Extruding Machine Operator
Run machines that push metal or plastic through dies to make tubes, pipes and profiles.
- $47,720
- A few months on the job
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Forming Machine Operator
Also called: Press Forming Operator · Compacting Machine Operator · Pellet Mill Operator · Briquetting Operator
What forming machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a forming machine operator do?
Extruding, forming, pressing and compacting machine setters, operators and tenders set up, operate or tend equipment that extrudes, presses or compacts materials such as clay, tile, food, feed or powder. The median pay is $45,760 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +1.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$45,760$22.00/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.5%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year5,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs58,300Employment, 2025
What forming machine operators do
Forming machine operators shape materials under pressure. They run presses and extruders for brick, tile, pet food, feed pellets, pharmaceuticals and powdered metal parts, set pressure and speed, and check product shape and density.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Set up presses
- Load material
- Set pressure and speed
- Monitor output
- Check dimensions
- Change dies
- Record production
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in brick, food, feed, pharma and powder plants.
Schedule: Full time, often shifts.
A day in the life
- Check material moisture.
- Set up the press.
- Run production.
- Check weight and density.
See a full day in the life of a forming machine operator →
Forming Machine Operator salary
Half of forming machine operators earned more than $45,760 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,630 for the lowest 10% to $63,450 for the top 10%.
Full forming machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a forming machine operator
- Finish high school
- Get hired
- Learn presses
- Learn die changes
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a forming machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Press operation
- Die changes
- Pressure control
- Measurement
- Material prep
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Safety focus
- Teamwork
All forming machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- No degree needed
- Average growth
- Variety of industries
- Steady work
Cons
- Dust
- Noise
- Shift work
- Repetitive
Certifications and licenses
- Machine safety training: Employer.
- GMP training: Food or pharma.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
Career path
- Operator: Entry.
- Setup Operator: Setups.
- Lead: Lead.
- Supervisor: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Forming Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check pressed part density and control material moisture before forming, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Molding Machine Operator
Run injection molding and die casting machines that make plastic and metal parts.
- $44,350
- A few months on the job
Furnace and Kiln Operator
Run kilns, ovens, dryers and kettles that heat-treat or dry products.
- $48,040
- A few months on the job
Mixing Machine Operator
Run mixers and blenders that combine chemicals, rubber, plastics and other materials.
- $48,990
- A few months on the job
Compare: Forming Machine Operator vs. Extruding Machine Operator · Forming Machine Operator vs. Molding Machine Operator · Forming Machine Operator vs. Furnace and Kiln Operator · Forming Machine Operator vs. Mixing Machine Operator
Forming Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects about average growth.
What industries hire?
Brick, food, feed, pharma and powder metal.
How much does a forming machine operator make?
The median annual wage for forming machine operators was $45,760 ($22.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,630 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,450.
How long does it take to become a forming machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a forming machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More forming machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9041 (Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.