Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenderseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$45,760
25th–75th pct. $38,360–$52,580
Top pay (est.)
$82,500
Top 10% $63,450
Pay in 5 years
$52,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$61,000est.
$52,500–$70,800
Outlook score
40/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
44%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.5%
5,200 openings / yr

How to become Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.8
Operation and Control
3.6
Monitoring
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Troubleshooting
2.9
Reading Comprehension
2.8
Active Listening
2.8
Complex Problem Solving
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
3.7
Mechanical
3.2
Computers and Electronics
3.0
Engineering and Technology
2.8
Administration and Management
2.8
Mathematics
2.8
Education and Training
2.6
Chemistry
2.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Reaction TimePerceptual SpeedVisualizationSelective AttentionFar VisionNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
78%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Some college
8%
Professional degree
4%

Training before entry

None / short demo
34%
3–6 months
31%
Up to 1 month
15%
1–2 years
8%
2–4 years
6%
4–10 years
4%
1–3 months
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
23%
2–4 years
22%
None
19%
3–6 months
15%
6–12 months
10%
Up to 1 month
7%
8–10 years
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.