Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
O*NET 51-4021.00 · SOC 51-4021
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter is a solid career choice. Median pay is $48k a year with +0.7% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 5,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Set up extruding machines to produce specified metal shapes
- →Feed metal or plastic stock into extrusion machine dies
- →Monitor extruded material for correct dimensions and surface quality
- →Replace worn dies and adjust machine pressure settings
- →Measure finished extruded parts using calipers and gauges
Education & How to Get In
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter Roles
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Job Outlook
Employment of Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to grow 0.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter make?
The median Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter earns $48k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter jobs?
Our model puts Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 5,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter?
Most Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Extruding and Drawing Machine Setter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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