All About Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Career Description Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Daily Life Of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
- 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.
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
- Turn petcocks to adjust the flow of binding fluid to sleeves.
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Qualities of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
Below is a list of the skills most Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are important on the job.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Types of Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Manufacturing Associate
- Manufacturing Assistant
- Hot End Operator
- Fiberglass Dowel Drawing Operator
- Spinner
Job Opportunities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
In the United States, there were 20,200 jobs for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders. There will be an estimated 2,100 positions for Extruding & Forming Machine Operator per year.

The states with the most job growth for Extruding & Forming Machine Operator are Utah, Iowa, and Minnesota. Watch out if you plan on working in North Carolina, Maine, or Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
The salary for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders ranges between about $24,240 and $50,100 a year.

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Pennsylvania, Missouri, or Kentucky, make the highest salaries.
How much do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $34,840 |
Arkansas | $34,340 |
California | $36,650 |
Connecticut | $36,910 |
Florida | $41,420 |
Georgia | $33,390 |
Illinois | $35,460 |
Indiana | $31,730 |
Kansas | $40,290 |
Kentucky | $40,370 |
Louisiana | $37,530 |
Massachusetts | $35,700 |
Michigan | $32,730 |
Mississippi | $34,140 |
Missouri | $41,290 |
North Carolina | $35,130 |
Ohio | $38,420 |
Oklahoma | $36,030 |
Pennsylvania | $46,040 |
South Carolina | $37,380 |
Tennessee | $40,230 |
Texas | $33,280 |
Virginia | $37,780 |
Washington | $34,430 |
West Virginia | $30,780 |
Wisconsin | $37,630 |
What Tools & Technology do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:
- Microsoft Excel
- Statistical process control SPC software
Becoming an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
What education or degrees do I need to become an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Sector

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those who work as an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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