Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
SOC: 51-4021.00
Common Job Titles
Equipment Technician
Extruder Operator
Extrusion Press Operator
Machine Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate extrusion presses and drawing machines in manufacturing settings, controlling temperature, pressure, and speed parameters to produce metal and plastic products.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate product quality against specifications using precision measurement tools such as digital calipers and micrometers to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform material handling and loading operations using forklifts and conveyor systems while maintaining safety protocols in production environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret production specifications and technical documentation to set up extrusion equipment for manufacturing tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, and structural shapes.
Proficient
Hands-onCalibrate extrusion dies, temperature controls, and material feed systems during machine setup to optimize production parameters for thermoplastic and metal materials.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze machine performance data and material flow characteristics to identify process inefficiencies and determine corrective actions independently.
Developing
KnowledgeApply troubleshooting procedures to diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions, material defects, and process deviations during production runs.
Developing
Hands-onExecute preventive maintenance and equipment repair tasks on extrusion machinery, lubrication systems, and auxiliary equipment following manufacturer guidelines.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in team coordination and shift communication to ensure continuity of production operations and knowledge transfer across work groups.
Developing
KnowledgeCalculate material requirements, production rates, and dimensional tolerances using mathematical formulas to optimize material usage and meet production schedules.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
65,700
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $35,390. 25th percentile: U.S. $39,370. 50th percentile: U.S. $46,980. 75th percentile: U.S. $54,360. 90th percentile: U.S. $62,470. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$35,390
10% of workers earn the following or more
$62,470
Workers on average earn
$48,170
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing4.0/5
Mathematics3.5/5
English Language3.5/5
Administration and Management2.8/5
Computers and Electronics2.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
