Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9041
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,130 and +2.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 57,300 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-9041) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, 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 57,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,130, 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders. 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. Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
- 2. Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
- 3. Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
- 4. Activate machines to shape or form products, such as candy bars, light bulbs, balloons, or insulation panels.
- 5. Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
- 6. Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
- 7. Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.
- 8. Record and maintain production data, such as meter readings, and quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
- 9. Select and install machine components, such as dies, molds, and cutters, according to specifications, using hand tools and measuring devices.
- 10. Review work orders, specifications, or instructions to determine materials, ingredients, procedures, components, settings, and adjustments for extruding, forming, pressing, or compacting machines.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Food Production
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders has an AI exposure score of 35%, 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to grow by 2.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 57,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Key skills for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders is $45,130, 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders 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, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders 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.
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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).