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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Median Salary
42,670
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

98%

Private not for profit

1%

Self-employed

1%

State and local government

0%

Federal Government

0%

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$24,140

10%

$42,670

Median

$57,580

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    78%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    9%

  • Some college

    7%

  • First professional degree

    3%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Production and Processing
  • Mechanical
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Administration and Management

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.