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Extruder Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Tuffy's Treat Company

Extruder Operator

Delano, MN · On-site

$25.62/hr

An Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process . They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats. Through ...

Tuffy's Treat Company

Extruder Operator

Delano, MN · On-site

$25.62/hr

An Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process . They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats. Through ...

Barrett Petfood

LF Extruder Operator

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Setup, Operation of, and cleaning of the extruder used for petfood production. * Inspection of product to make sure it is meeting customer specifications, density, and size. * Operation of dryer and ...

Simos

Production Associate

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Responsible for uptime and running of production extruder lines. * Produces quality product in a timely manner. * Obtains the correct documentation for the run. * Ensures the correct ingredients are ...

Balchem

Extrusion Operator- 1st shift

Albert Lea, MN

$19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY To maintain the continual operation of the Extruder while adhering to all OSHA standards, safety standards and quality standards applicable according to Balchem Corporations Policies.

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Extruder information

See Minnesota salary details

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$19

How much do extruder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for extruder in Minnesota is $18.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Extruder vs Molder?

AspectExtruderMolder
Primary FunctionShapes materials by forcing them through a dieForms objects by pouring or pressing material into molds
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing plants
CertificationsMachine operation, safety trainingMachine operation, safety training
Industry UsagePlastic, metal, food processingPlastic, metal, rubber industries

Both extruders and molders work in manufacturing environments and often require similar certifications. While extruders shape materials by forcing them through dies, molders form objects by pouring or pressing materials into molds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within manufacturing industries.

What is an extruder?

As an extruder, you operate specialized machinery used in the manufacture of thermoplastic materials, used in turn for purposes like car and plane manufacture. Your duties include mixing materials, inputting settings, and ensuring a safe and successful extrusion process. You also perform routine maintenance on equipment, and report any mechanical degradation or breakage, especially where it may affect safe operation. A career as an extruder does not require you have formal qualifications or a college degree, but you should have a high school diploma or GED certificate, mechanical aptitude, and a strong eye for detail. Skills and experience gained at a trade school or vocational program will set you ahead of other candidates and help you gather professional contacts.

What does an extruder do?

An extruder operates machines that shape materials such as plastic, metal, or food by forcing them through a shaped die to create products of a specific size and shape. Their responsibilities include setting up, monitoring, and adjusting the extruding machines to ensure quality and efficiency. Extruders also inspect finished products, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the process. This role is commonly found in manufacturing industries, especially in plastics and food production.

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

To thrive as an Extruder, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with experience in manufacturing or plastics processing. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and some employers may prefer certifications in industrial operations. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you adapt to production changes and maintain high standards. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality output in extrusion manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by extruders in a manufacturing setting, and how can they be addressed?

Extruders often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and managing raw material variations. To address these issues, it's important to closely monitor process parameters, perform regular equipment maintenance, and communicate frequently with quality control and maintenance teams. Developing strong problem-solving skills and staying up-to-date with standard operating procedures can also help extruders overcome these challenges efficiently.
More about Extruder jobs
Extruder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Extruder job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,686 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Extruder Operator

Tuffy's Treat Company

Delano, MN • On-site

$25.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Job description

2nd Shift

3PM - 1AM (Monday - Thursday)

$24.17/HR + 6% Shift Differential


Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

The Opportunity

Extruder Operator

What is an Extruder Operator? An Extruder Operator is the engine behind the pet treat-making process. They operate and optimize extrusion equipment that mixes, cooks, shapes, and cuts ingredients into finished treats. Through careful monitoring and adjustments, they keep the process running efficiently while producing high-quality products that meet safety and quality standards.


RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

  • Review and follow daily production schedule verifying against their product information sheets for accuracy
  • Communicate with dry ingredient personnel as to which materials should be used for their immediate production needs
  • Coordinate with slurry operators to verify which liquid products are being made
  • Operate the extruder and monitor ancillary equipment to produce products that meet the desired specifications set forth by the Quality Assurance Department
  • Visually inspect and save samples throughout all runs to be taken to the Quality Control Lab for final analysis
  • Responsible to record operation parameters and turn in at the end of each shift
  • Monitor all feed formulas presented to them for color, odor and grind notifying supervisor of anything that looks out of specification
  • Cleaning systems as required between production runs
  • Setting up die plates for each different run and monitoring knife wear
  • Proficient in using batch logic system
  • Able to operate cutters, grillers, ovens and other equipment used in the extrusion department
  • Calibrate process flow monitors prior to each run
  • Daily clean up and sanitation of extruder area
  • Involved in weekly cleaning of extrusion area
  • Notify maintenance of any unusual equipment noises or failures
  • Train new departmental employees
  • Will perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by Supervisor

Additional Responsibilities

  • Cross train in dry ingredient receiving on operation of dry ingredient system
  • Cross train in slurry room

SAFETY

  • Attend safety trainings
  • Follow all safety instructions and policies
  • Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
  • Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
  • Wear required PPE that is determined by site


ENVIRONMENTAL

  • Keep work area clean and free of debris


FOOD SAFETY

  • Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
  • Attend food safety trainings
  • Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions


JOB QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • General mathematical ability
  • Self-motivation
  • Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
  • Good hand – eye coordination
  • Willing and able to get along with others
  • Good judgement and reasoning abilities
  • Basic Leadership Skills
  • Can lift up to 80+ pounds
  • Ability to drive a forklift and pass certification exam


Benefits

  • Holiday pay
  • Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401K with company match