Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Also called: Beamer Operator, Beaming Machine Operator, Blown Film Extrusion Operator, Box Spinner, Drawbench Operator, Extruder, Extruder Operator, Extrusion Line Operator
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
What Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers do
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
- Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
- Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers salary
The median annual wage for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers is $46,350 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $35,890 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $63,910. The mean annual wage is $48,580.
The mean hourly wage of $23.00 is 3.2× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $46,350 → in 3 years $50,000 → in 5 years $52,600 → in 10 years $59,600 (10-year range $51,200–$69,200). The model assumes pay growth of +2.5% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
Skills, education and requirements for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Important abilities
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.