Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders to increase by 1.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 58,300 to 59,200 jobs. Its estimate of 5,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($45,760), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
58,300
Projected employment (2034)
59,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
5,200
Pay & Preparation
$45,760
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (3.75/5) • Operations Monitoring (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.38/5) • Speaking (3.12/5) • Critical Thinking (3/5) • Reading Comprehension (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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