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

> 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/extruding-forming-pressing-and-compacting-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders
- SOC code: 51-9041.00
- Career family: Production
- Median annual pay: $45,760 (10th percentile $34,630, 90th percentile $63,450)
- Projected growth: Slower than average, +1.5%
- Openings a year: 5,200
- Typical entry education: High school diploma
- Bright outlook: no
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code RCI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 92 |
| Investigative (I) | 21 |
| Artistic (A) | 5 |
| Social (S) | 1 |
| Enterprising (E) | 4 |
| Conventional (C) | 55 |

## What you'd do

- Controlling Machines and Processes (importance 86/100)
- Getting Information (importance 77/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 77/100)
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (importance 77/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 75/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 73/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 73/100)
- Documenting/Recording Information (importance 72/100)
- Processing Information (importance 72/100)
- Handling and Moving Objects (importance 71/100)

## Skills

Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Speaking, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Quality Control Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Troubleshooting, Complex Problem Solving

## Knowledge

Production and Processing, Mechanical, Computers and Electronics, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology, Food Production, English Language, Public Safety and Security, Education and Training, Administration and Management

## Also called

Abrasive Wheel Molder, Air Bag Curer, Alfalfa Dehydrator Operator, Arch Cushion Press Operator, Artificial Log Machine Operator, Auger Press Operator, Automatic Lump Making Machine Tender, Bag Bailer, Bag Builder, Bailer

## Related careers

- [Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/extruding-and-forming-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-synthetic-and-glass-fibers): $46,350 median pay
- [Machine Feeders and Offbearers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/machine-feeders-and-offbearers): $41,220 median pay
- [Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/cutting-and-slicing-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders): $46,570 median pay
- [Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/paper-goods-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders): $50,270 median pay
- [Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/adhesive-bonding-machine-operators-and-tenders): $46,460 median pay
- [Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/rolling-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic): $50,140 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

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. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.