Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
SOC: 51-6091 O*NET: 51-6091.00
Median Salary
$46,350
per year
Job Growth
📉 -1.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
What does a Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$35,890
10th percentile
Early Career
$39,360
25th percentile
Median
$46,350
50th percentile
Experienced
$57,280
75th percentile
Top Earners
$63,910
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$35,890
25th
$39,360
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$46,350
Mean: $48,580
75th
$57,280
90th
$63,910
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $28,020 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $39,360 and $57,280
- •Salary spread is 38.7% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 12,850 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:15,200
Top Industries
Manufacturing97.5%
Textile Mills31.4%
Chemical Manufacturing26.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-1.1%
Annual Openings:2,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)15,200
Current
2034 (Projected)15,000
-1.1%
-200
Employment Change
-1.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 24 locations
Georgia
2,530 jobs$45,3606.26x
North Carolina
1,980 jobs$40,0904.85x
South Carolina
1,080 jobs$43,3805.66x
Alabama
930 jobs$60,1005.34x
Florida
620 jobs$43,5200.76x
Virginia
540 jobs$40,7701.59x
Texas
520 jobs$46,9700.45x
Pennsylvania
490 jobs$55,9600.97x
Minnesota
410 jobs$52,6001.69x
Indiana
390 jobs$57,2001.47x
Ohio
380 jobs$61,4400.83x
California
330 jobs$45,2900.22x
Kansas
320 jobs$50,3202.70x
Tennessee
320 jobs$46,2001.17x
New York
210 jobs$44,1200.26x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Time Management
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Active Listening
54%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Time Management
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Active Listening
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters82%
5 shared skills
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters82%
5 shared skills
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers73%
5 shared skills
Highway Maintenance Workers70%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Active Listening
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Judgment and Decision Making
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
17
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (12)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution97% perform98%
3
Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Record details of machine malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision82% perform88%
8
Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •41% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.99
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.99
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.96
Dependability
ImportantDependability
Importance Level3.87
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.85
Persistence
ImportantPersistence
Importance Level3.84
Complete Work Styles Profile
Self-Control
4.0
Attention to Detail
4.0
Integrity
4.0
Dependability
3.9
Cooperation
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Achievement/Effort
3.7
Concern for Others
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
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