Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
SOC 51-6091BLS OEWS May 2025
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
National median · BLS
$46,350
▲ +3.05%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$48,580
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
12,850
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$35,890
25th
$39,360
Median (50th)
$46,350
75th
$57,280
90th — top pay
$63,910
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
BLS projects employment of extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers to decline 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%.
About 1,100 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
13,500 → 13,000
-400 jobs
Projected change
-3.3%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
1,100
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
3.5% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 2)
Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers salaries by state
BLS state medians, plus the same figure adjusted for local prices (BEA Regional Price Parities). Tap a state for its full range and H-1B pay.
State
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers salaries by metro area
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Metro area
Median
Jobs
Cost-adjusted
Profile
Skills & tools
Skills needed for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
How important each skill and knowledge area is for this job, rated by O*NET on a 1–5 scale from surveys of workers and occupational analysts.
Top skills
Operations Monitoring4.0
Operation and Control3.8
Monitoring3.5
Active Listening3.0
Complex Problem Solving3.0
Coordination3.0
Judgment and Decision Making3.0
Quality Control Analysis3.0
Speaking3.0
Time Management3.0
Top knowledge areas
Production and Processing3.7
English Language3.2
Mathematics3.1
Education and Training3.1
Mechanical3.1
Customer and Personal Service2.8
Administration and Management2.8
Public Safety and Security2.7
Software and technology used
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP softwareApache Hadoop YARNCamstar Manufacturing Execution System MESOperational databasesStatistical process control SPC software
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
About the job
What extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers do
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.
Also called
Extruder OperatorExtrusion Line OperatorExtrusion OperatorSpindraw OperatorExtruderGranulatorHot End OperatorPelletizer OperatorPot TipperStretch Operator
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $46,350.
