Production
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Also called: Extruder, Extruder Operator, Extrusion Line Operator, Extrusion Operator
US median pay
$46,350
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-3.3%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,100
13,500 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring4.0/5
- Operation and Control3.8/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Troubleshooting2.9/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma74%
- Less than high school19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.