What is an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Example of Extruding & Forming Machine Operator Job Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Life As an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Lower pans inside cabinets to catch molten filaments until flow of polymer through packs has stopped.
- Wipe finish rollers with cloths and wash finish trays with water when necessary.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
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Qualities of an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
These are the skills Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Extrusion Line Operator
- Manufacturing Operator
- Beaming Machine Operator
- Extrusion Process Operator
- Spinning Bath Patroller
What Kind of Extruding & Forming Machine Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
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. The BLS estimates 2,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $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 each U.S. state?
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
How to Become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator
Education needed to be an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Extruding & Forming Machine Operator?

Where do Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Work?

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

Related Careers
Career changers with experience as an Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- 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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