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Extruder Operator Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Infeed Material Operator

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$21.39 - $22.72/hr

Infeed Material Operator/Extruder Operator Helper - HIRING IMMEDIATELY - Bridgeview, IL Compensation: * Pay range is $21.39 to $22.72 an hour - paid weekly Available shifts: 2-2-3 Rotational Shift:

Infeed Material Operator

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$21.39 - $22.72/hr

Infeed Material Operator/Extruder Operator Helper - HIRING IMMEDIATELY - Bridgeview, IL Compensation: * Pay range is $21.39 to $22.72 an hour - paid weekly Available shifts: 2-2-3 Rotational Shift:

Be Seen First

Extruder Operator * Strong verbal communication skills to communicate process status and mechanical ... Occasional lifting of up to 300lbs with help of a hoist. Exposure to high temperature in facility ...

TFE Extruder Operator - 2nd Shift

Orangeburg, SC · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Our products help save lives. Continuous Improvement is a way of life at Zeus. Successful ... Operator only runs one machine. Keep tooling and machines in good working condition. Polish and ...

Infeed Material Operator

Bridgeview, IL · On-site

$21.39 - $22.72/hr

Infeed Material Operator/Extruder Operator Helper - HIRING IMMEDIATELY - Bridgeview, IL Compensation: * Pay range is $21.39 to $22.72 an hour - paid weekly Available shifts: 2-2-3 Rotational Shift:

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Extruder Operator Helper information

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How much do extruder operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for extruder operator helper in the United States is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Extruder Operator Helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Extruder Operator Helper, you need a solid understanding of basic manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in machine operation are beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you support the primary operator and maintain a safe, efficient workflow. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality products, minimizing downtime, and ensuring workplace safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Extruder Operator Helpers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Extruder Operator Helpers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent material feed, quickly resolving minor equipment jams, and ensuring product quality during fast-paced production runs. Adapting to varying shift schedules and working in noisy, temperature-controlled environments can also require adjustment. Effective communication with the lead operator and other team members, along with attention to detail and proactive monitoring of machinery, are key strategies for managing these challenges and ensuring smooth operations.

What are Extruder Operator Helpers?

Extruder Operator Helpers assist with the operation of extrusion machines, which are used to shape materials like plastic or metal into specific forms. They support the main extruder operator by preparing materials, monitoring equipment, and ensuring the production process runs smoothly. Their tasks may include loading raw materials, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing basic machine maintenance. This role is important for maintaining efficiency and safety in manufacturing environments that use extrusion processes.

What is the difference between Extruder Operator Helper vs Extruder Operator?

AspectExtruder Operator HelperExtruder Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on machineryHigh school diploma; experience or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in manufacturing settings, close to extruder machinesOperates and monitors extruder machinery in production lines
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports setup, cleaning, and material handlingControls machine operation, quality checks, and adjustments

The main difference is that the Extruder Operator Helper assists with supporting tasks around the extruder machine, while the Extruder Operator actively controls and manages the extrusion process. Helpers typically require less experience and focus on assisting, whereas operators handle the core production functions.

More about Extruder Operator Helper jobs
What cities are hiring for Extruder Operator Helper jobs? Cities with the most Extruder Operator Helper job openings:
What states have the most Extruder Operator Helper jobs? States with the most job openings for Extruder Operator Helper jobs include:
Infographic showing various Extruder Operator Helper job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,438 per year, or $18 per hour.
Relief Operator - 3rd shift - $22.35/hour - Recycling Plant

Relief Operator - 3rd shift - $22.35/hour - Recycling Plant

Graham Packaging Company

York, PA

$22.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Graham Packaging rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 109 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life.
For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.
At Graham, we are united by a clear vision. We know our part and help those around us know theirs, encouraging one another to continuously improve. We create a safe, challenging environment to innovate by supporting creative ideas and new ways of thinking. We take the initiative to cultivate our individual growth and help others do the same, while keeping ourselves and one another accountable. And we actively promote cooperation, collaboration, integrity and respect across regions and teams to foster an engaged, diverse and connected workforce.
We value our employees, and a Blue Culture allows for the most rewarding employee experience as part of the Graham family. Blue is how we feel about what we dotogetherto create a better tomorrow. Working at Graham means you lead constructively with clear goals, use diverse thinking to drive excellence, accountability, innovation, as well as demonstrating collaboration, embracing learning, and taking action for continuous improvement and growth.

Graham Packaging Company has an opening for a Relief Operator (Extruder Operator/Forklift Driver/Sorter) based in York, PA at our Recycling Plant. 

The opening is for 3rd shift, which operates during the hours of 10:48PM to 7:00AM Sunday night through Friday morning. Sunday hours will be 8:48PM to 7:00AM for required start-up. 

The starting pay for this position is $22.35 per hour, plus $2.00 per hour shift differential. 

Weekly Pay and Benefits Effective Day One and Vacation after 90-days!


The employee in this position will work in all areas of the plant as needed as an Extruder Operator, Forklift Operator, and Sorter. The primary duties include:

Extruder Operator:

  • Understands, follows and enforces all established safety, health, quality GMP and Company policies, procedures and recognized practices.
  • Perform entire line set up (palletizing system, pellet handling system, flake vacuum system, and scale system.
  • Fill out extruder process sheet appropriately and accurately.
  • Fill out extruder screen change log appropriately and accurately.
  • Pack bulk boxes within spec and quality post-consumer resin.
  • Perform quality assurance tests (volatile, pellet count, melt index, color scan, and press outs).
  • Print label and label box per Graham Recycling’s color standard.
  • Remove bulk box from scale and store in warehouse in the appropriate row.
  • Perform routine maintenance (c/o vacuum filters, pelletizer blades, and clean out air classifier filter).
  • Check and refill distilled water tank.
  • Monitor pelletizer water temperature.
  • Monitor pelletizing system and make adjustments accordingly.
  • Monitor extruder and make adjustments accordingly.

Forklift Driver

  • Load production lines, as instructed by the production supervisor with appropriate raw materials.
  • Maintain current and correct raw material inventory.
  • Unload raw materials from trailers, fill out unload sheets to ensure proper raw materials count. Calculate raw materials weight per bale, and fill out contamination report on unloaded raw material.
  • Dump and bale hoppers of sorted raw materials.
  • Dump hoppers of contamination in the trash compactor.
  • Remove bulk boxes of aluminum cans from line, put lid on box, and store box in appropriate row in the warehouse in a neat, orderly manner.
  • Remove hoppers of scrap metal from lines, and dump in the appropriate metal bin in the yard.
  • Remove chipper wire hopper from underneath the wire chipper; dump in the appropriate metal bin in the yard.
  • Remove finished goods from production lines, and store in the appropriate rows in the warehouse in a neat, orderly manner.
  • Receive parts and supplies and store in designated areas. Secure packing slips for receiving and properly complete all necessary paperwork.
  • Keep work area clean.
  • Train fellow employees as requested.

Sorter:

  • Sort contamination out of raw materials.
  • Sort raw material colors.
  • Perform housekeeping duties as assigned by supervisors.
  • Clean out dryers on blade changes and blade rotations.
  • Keep work station clean.
  • Follow all safety regulations and requirements.
  • Train fellow employees as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Minimum of 1 year forklift experience preferred.

Forklift Operators are required to interact with other managers, employees, vendors, and customers. Therefore, the following skills and proficiencies are also essential requirements of the position:

  • Ability to maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service.
  • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
  • Communicates effectively: conveys facts and information clearly both verbally and written.
  • Collaborates well with others: proactively contributes to group objectives; volunteers to help others.

The expected salary range for the position described in this posting is made in accordance with the legal mandates of certain jurisdictions within the United States. The final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision and basic life insurance. Employees are able to enroll in the companys 401K Employee Saving Plan and may participate in its Employee Wellness Program. Employees will also receive paid time off in accordance with company policy and state law requirements.
Graham Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Graham Packaging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Graham Packaging is a people, planet and values-based company and a leader in sustainable packaging manufacturing. From the kitchen to the laundry room, Graham Packaging is part of your everyday life. For employees at Graham, our Blue Culture is part of their everyday lives, too. In other words, Blue is how we do things here.

Industry

Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

York, PA, US

Year founded

1970