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

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

Extruder Operator
Extrusion Operator
Machine Operator
Press Operator

Alternate Job Titles

Abrasive Wheel Molder
Air Bag Curer
Alfalfa Dehydrator Operator
Arch Cushion Press Operator
Artificial Log Machine Operator
Auger Press Operator
Automatic Lump Making Machine Tender
Bag Bailer
Bag Builder
Bailer
Bailing Machine Operator
Baler
Baler Operator
Baling Machine Operator
Bark Press Operator

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

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.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

Production and Processing
Mechanical

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

Perceptual Speed
Rate Control
Reaction Time
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Manual Dexterity
Problem Sensitivity
Near Vision
Control Precision
Finger Dexterity
Auditory Attention

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cautiousness
Stress Tolerance
Perseverance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

Support
Independence
Relationships
Achievement
Working Conditions

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
SAP software

Tools & Equipment

Air hoses
Blow torches
Burners
Compacting machines
Computer numerically controlled CNC Extruders
Core cutters
Digital bench scales
Digital calipers
Digital micrometers
Film winders
Forming machines
Glass forming machines
High speed wrapping machines
Hopper dryers
Laser micrometers

Work Environment

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

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$34,790
Median	$45,130
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$64,660

Workers Employed Nationally: 57,310