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 TechnicianExtruder OperatorExtrusion Press OperatorMachine Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software
Technology Skills
Enterprise application integration EAI softwareOperational databases
Tools & Equipment
Air cooling systemsAutomatic vacuum pumpsBatch dryersBillet heating furnacesBillet loadersBlown film extrudersBraidersBurst testers