CFChooseField
Production

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
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Median pay

$44,980
Median annual pay for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-1.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

15,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-200
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. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Mechanical
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Finger Dexterity
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  4. 4Exposed to Contaminants
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

Representative tasks

  • Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
  • Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
  • Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
  • Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
  • Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
  • Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
  • Record details of machine malfunctions.
  • Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyApache Hadoop YARNCamstar Manufacturing Execution System MESOperational databasesStatistical process control SPC software

Sources

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

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