entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-51-6091-00"
socCode = "51-6091.00"
title = "Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers"
summary = "Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass."
aliases = ["Extruder Operator", "Extrusion Line Operator", "Extrusion Operator", "Spindraw Operator", "Extruder", "Granulator", "Hot End Operator", "Pelletizer Operator", "Pot Tipper", "Stretch Operator", "Beamer Operator", "Beaming Machine Operator"]
emergingTasks = []
studyPrograms = []

[preparation]
jobZone = "2"
jobZoneName = "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."
svpRange = "(Below 6.0)"

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "High School Diploma"
percentage = 74.09

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Less than a High School Diploma"
percentage = 19.43

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Post-Secondary Certificate"
percentage = 6.48

[educationLevel]
category = "High school diploma or equivalent"
slug = "high-school-diploma-or-equivalent"

[market]
medianWage = 44980
meanWage = 47420
pct10Wage = 35590
pct25Wage = 38990
pct75Wage = 54690
pct90Wage = 63650
employment = 14900
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 4

[[industries.top]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 14610
medianWage = 45160
lq = 11.85

[[industries.top]]
naics = "42"
slug = "42"
title = "Wholesale Trade"
level = "Sector"
medianWage = 39200

[[industries.top]]
naics = "56"
slug = "56"
title = "Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services"
level = "Sector"
medianWage = 36450

[[industries.top]]
naics = "561320"
slug = "561320"
title = "Temporary Help Services"
level = "National industry"
medianWage = 36450

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 14610
lq = 11.85

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageTasks = []

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 14
percentile = 10
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 23
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 10
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 8
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
source = "frey"
label = "Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)"
value = 0.88
percentile = 75
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."

[aiOutlook.eloundou]
alpha = 0.06896551724137931
beta = 0.06896551724137931
gamma = 0.06896551724137931

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = -1.1
growthPercentile = 22
direction = "Declining"
annualOpeningsThousands = 2
annualOpeningsPercentile = 27
employment2024Thousands = 15.2
employment2034Thousands = 15

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -0.8596925
percentile = 23
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "eloundou_gamma"
label = "LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou)"
value = 0.06896551724137931
percentile = 10
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "microsoft_applicability"
label = "AI assistant applicability (Microsoft)"
value = 0.04411009378463611
percentile = 8
band = "Low"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "bls_employment_projections"
version = "2024-2034"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "dingel_neiman"
version = "dingel-neiman-workathome"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "felten_aioe"
version = "felten-raj-seamans-aioe"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "frey_osborne"
version = "frey-osborne-automation"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"
version = "working-with-ai"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"
version = "gpts-are-gpts"

[counts]
tasks = 17
skills = 36
capabilities = 120
tools = 9
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "c4ccb81cb06b6c4c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.g"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Press metering-pump buttons and turn valves to stop flow of polymers."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[tasks]]
text = "Record operational data on tags, and attach tags to machines."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.1.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[tasks]]
text = "Start metering pumps and observe operation of machines and equipment to ensure continuous flow of filaments extruded through spinnerettes and to detect processing defects."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Remove excess, entangled, or completed filaments from machines, using hand tools."
type = "Supplemental"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Clean production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate metal or plastic forming equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Load materials into production equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.1.f"

[[activities]]
name = "Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.i"

[[activities]]
name = "Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate pumping systems or equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.3.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Record operational or production data."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.h"

[[activities]]
name = "Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Signal others to coordinate work activities."
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.l"

[[activities]]
name = "Maintain production or processing equipment."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.5.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.1.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Position containers to receive materials or workpieces."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.2.v"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operation and Control"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Production and Processing"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.68

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Near Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Arm-Hand Steadiness"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "English Language"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.23

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mathematics"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Information Ordering"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Education and Training"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.11

[[capabilities]]
name = "Mechanical"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.07

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speaking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Coordination"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Quality Control Analysis"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Judgment and Decision Making"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Management"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Written Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Category Flexibility"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Flexibility of Closure"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Visualization"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Sharing"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Trunk Strength"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Auditory Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speech Clarity"
family = "ability"
value = 3

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 2.88

[[skills]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "English Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Mathematics"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Information Ordering"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Visualization"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Management"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Word"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Outlook"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Excel"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Listening"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Learning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Writing"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Selection"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Depth Perception"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Learning Strategies"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Instructing"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Negotiation"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Telecommunications"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Psychology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Physics"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Systems Analysis"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Operational Databases"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Foreign Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Chemistry"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Geography"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Biology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Installation"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Industrial Control Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Excel"
category = "Spreadsheet software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Office software"
category = "Office suite software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Outlook"
category = "Electronic mail software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Word"
category = "Word processing software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "SAP software"
category = "Enterprise resource planning ERP software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Apache Hadoop YARN"
category = "Data base management system software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Camstar Manufacturing Execution System MES"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Operational databases"
category = "Data base user interface and query software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Statistical process control SPC software"
category = "Industrial control software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets"
value = 5

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.92

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.66

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 4.65

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.56

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Environmentally Controlled"
value = 4.46

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 4.45

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 4.22

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 4.19

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 4.04

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 4.01

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 3.89

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 3.88

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 3.88

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 3.79

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 3.77

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 3.74

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 3.67

[[workContext]]
name = "E-Mail"
value = 3.65

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 3.63

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 3.61

[[workContext]]
name = "Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment"
value = 3.61

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Standing"
value = 3.35

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Equipment"
value = 3.33

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.31

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled"
value = 3.25

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 3.19

[[workContext]]
name = "Degree of Automation"
value = 3.11

[[workContext]]
name = "Level of Competition"
value = 3.1

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 3.09

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 3.08

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 3.01

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 3

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Walking or Running"
value = 2.94

[[workContext]]
name = "Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People"
value = 2.81

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 2.61

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 2.57

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 2.56

[[workContext]]
name = "Public Speaking"
value = 2.35

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 2.3

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 6.5

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 4.05

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.73

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.42

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.78

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 2.21

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.18

[[personFit]]
name = "Dependability"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.14

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.02

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.99

[[personFit]]
name = "Mathematics/Statistics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.62

[[personFit]]
name = "Construction/Woodwork"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.6

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical Science"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 1.51

[[personFit]]
name = "Enterprising"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.41

[[personFit]]
name = "Artistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.27

[[personFit]]
name = "Social"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.22

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4021.00"
slug = "role-51-4021-00"
title = "Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9041.00"
slug = "role-51-9041-00"
title = "Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9196.00"
slug = "role-51-9196-00"
title = "Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4072.00"
slug = "role-51-4072-00"
title = "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9191.00"
slug = "role-51-9191-00"
title = "Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4023.00"
slug = "role-51-4023-00"
title = "Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-9032.00"
slug = "role-51-9032-00"
title = "Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4081.00"
slug = "role-51-4081-00"
title = "Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4034.00"
slug = "role-51-4034-00"
title = "Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4035.00"
slug = "role-51-4035-00"
title = "Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-7063.00"
slug = "role-53-7063-00"
title = "Machine Feeders and Offbearers"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-4033.00"
slug = "role-51-4033-00"
title = "Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[careerClusters]]
cluster = "Advanced Manufacturing"
slug = "advanced-manufacturing"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "frey_osborne"
label = "Computerization probability"
score = 0.88
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -0.8596925
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = -0.7940869
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -0.9238047
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
