Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Also called: Extruding Machine Operators, Synthetic 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: Beamer Operator, Beaming Machine Operator, Blown Film Extrusion Operator, Box Spinner, Drawbench Operator, Extruder
Median pay
$46,350
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,890 – $63,910
People employed
12,850
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (24 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers do
- 01Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- 02Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- 03Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- 04Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- 05Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- 06Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders94% · 0%
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders93% · +8%
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic92% · −4%
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · −1%
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic90% · +3%
Change into extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders93% · $50,270
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic92% · $44,350
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders91% · $46,460
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · $45,760
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic90% · $47,720