All 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.
What Do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Open cabinet doors to cut multifilament threadlines away from guides, using scissors.
- Pass sliver strands through openings in floors to workers on floors below who wind slivers onto tubes.
- Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
- Turn petcocks to adjust the flow of binding fluid to sleeves.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
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What Every Extruding & Forming Machine Operator Should Know
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Types of Extruding & Forming Machine Operator Jobs
- Fiberglass Dowel Drawing Operator
- Process Operator
- Second Floor Operator
- Line Technician
- Hot End Operator
Is There Job Demand for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 20,200 jobs in the United States for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,100 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Average Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary
The salary for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ranges between about $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 different U.S. states?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Statistical process control SPC software
How to Become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
What education is needed to be an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

What work experience do I need to become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator?

Where Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Are Employed

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work in the following industries:

You May Also 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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