Production
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.
Median pay
$46,350
Growth to 2035
−3%
declining
Openings a year
1,100
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers: 58% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Also called: Extruder · Extruder Operator · Extrusion Line Operator · Extrusion Operator · Granulator · Hot End Operator · Pelletizer Operator · Pot Tipper
Outlook and AI
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers held 13,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 13,000 by 2035 (−3%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
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