What is an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender?
Occupation Description 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.
What Do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?
- Couple air and gas lines to machines to maintain plasticity of material and to regulate solidification of final products.
- Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow.
- Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.
- Select and install machine components, such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.
- Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
- Remove molds, mold components, and feeder tubes from machinery after production is complete.
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Compacting Machine Operator Needed Skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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.
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.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Types of Compacting Machine Operator Jobs
- Broom Builder
- Bailing Machine Operator
- Electronic Gluing Machine Operator
- Pulp Machine Operator
- Roller
Job Opportunities for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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. The BLS estimates 7,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Average Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 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 different U.S. states?
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 & Technology 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
Learn what Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender education requirements there are.

What work experience do I need to become a Compacting Machine Operator?

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

The table below shows the approximate number of Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders employed by various industries.

Similar 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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