Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Extruding and Compacting Machine Operators
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.
Also called: Abrasive Wheel Molder, Air Bag Curer, Alfalfa Dehydrator Operator, Arch Cushion Press Operator, Artificial Log Machine Operator, Auger Press Operator
Median pay
$45,760
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,630 – $63,450
People employed
58,770
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 OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 7.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
- 02Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
- 03Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
- 04Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
- 05Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
- 06Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
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 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers91% · +1%
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic90% · +10%
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic90% · −3%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers88% · −10%
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic88% · +1%
Change into extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic93% · $44,350
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic91% · $47,720
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers91% · $46,350
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders89% · $38,180
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic88% · $46,330