What Do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender Do?
Example of Compacting Machine Operator Job 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.
Life As a Compacting Machine Operator: What Do They Do?
- Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
- Move materials, supplies, components, and finished products between storage and work areas, using work aids such as racks, hoists, and handtrucks.
- Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
- Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
- Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
- Feed products into machines by hand or conveyor.
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Compacting Machine Operator Required Skills
When polled, Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Other Compacting Machine Operator Job Titles
- Extruding Machine Operator/Setter/Tender
- Sponge Press Operator
- Cigarette Filter Making Machine Operator
- Manufacturing Associate
- Molding Machine Operator
Compacting Machine Operator Job Outlook
There were about 71,400 jobs for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender. The BLS estimates 7,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Compacting Machine Operator are Rhode Island, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, Virginia, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Compacting Machine Operator Salary
The typical yearly salary for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is somewhere between $24,070 and $52,840.

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Louisiana, Idaho, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $38,970 |
Arizona | $33,720 |
Arkansas | $37,380 |
California | $36,390 |
Colorado | $36,490 |
Connecticut | $43,640 |
Delaware | $43,100 |
Florida | $34,930 |
Georgia | $35,750 |
Hawaii | $30,070 |
Idaho | $46,000 |
Illinois | $42,270 |
Indiana | $33,250 |
Iowa | $39,980 |
Kansas | $37,910 |
Kentucky | $38,510 |
Louisiana | $43,910 |
Maine | $35,850 |
Maryland | $43,680 |
Massachusetts | $37,090 |
Michigan | $35,190 |
Minnesota | $41,470 |
Mississippi | $32,590 |
Missouri | $38,630 |
Montana | $36,490 |
Nebraska | $39,580 |
Nevada | $34,310 |
New Hampshire | $34,470 |
New Jersey | $36,700 |
New Mexico | $33,900 |
New York | $41,110 |
North Carolina | $38,360 |
Ohio | $35,180 |
Oklahoma | $31,460 |
Oregon | $42,510 |
Pennsylvania | $38,770 |
Rhode Island | $34,430 |
South Carolina | $40,430 |
South Dakota | $34,780 |
Tennessee | $32,010 |
Texas | $31,500 |
Utah | $38,210 |
Vermont | $32,760 |
Virginia | $32,190 |
Washington | $43,350 |
Wisconsin | $37,260 |
What Tools & Technology do Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Becoming a Compacting Machine Operator
Learn what Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Compacting Machine Operator?

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

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

Similar Careers
Career changers with experience as an Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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