CFChooseField
Production

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

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Median pay

$45,130
Median annual pay for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

57,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+1,100
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. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Computers and Electronics
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6Food Production

Abilities

  1. 1Perceptual Speed
  2. 2Rate Control
  3. 3Reaction Time
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Near Vision

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  6. 6Exposed to Contaminants

Representative tasks

  • Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
  • Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
  • Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
  • Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
  • Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
  • Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
  • Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
  • Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyOperational databasesProduction scheduling software

Sources

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

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