Miller

Your Fit

Income

$44K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-3.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Miller?

A Miller is a professional who operates grinding mills, machinery, and equipment to produce flour, grains, and other milled products. They play a critical role in the food production chain, ensuring the transformation of raw agricultural products into usable ingredients.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Miller.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Miller earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$33K per year	$37K per year	$44K per year	$54K per year	$63K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.55K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Miller do?

Work environment

Millers typically work in milling factories or agricultural processing plants. The environment can be dusty and noisy, requiring protective gear such as masks and ear protection. It involves working with heavy machinery, and shift work may be required.

Quick task list

Operates milling machinery and monitors the milling process.
Adjusts machine settings to control the size and consistency of output.
Conducts regular maintenance and troubleshooting of milling equipment.
Ensures quality control by testing grain samples.
Adheres to health and safety regulations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Grain Milling: Specializing in the processing of grains like wheat, corn, and rice.
Spice Milling: Focusing on grinding spices and herbs.
Animal Feed Milling: Producing feed for livestock from various grains and additives.
Oilseed Milling: Processing oilseeds such as soybeans and sunflower seeds for oil extraction.
Specialty Milling: Working with niche products like gluten-free or organic grains.

Description

Millers are integral in turning raw agricultural products into ingredients that are foundational in food production. Their work requires a good understanding of the milling machinery, the characteristics of different grains, and the desired end products. Precision in adjusting mill settings is crucial to achieve the right consistency and quality. This role also demands a strong commitment to safety, given the nature of the machinery involved and potential allergens like dust.

In addition to technical skills, millers must possess problem-solving abilities to quickly address any equipment malfunctions or inconsistencies in the milling process. Continuous learning is essential due to advancements in milling technology and changing consumer preferences for different types of milled products.

Advancement opportunities for millers may include supervisory roles, quality control, or even mill management. Some may also choose to specialize further or move into related areas like grain sourcing or food technology.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to an essential process in the food production chain.
Mastering complex machinery and problem-solving in a dynamic environment.
Opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work in the form of finished products.

You might make a good Miller if you are...

Interested in machinery and mechanical processes.
Detail-oriented and committed to quality.
Able to handle physical tasks and work in a dusty environment.
Comfortable with both independent and team-based work.
Keen on playing a part in food production and agriculture.

Pros:

Stable demand for skilled millers in the food production industry.
Opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
Satisfaction from producing essential food ingredients.

Cons:

Potential health risks from exposure to dust and allergens.
Physical demands and the need to work with heavy machinery.
The work environment can be loud and dusty.

How to become a Miller

Typical education

A high school diploma is often sufficient, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training. Some millers might pursue vocational training or associate degrees in agricultural processing or related fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in machinery.
Basic science courses, especially chemistry and biology.
Mathematics for understanding measurements and proportions.
Physical education for physical stamina and strength.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in agriculture or food science clubs.
Internships or part-time work in agricultural settings.
Volunteering in community gardens or food production projects.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational training in milling technology or agricultural processing.
Apprenticeships in milling facilities for hands-on experience.
Certifications related to food safety and equipment operation.

More resources

International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) - Offers resources, training, and networking for milling professionals.
National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) - Provides industry news, education, and advocacy for grain and feed professionals.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) - A resource for the latest in agricultural engineering and technology.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.