# Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

> Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-4021.00
- **Summary:** Set up, operate, or tend machines to extrude or draw thermoplastic or metal materials into tubes, rods, hoses, wire, bars, or structural shapes.

## Aliases

- Equipment Technician
- Extruder Operator
- Extrusion Press Operator
- Machine Operator
- Extrusion Operator
- Metal Inspector
- Setup Operator
- Wire Mill Operator
- Wire Mill Rover
- Core Extruder
- Core Shaper
- Draw Machine Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.d |
| Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Change dies on extruding machines, according to production line changes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Clean work areas. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Weigh and mix pelletized, granular, or powdered thermoplastic materials and coloring pigments. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Test physical properties of products with testing devices such as acid-bath testers, burst testers, and impact testers. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Load machine hoppers with mixed materials, using augers, or stuff rolls of plastic dough into machine cylinders. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.b |
| Maintain an inventory of materials. | Supplemental | 4.A.4.c.3.a |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Determine production equipment settings. | 4.A.2.b.1.d |
| Select production equipment according to product specifications. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Operate metal or plastic forming equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.f |
| Replace worn equipment components. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Package products for storage or shipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.ap |
| Diagnose equipment malfunctions. | 4.A.2.b.1.b |
| Repair production equipment or tools. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Clean work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Operate cutting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Mix substances to create chemical solutions. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. | 4.A.4.c.3.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 4.04 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.62 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.5 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.47 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.38 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.38 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.25 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.12 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.12 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Visualization | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Stamina | ability | 3 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Operational Databases | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| SAP software | Enterprise resource planning ERP software | yes | no |
| Enterprise application integration EAI software | Enterprise application integration software | no | no |
| Operational databases | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 4.76 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.65 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.58 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.44 |
| Time Pressure | 4.41 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.37 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.29 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.17 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 4.02 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.99 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 3.98 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.85 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.82 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.81 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.71 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.6 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.51 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.47 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.46 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.46 |
| Contact With Others | 3.45 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.37 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.33 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.05 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 2.99 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.91 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.82 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.77 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.73 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.5 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.5 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.48 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.47 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.44 |
| Level of Competition | 2.4 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.33 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 2.18 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 2.05 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 1.97 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 84.69 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 11.22 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 3.64 |
| Doctoral Degree | 0.45 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.7 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.31 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.8 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 3.5 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.57 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.41 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.23 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.06 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.04 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.99 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.62 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.5 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 1.43 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.37 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.2 |
| Information Technology | specific_interest_area | 1.16 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-6091.00 | role-51-6091-00 | Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | Primary-Short |
| 51-4072.00 | role-51-4072-00 | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4031.00 | role-51-4031-00 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4081.00 | role-51-4081-00 | Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-9041.00 | role-51-9041-00 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9032.00 | role-51-9032-00 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4023.00 | role-51-4023-00 | Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-9196.00 | role-51-9196-00 | Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4022.00 | role-51-4022-00 | Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4034.00 | role-51-4034-00 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4035.00 | role-51-4035-00 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |
| 51-4033.00 | role-51-4033-00 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 46980
- **Mean Wage:** 48170
- **Pct10Wage:** 35390
- **Pct25Wage:** 39370
- **Pct75Wage:** 54360
- **Pct90Wage:** 62470
- **Employment:** 65700
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 63050 | 47040 | 11.59 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 1340 | 48380 | 0.52 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 990 | 34550 | 0.26 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 980 | 34150 | 0.87 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 220 | 48800 | 1.99 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 80 | 44340 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector |  | 51970 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 63050 | 11.59 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 220 | 1.99 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 980 | 0.87 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 1340 | 0.52 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 990 | 0.26 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.91 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.234352 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.8867821 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.324775 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 21
- **Percentile:** 18
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 9 | felten_aioe |
| 7 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 48 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.234352 | 9 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.041666666666666664 | 7 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.14375618683378769 | 48 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.91
- **Percentile:** 81
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.020833333333333332
- **Gamma:** 0.041666666666666664

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Troubleshoot, maintain, and make minor repairs to equipment. | 0.0016433246100185286 | 3.71 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 1.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 33
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 6.5
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 54
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 66
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 66.8

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 4704d04d456ffb15