What You Need to Know About Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Job Description: Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
A Day in the Life of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Pull extruded fiberglass filaments over sleeves where binding solution is applied, and into grooves of graphite shoes that bind filaments into single strands of sliver.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
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Qualities of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
Below is a list of the skills most Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Types of Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Processor
- Synthetic Staple Extruder
- Hot End Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Extrusion Operator
Job Opportunities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
There were about 20,200 jobs for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. The BLS estimates 2,100 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Extruding & Forming Machine Operator are Utah, Iowa, and Minnesota. Watch out if you plan on working in North Carolina, Maine, or Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Extruding & Forming Machine Operator Salary
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $24,240 and $50,100 a year.

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Pennsylvania, Missouri, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
How much do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,840 |
Arkansas | $34,340 |
California | $36,650 |
Connecticut | $36,910 |
Florida | $41,420 |
Georgia | $33,390 |
Illinois | $35,460 |
Indiana | $31,730 |
Kansas | $40,290 |
Kentucky | $40,370 |
Louisiana | $37,530 |
Massachusetts | $35,700 |
Michigan | $32,730 |
Mississippi | $34,140 |
Missouri | $41,290 |
North Carolina | $35,130 |
Ohio | $38,420 |
Oklahoma | $36,030 |
Pennsylvania | $46,040 |
South Carolina | $37,380 |
Tennessee | $40,230 |
Texas | $33,280 |
Virginia | $37,780 |
Washington | $34,430 |
West Virginia | $30,780 |
Wisconsin | $37,630 |
What Tools do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Statistical process control SPC software
How to Become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
Education needed to be an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator?

Who Employs Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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