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  1. Occupations
  2. Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.

SOC: 51-9041.00

Common Job Titles

  • Extruder Operator
  • Extrusion Operator
  • Machine Operator
  • Press Operator

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machines in production environments, following established procedures to shape diverse materials including glass, rubber, clay, and food products.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeAssess machine performance and product quality against specifications during continuous production runs, using precision measuring instruments such as digital calipers and laser micrometers.
    Proficient
  • Hands-onHandle materials and finished products using material handling equipment such as forklifts and power lifts in accordance with workplace safety requirements.
    Proficient
  • KnowledgeEvaluate process data and production metrics using enterprise resource planning software and operational databases to identify efficiency improvement opportunities.
    Proficient
  • Hands-onCalibrate machine settings and controls at the start of production shifts to ensure optimal output parameters for temperature, pressure, and feed rates.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeAnalyze process deviations and equipment malfunctions under time constraints, applying troubleshooting methods to minimize production downtime.
    Developing
  • Hands-onPerform routine maintenance and repair tasks on mechanical equipment following preventive maintenance schedules and safety protocols to sustain machine reliability.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeInterpret production specifications and technical documentation to set up machines for new product runs, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
    Developing
  • MindsetEngage with supervisors and team members to coordinate production activities during shift changes and problem-solving situations to maintain workflow continuity.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply knowledge of production and processing principles to adjust machine parameters in response to material variability and environmental conditions.
    Developing
  • Hands-onExecute quality control inspections on in-process and finished goods using visual inspection techniques and measurement tools to verify dimensional accuracy and surface finish.
    Developing
  • MindsetSupport safety and regulatory compliance initiatives by following public safety procedures and reporting hazards in the manufacturing environment.
    Developing

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

57,310

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,790. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,410. 50th percentile: U.S. $45,130. 75th percentile: U.S. $51,970. 90th percentile: U.S. $64,660. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$34,790
10% of workers earn the following or more$64,660
Workers on average earn$47,040

+ 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 Processing3.7/5
  • Mechanical3.5/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.1/5
  • Mathematics2.9/5
  • Engineering and Technology2.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Operational databases
  • Production scheduling software

Tools & Equipment

  • Air hoses
  • Blow torches
  • Burners
  • Compacting machines
  • Computer numerically controlled CNC Extruders
  • Core cutters
  • Digital bench scales
  • Digital calipers
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers 51-6091.00
  • Machine Feeders and Offbearers 53-7063.00
  • Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9032.00
  • Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9196.00
  • Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders 51-9191.00

Moderately Similar

  • Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9021.00
  • Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4023.00
  • Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4072.00
  • Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders 51-9111.00
  • Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 51-7042.00

Related

  • Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders 51-9051.00
  • Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4033.00
  • Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4021.00
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics 49-9041.00
  • Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9012.00
  • Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4031.00
  • Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 51-9195.00
  • Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4022.00
  • Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand 51-9022.00
  • Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 51-4035.00

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Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

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