Also called: Pasteurizer Operator, Dairy Plant Operator, Cheese Plant Operator
Runs the machines that pasteurize milk and turn it into cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.
A dairy plant operator checks milk tanker deliveries, runs pasteurizers and separators from a control panel, cleans equipment with strict sanitation steps, and records temperatures for food safety.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; many states require a pasteurizer operator license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Dairy Science (2-year), Food Science.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 51-9012: Decline (-1% or lower).
Medium risk for 10 years. Plants are already highly automated; operators still monitor, clean and troubleshoot, but fewer per plant.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to dairy plants for production jobs; they train you for the state pasteurizer operator license First: State pasteurizer operator license in many states (short course or test)
Classes: Chemistry, Agriculture science, Math.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9012.
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