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

Also called: Extruder Operator, Extrusion Operator, Machine Operator, Press Operator

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • talking to others

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat

Endurance

  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Initiative
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $39,480

Education

High school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.