Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Pennsylvania
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Pennsylvania earn a median of $48,390 a year ($23.26 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,590 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $51,610. Pennsylvania ranks 37th of 50 states for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders pay. There are 0.35 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Pennsylvania
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,130 | $15.45 |
| 25th percentile | $38,650 | $18.58 |
| Median | $48,390 | $23.26 |
| 75th percentile | $58,230 | $27.99 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,590 | $33.94 |
| Average (mean) | $50,210 | $24.14 |
Half of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,032.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,016.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,861.15 |
| Weekly | $930.58 |
| Hourly | $23.26 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $48,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in cities in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $59,610 | 230 |
| Reading, PA | $53,890 | 130 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $52,300 | 40 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $51,030 | 680 |
| Altoona, PA | $49,350 | 30 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $48,590 | 330 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $48,390 | 110 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $46,900 | 120 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $46,380 | 100 |
| Lancaster, PA | $45,190 | 120 |
| Erie, PA | $35,530 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | $108,900 |
| Nevada | $62,960 |
| New Hampshire | $60,340 |
| Wisconsin | $60,100 |
| Virginia | $59,480 |
| North Dakota | $59,390 |
| Kentucky | $58,770 |
| Louisiana | $58,640 |
| New Jersey | $58,140 |
| Arizona | $57,820 |
Related jobs in Pennsylvania
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $44,480 | $21.39 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $44,290 | $21.29 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $54,590 | $26.25 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $51,780 | $24.89 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,340 | $23.24 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $41,060 | $19.74 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $56,630 | $27.22 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,550 | $24.30 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $53,580 | $25.76 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $45,310 | $21.78 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $46,850 | $22.52 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $66,330 | $31.89 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $52,560 | $25.27 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders make in Pennsylvania?
The median salary for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Pennsylvania is $48,390 a year, or $23.26 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,590 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders make in Pennsylvania?
The top 10% of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Pennsylvania earn at least $70,590 a year. The top 25% earn $58,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,130 a year, and a quarter of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn $38,650 or less.
How many separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders work in Pennsylvania?
About 2,150 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders are employed in Pennsylvania, not counting the self-employed.