Machine setters, operators, and tenders run the equipment that shapes materials into finished products. You control machines, monitor processes, and inspect output. Most start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
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You set up, operate, and maintain extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machines that shape raw materials into products. Your day involves controlling machines and processes, monitoring materials and surroundings for quality and safety, and inspecting equipment and finished goods. You communicate with supervisors and coworkers about production needs and issues. You read technical specifications, identify problems, and make adjustments to keep production running smoothly. The work combines hands-on machine operation with attention to detail and mechanical knowledge.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median of $45,760 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 5,200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You'll learn the specific skills on the job through training from experienced operators and supervisors. Some employers offer formal apprenticeships or training programs. You'll develop knowledge in production and processing, mechanical systems, computers and electronics, and basic mathematics. Strong reading comprehension helps you understand machine manuals and specifications. Many people advance by mastering multiple machines and taking on lead or supervisory roles within the production facility.
Most people enter this field through high school and on-the-job training, though some pursue formal apprenticeships. If you're exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setter, operator, and tender path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a concrete next-step plan.
You do not need a license to work as an extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setter, operator, and tender, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to hands-on work with machines and systems. You like solving practical problems, following procedures, and seeing tangible results from your effort.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).