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Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$39,130
Median Annual Salary
▼ -13.2% vs 2024
$41,770
Mean Salary
$39,130
Median Salary
$18.81
Hourly Rate
350 people work as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary by percentile in Tennessee

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $31,510$31,51025th25% earn less than $35,550$35,550MedianHalf earn more than $39,130$39,13075th75% earn less than $45,470$45,47090thTop 10% earn more than $55,090$55,090

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee earn a median salary of $39,130 per year ($3,260/month). This is 14.4% below the national average of $45,736. Tennessee ranks #34 out of 44 states for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders pay. Approximately 350 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 13.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend food or tobacco roasting, baking, or drying equipment, including hearth ovens, kiln driers, roasters, char kilns, and vacuum drying equipment.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.62
Monitoring
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Active Listening
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Production and Processing
3.58
English Language
3.29
Public Safety and Security
3.05
Food Production
3.04
Mathematics
2.3
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (60.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee

Salaries for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee range from $31,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $55,090 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,550 and $45,470.

Median $39,130
P10: $31,510 P25: $35,550 P75: $45,470 P90: $55,090
10th
$31,510
25th
$35,550
Median
$39,130
75th
$45,470
90th
$55,090
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $31,510 $15.15 $2,625
25th Percentile $35,550 $17.09 $2,962
Median (50th) $39,130 $18.81 $3,260
75th Percentile $45,470 $21.86 $3,789
90th Percentile (Experienced) $55,090 $26.49 $4,590

Note: The mean (average) salary of $41,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#34
Tennessee ranks #34 of 44 states
$45,736
National avg. for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
-14.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary in Tennessee adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Explore Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Data in Tennessee

Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders Salary by State

Compare Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee is $39,130 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $41,770.
What is the salary range for a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee?
Salaries for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee range from $31,510 at the 10th percentile to $55,090 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,550 and $45,470.
What is the starting salary for a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee?
Entry-level Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders positions in Tennessee typically start around $31,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,550 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 350 people are employed as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in Tennessee is approximately $18.81 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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