Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Also called: Extruder · Extruder Operator · Extrusion Line Operator · Extrusion Operator · Granulator · Hot End Operator
Median pay (national)
$44,980
$35,590–$63,650 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
14,900
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-1.1%
~2,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers shows a relatively narrow range: the top 10% earn $63,650 versus $35,590 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $44,980 leaves roughly 42% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -1.1% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 2,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 24 states with released data, Ohio pays the most for this role (median $65,130, +45% vs the national median), while Arizona sits lowest at $31,060 — a 110% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Monitoring, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
- Record details of machine malfunctions.
- Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
Tools & technology
- SAP software
- Apache Hadoop YARN
- Camstar Manufacturing Execution System MES
- Operational databases
- Statistical process control SPC software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security