What Does a Food Batchmaker Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a food batchmaker do?

Food batchmakers set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in manufacturing food products. The median pay is $42,290 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +6.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$42,290
$20.33/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+6.5%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
23,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
176,800
Employment, 2025

What food batchmakers do

Food batchmakers follow recipes at factory scale. They weigh ingredients, load mixers and kettles, control mixing times and temperatures, check batches for quality, label and record lots, and clean equipment between runs.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects faster than average growth and many openings.

Typical duties

Weigh ingredients
Load mixers
Follow recipes
Control mixing
Check batch quality
Record lot data
Clean equipment

Work environment and schedule

Batchmakers work in food plants and commercial bakeries.

Schedule: Full time, often shifts.

A day in the life

6:00 AMReview production orders.
6:30 AMWeigh flour and sugar.
7:30 AMMix the first batch.
9:00 AMCheck viscosity.

See a full day in the life of a food batchmaker →

Food Batchmaker salary

Half of food batchmakers earned more than $42,290 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $31,990 for the lowest 10% to $58,940 for the top 10%.

$31,99010th$42,290Median$58,94090th

Full food batchmaker pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a food batchmaker

Finish high school
Get hired at a food plant
Learn recipes
Master quality checks
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a food batchmaker →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Recipe scaling
Weighing
Mixer operation
Quality checks
Allergen control

People skills

Accuracy
Reliability
Attention to detail
Teamwork

All food batchmaker skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Many openings
No degree needed
Steady work

Cons

Lifting bags
Repetitive
Shift work
Strict sanitation

Certifications and licenses

Food safety training: HACCP.
PCQI: Preventive controls.
Forklift certification: Helpful.
GMP training: Employer.

Career path

Batchmaker: Entry.
Lead Batchmaker: Lead.
Quality Technician: Quality.
Production Supervisor: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Food Batchmaker training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as weigh ingredients for a batch and do an allergen changeover, safety and how to land your first job.

View Food Batchmaker training Is this career right for me?

Food Cooking Machine Operator

Run industrial cookers, fryers and kettles in food plants.

$41,590
A few months on the job

Baker

Mix, shape and bake breads, pastries and desserts.

$37,160
1–12 months

Mixing Machine Operator

Run mixers and blenders that combine chemicals, rubber, plastics and other materials.

$48,990
A few months on the job

Food Science Technician

Test food and ingredients to keep products safe, consistent and tasty.

$52,130
2 years

Compare: Food Batchmaker vs. Food Cooking Machine Operator · Food Batchmaker vs. Baker · Food Batchmaker vs. Mixing Machine Operator · Food Batchmaker vs. Food Science Technician

Food Batchmaker FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Is lifting required?

Usually.

How much does a food batchmaker make?

The median annual wage for food batchmakers was $42,290 ($20.33 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,990 and the highest 10% earned more than $58,940.

How long does it take to become a food batchmaker?

Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a food batchmaker?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-3092 (Food batchmakers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Food batchmakers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Food Batchmaker