Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators,
and Tenders
What do extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders do?
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders set up, operate, or tend machines to shape and form
products like glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics. They typically do the following:
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Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients
Use measuring devices like templates, micrometers, or scales to examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to make sure they meet
standards
Monitor machine operations and watch lights and gauges to detect malfunctions
Press control buttons to start machinery and equipment
Turn controls to adjust machine functions, such as regulating air pressure, creating vacuums, and adjusting coolant flow
Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to identify what’s needed to extrude, form, press or compact materials
Select and install machine components using hand tools and measuring devices
Record and maintain production data such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of produced materials
What's the work environment like?
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders must wear common protective or safety equipment because
they may be exposed to hazardous equipment or materials. On a typical workday, workers will often use their hands to handle, control or feel objects,
tools, or controls. They spend a fair amount of their days standing and making repetitive motions. People in this occupation work indoors, but their
work spaces may not have climate control. The speed of equipment often determines the work pace. Accuracy is essential. Being able to work well in
a group or team is also very important in this work. Many of these workers work full time.
Are my interests similar to those of extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The interests of extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders typically match jobs that have the following
characteristics:
Realistic
Often involve work activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
Usually include working with actual
materials - many times in an outdoor setting.
Conventional
Often involve following set procedures and
routines. May include working with data and
details more than with ideas. Usually have a
clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
Frequently require working with ideas and
involve an extensive amount of thinking. May
involve searching for facts and figuring out
problems mentally.
You'll find additional information about interests in the introduction to these profiles. To learn more about your interests and how they may connect
with careers, try the brief activity at www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip.
What are the most important types of knowledge, skills, and abilities to have in this field?
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Using equipment or systems
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs
Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job
Testing how well a product or service works
Managing equipment and materials
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
How much education do extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders need?
The amount of education and experience you need partly depends on a specific employer's requirements. If you are planning to work in this
occupation, here are typical expectations:
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience
Not usually required
On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Learn about North Carolina and out-of-state postsecondary education and training programs by exploring College Navigator at
www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator.
What other careers might match my interests, abilities, and work values?
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Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Logging Equipment Operators
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
What is the North Carolina job outlook for extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The number of extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders in North Carolina is expected to increase from
2,900 in 2012 to 2,440 in 2022 (-16%). This occupation is expected to average about 80 openings each year during this period.
How much money can I make?
In North Carolina, half of extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders earn an annual salary above
$36,540 (the median salary) and half earn less. Salaries usually reflect the amount of experience a person has in the occupation. Annual salaries for
this job can range from approximately $25,230 for beginners to $45,020 for those with the most experience.
Where can I find jobs?
Most extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders in North Carolina work in pharmaceutical and medicine
manufacturing companies; glass and glass product manufacturing companies; and rubber product manufacturing companies. For specific job
openings, go to NCWorks Online's Search for a Job section at www.ncworks.gov.
How can I find out more about this occupation?
Many resources exist for learning about occupations. If you would like a brief introduction to this occupation with links to more detailed sources,
MyNextMove at www.mynextmove.org provides a great start.