Synthetic & Glass Machine Operator

Explore This Path

Synthetic & Glass Machine Operator

Craft essential materials for industries from aerospace to textiles.
Play a key role in producing fibers that shape modern technology and innovation.
Operate machines that transform liquid polymers into versatile, durable filaments.

💰 Earn $40K-$57K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -3.1% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form continuous filaments from synthetic materials, such as liquid polymer, rayon, and fiberglass.

Set up, operate, or tend machines that extrude and form filaments from synthetic materials such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers.
Press buttons to stop machines when processes are complete or when malfunctions are detected.
Notify other workers of defects, and direct them to adjust extruding and forming machines.
Observe machine operations, control boards, and gauges to detect malfunctions such as clogged bushings and defective binder applicators.
Load materials into extruding and forming machines, using hand tools, and adjust feed mechanisms to set feed rates.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

1,900 Annually

Median Earnings

$48,010 in California

$44,030 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Synthetic & Glass Machine Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years