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Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers Salary in Hickory, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers in Hickory, NC have a median annual salary of $35,890, with 190 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $35,890 at the 10th percentile to $47,000 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$35,890

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$17.26

Employment

190

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$35,890
10th
$35,890
25th
$35,890
Median
$38,020
75th
$47,000
90th

Local compared with national

Hickory, NC

$35,890

Median annual · 2025

United States

$46,350

Median annual · 2025

The Hickory, NC median is 22.6% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $10,460).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.8
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.5
  4. 4.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  5. 5.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  6. 6.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Reading ComprehensionImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Apache Hadoop YARN
  • Camstar Manufacturing Execution System MES
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Operational databases
  • SAP software
  • Statistical process control SPC software

Common tasks

  • 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.
  • Move controls to activate and adjust extruding and forming machines.
  • Record details of machine malfunctions.
  • Clean and maintain extruding and forming machines, using hand tools.
  • Observe flow of finish across finish rollers, and turn valves to adjust flow to specifications.
  • Remove polymer deposits from spinnerettes and equipment, using silicone spray, brass chisels, and bronze-wool pads.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Hickory, NC