Life As an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
Example of Compacting Machine Operator Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Compacting Machine Operator
- Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
- Complete work tickets, and place them with products.
- Synchronize speeds of sections of machines when producing products involving several steps or processes.
- Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
- Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
- Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
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What a Compacting Machine Operator Should Know
These are the skills Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Rubber Tubing Splicer
- Metal Baler
- Broom Bundler
- Gold Leaf Roller
- Extruder/Operator
Compacting Machine Operator Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 71,400 jobs for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender. There will be an estimated 7,900 positions for Compacting Machine Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Compacting Machine Operator are Rhode Island, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Virginia, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Compacting Machine Operator Salary
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $24,070 and $52,840 a year.

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Louisiana, Idaho, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $38,970 |
Arizona | $33,720 |
Arkansas | $37,380 |
California | $36,390 |
Colorado | $36,490 |
Connecticut | $43,640 |
Delaware | $43,100 |
Florida | $34,930 |
Georgia | $35,750 |
Hawaii | $30,070 |
Idaho | $46,000 |
Illinois | $42,270 |
Indiana | $33,250 |
Iowa | $39,980 |
Kansas | $37,910 |
Kentucky | $38,510 |
Louisiana | $43,910 |
Maine | $35,850 |
Maryland | $43,680 |
Massachusetts | $37,090 |
Michigan | $35,190 |
Minnesota | $41,470 |
Mississippi | $32,590 |
Missouri | $38,630 |
Montana | $36,490 |
Nebraska | $39,580 |
Nevada | $34,310 |
New Hampshire | $34,470 |
New Jersey | $36,700 |
New Mexico | $33,900 |
New York | $41,110 |
North Carolina | $38,360 |
Ohio | $35,180 |
Oklahoma | $31,460 |
Oregon | $42,510 |
Pennsylvania | $38,770 |
Rhode Island | $34,430 |
South Carolina | $40,430 |
South Dakota | $34,780 |
Tennessee | $32,010 |
Texas | $31,500 |
Utah | $38,210 |
Vermont | $32,760 |
Virginia | $32,190 |
Washington | $43,350 |
Wisconsin | $37,260 |
What Tools do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Becoming a Compacting Machine Operator
Individuals working as an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

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

Below are examples of industries where Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work:

Related Careers
Those who work as an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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