CFChooseField
Production

Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$46,980
Median annual pay for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

6,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

66,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+800
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6Mechanical

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Reaction Time
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Performing General Physical Activities

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  3. 3Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  4. 4Frequency of Decision Making
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Time Pressure

Representative tasks

  • Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.
  • Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.
  • Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
  • Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.
  • Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.
  • Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.
  • Clean work areas.
  • Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEnterprise application integration EAI softwareOperational databases

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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