Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4021Also known as:
Core Extruder, Core Shaper, Draw Machine Operator, Drawbench Operator, Equipment Technician
Median Annual Salary
$46,980
+1.2% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
66K
Current Jobs
What Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
💰 Salary
$46,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
66,000
Projected Employment (2034)
66,800
Related Careers
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$45,590 •
-12.1% growth
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$41,230 •
-3.8% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
$44,980 •
-1.1% growth
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,130 •
+2.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.
- Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.
- Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
- Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.
- Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.
- Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.
- Clean work areas.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,980.
What education do extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Is becoming a extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see +1.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Core Extruder, Core Shaper, Draw Machine Operator, Drawbench Operator, Equipment Technician, Extruder Operator, Extruding Press Adjuster, Extruding Press Operator, Extrusion Machine Operator, Extrusion Operator, Extrusion Press Adjuster, Extrusion Press Operator, Floor Molder, Former, Forming Machine Operator, Grid Caster, Grid Maker, Grid Molder, Hot Mill Observer, Injection Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.