Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
  • Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
  • Test samples to determine viscosity, acidity, specific gravity, or degree of concentration, using test equipment such as viscometers, pH meters, or hydrometers.
  • Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
  • Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
  • Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
  • Measure or weigh materials to be refined, mixed, transferred, stored, or otherwise processed.
  • Remove clogs, defects, or impurities from machines, tanks, conveyors, screens, or other processing equipment.
  • Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
  • Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
  • Remove full containers from discharge outlets and replace them with empty containers.
  • Install, maintain, or repair hoses, pumps, filters, or screens to maintain processing equipment, using hand tools.
  • Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
  • Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
  • Clean or sterilize tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, or equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
  • Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
  • Connect pipes between vats and processing equipment.
  • Assemble fittings, valves, bowls, plates, disks, impeller shafts, or other parts to prepare equipment for operation.
  • Inspect machines or equipment for hazards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (95%).

Safer adjacent roles

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80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$43,530
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Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$48,040
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Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Chemical Plant and System Operators
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,120
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Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Food Batchmakers
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.