Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
SOC code 51-6091 · O*NET-SOC 51-6091.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$46,350
a year
Hourly
$22.29
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$48,580
$23.36 per hour
Middle 50%
$39,360 – $57,280
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$35,890 – $63,910
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
12,850
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $35,890
- $17.26/hr
- 25th percentile
- $39,360
- $18.92/hr
- Median percentile
- $46,350
- $22.29/hr
- 75th percentile
- $57,280
- $27.54/hr
- 90th percentile
- $63,910
- $30.73/hr
What do extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers do?
Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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 flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
- Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 74% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)74%
- Less than a High School Diploma19%
- Post-Secondary Certificate6%
Common questions
How much does an extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers earn?
The national median is $46,350 a year. The full range runs from $35,890 at the 10th percentile to $63,910 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.5/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Mathematics3.1/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
- Administration and Management2.8/5
- Public Safety and Security2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making.