Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
SOC Code: 51-6091
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers carries a 37% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,980 and -1.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 15,200 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 forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers (SOC 51-6091) carries an AI exposure score of 37%, 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 15,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -1.1% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $44,980, 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 forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers. 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. Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
- 2. Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
- 3. Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
- 4. Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
- 5. Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
- 6. Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.
- 7. Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.
- 8. Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers.
- 9. Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines.
- 10. Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers?
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers has an AI exposure score of 37%, 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 forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers is projected to decline by 1.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 15,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers?
Key skills for Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers earn?
The median annual wage for Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers is $44,980, 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 forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers?
The typical entry-level education for Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers 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 forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers?
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers 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
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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).