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Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Des Moines, IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Des Moines, IA have a median annual salary of $52,560, with 90 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $32,590 at the 10th percentile to $62,100 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

$52,560

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$25.27

Employment

90

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$32,590
10th
$48,930
25th
$52,560
Median
$62,100
75th
$62,100
90th

Local compared with national

Des Moines, IA

$52,560

Median annual · 2025

United States

$45,760

Median annual · 2025

The Des Moines, IA median is 14.9% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $6,800).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.8
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.8
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.4
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9
  11. 11.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

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

Technology used

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
  • Operational databases
  • Production scheduling software
  • SAP software

Common tasks

  • Complete work tickets, and place them with products.
  • Press control buttons to activate machinery and equipment.
  • Disassemble equipment to repair it or to replace parts, such as nozzles, punches, and filters.
  • Swab molds with solutions to prevent products from sticking.
  • Remove molds, mold components, and feeder tubes from machinery after production is complete.
  • Adjust machine components to regulate speeds, pressures, and temperatures, and amounts, dimensions, and flow of materials or ingredients.
  • Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to standards, using measuring devices such as templates, micrometers, or scales.
  • Monitor machine operations and observe lights and gauges to detect malfunctions.
  • Clear jams, and remove defective or substandard materials or products.
  • Notify supervisors when extruded filaments fail to meet standards.

Related careers

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

Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in other locations

Other occupations in Des Moines, IA