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Extrusion Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

COMPANY OVERVIEW Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art ...

COMPANY OVERVIEW Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art ...

Extrusion Technician

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$18.75 - $23.75/hr

The Extrusion Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining polymer extrusion processes used to manufacture precision medical tubing. This position requires ...

The Extrusion Technician is responsible for setting up, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining polymer extrusion processes used to manufacture precision medical tubing. This position requires ...

Mentor entry-level technicians and collaborate cross-functionally with operators and leadership Equipment Maintenance * Perform basic maintenance on extrusion lines and auxiliary systems including ...

Senior Extrusion Tech - 2nd shift

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Mentor entry-level technicians and collaborate cross-functionally with operators and leadership Equipment Maintenance * Perform basic maintenance on extrusion lines and auxiliary systems including ...

As an Extrusion Support Lead, you will be part of the Operations Department supporting production and quality assurance teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, excellent ...

$18 - $22.50/hr

Extrusion machine operation expereince Requisition ID: 631024 Minimum Salary: $ [[cust_salaryMin]] Maximum Salary: $ [[cust_salaryMax]] The anticipated compensation listed above and the value of core ...

Showing results 21-40

Extrusion Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do extrusion operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for extrusion operator in Minnesota is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an extrusion operator?

Extrusion operators are skilled workers who operate and maintain machines that shape materials—such as plastics, metals, or food products—by forcing them through a shaped die to create continuous profiles. They monitor the extrusion process, adjust machine settings, and ensure product quality by conducting inspections and measurements. Extrusion operators also troubleshoot equipment issues, perform routine maintenance, and keep production records. Their role is essential in industries like manufacturing, packaging, construction, and automotive, where custom-shaped materials are required.

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

To thrive as an Extrusion Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, quality control processes, and basic math skills, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, measuring tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and workplace safety in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by extrusion operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Extrusion Operators often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and managing multiple machines simultaneously. New hires can prepare by developing strong attention to detail, familiarizing themselves with basic machine maintenance, and learning to read technical specifications. Teamwork is also crucial, as operators frequently collaborate with quality control and maintenance teams to ensure smooth production. Building problem-solving skills and staying adaptable to shift work or changing production demands are also important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Extrusion Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectExtrusion OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in extrusion processesHigh school diploma, general machine operation training
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, plastic or metal extrusion linesFactories, various manufacturing settings
Industry UsagePlastic, metal, rubber manufacturingBroad manufacturing sectors
Job FocusSetting up, operating, and monitoring extrusion machineryOperating various types of machinery, quality control

While both roles involve operating machinery in manufacturing settings, an Extrusion Operator specializes in managing extrusion lines for plastics or metals, requiring specific training. A Machine Operator has a broader scope, working with different equipment across industries. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and career goals.

How much do extrusion operators make in the US?

Extrusion operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications or specialized knowledge may earn higher wages, and the job often involves working with extrusion machinery in manufacturing environments.

Is extrusion operator a good job?

An extrusion operator is responsible for operating machinery that shapes materials like plastics or metals, often requiring attention to safety protocols and technical skills. The job can offer steady employment and opportunities for advancement, especially with experience and certifications. However, it may involve physical labor, shift work, and exposure to noise and machinery hazards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota?

For Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Extrusion Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Extrusion Operator jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Extrusion Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Extrusion Operator job openings in Minnesota as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,199 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Extrusion Operator

Albert Lea, MN • On-site

Balchem Corporation
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Tend to and operate the extruder machine to produce food products.

  • Start, stop, adjust, and troubleshoot assigned machines to maximize uptime.

  • Clean, sanitize, and maintain records of all production and sanitation activities.


Balchem Corporation rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Balchem Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets specialty ingredients that improve and enhance the health and well-being of life on the planet, providing state-of-the-art solutions and the finest quality products for a range of industries worldwide. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the US and Europe. Founded in 1967, Balchem is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ – “BCPC”) with annual revenues over $900 million and a market cap exceeding $4.0 billion. The company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; and Specialty Products. Balchem employs over 1,400 people worldwide who are engaged in diverse activities, committed to developing the company into global market leadership positions. To learn more about our dynamic, stable and growing company, visit www.balchem.com.

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 Corporation’s Policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Requires being able to lift 55 lbs. several times during shift
  • Participate in Safety programs and work safely at all times.
  • Tend to assigned machine that extrudes food products
  • Start, stop, adjust, and trouble shoot assigned machines to maximize up-time.
  • Accurately record running parameters of machine and product.
  • Communicate with team members on machine status.
  • Clean and sanitize all food processing equipment and areas are clean and ready for the following shift’s production.
  • Maintain appropriate records for all phases of production/sanitation, assuring accurate records.
  • Adhere to all company policies and procedures

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Knowledge of food manufacturing operations and equipment is preferable.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Individual will continually be required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, to talk and hear, and to utilize specific vision abilities including but not limited to close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
  • Regularly required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, using proper ergonomic principles, taste, smell, and lift up to 25 pounds
  • Periodically required to lift up to and above 55 pounds, utilizing safe and proper lift techniques and equipment
  • Individual will rarely be required to sit
  • Individual will operate equipment, including but not limited to computers, drafting equipment and instruments involving scientific meters and measuring devices
  • The ability to distinguish colors is required
  • Balchem Corporation requires anyone working in the plant or entering the plant to adhere to the personal protective equipment policies and procedures
  • All personal protective equipment furnished must be worn by all employees when required or needed to perform proper and safe working conditions
  • Individual may rarely be exposed to wet or humid conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, work in extreme heat (non-weather), work in high noise levels and vibration
  • Individual may also be periodically working in high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme cold (non-weather)

Other Important Information

    Shifts:

    • 8-hour shift:
      • ($19 base pay plus $1.50 for night differential would make it $20.50 to start!)
    • 1st shift 6:00 am - 2:30 pm
    • 3rd shift: 10pm-6:30am.
      • CURRENTLY HIRING FOR 1st and 3rd SHIFT

    Benefits:

    • 401k – match 100% up to 6% with immediate vesting
    • Paid Time Off – 80 hours vacation, 56 hours paid sick
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Health Savings Account
    • Limited Flexible Spending Account
    • Dependent Care Account
    • Many Shifts Available
    • Regular Pay Increases and Skill Assessments
    • Opportunity for Advancement

      #IN

      Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility


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