Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4021
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,980 and +1.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 66,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4021) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 66,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $46,980, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.
- 2. Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.
- 3. Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
- 4. Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.
- 5. Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.
- 6. Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes.
- 7. Clean work areas.
- 8. Weigh and mix pelletized, granular, or powdered thermoplastic materials and coloring pigments.
- 9. Test physical properties of products with testing devices such as acid-bath testers, burst testers, and impact testers.
- 10. Load machine hoppers with mixed materials, using augers, or stuff rolls of plastic dough into machine cylinders.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to grow by 1.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 66,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,980, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).