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Plastic Extruder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stops extruder at the end of the run and disassembles and cleans the plastic from some or all of the extruder and die parts. * Tends machines and equipment other than extruder lines at times.

Experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator Extrusion / Thermoforming We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible ...

Extruder Operator

Beaverton, MI · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator Extrusion / Thermoforming We are seeking a skilled and experienced Plastics Thermoforming Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible ...

Pelletizer Operator

South Haven, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

East Jordan Plastics, Inc. is looking for dedicated, hardworking people to join our team! We are currently hiring for Pelletizer/Extruder Operator - Night Shift. This position involves the safe ...

Pelletizer Operator

South Haven, MI · On-site

$21.50 - $23.03/hr

East Jordan Plastics, Inc. is looking for dedicated, hardworking people to join our team! We are currently hiring for Pelletizer/Extruder Operator - Night Shift. This position involves the safe ...

Be Seen First

Extruder Operator Location: Mazomanie, WI Shift: 2nd Shift 1:45-10PM (Includes $2/Shift ... plastic to be sold or used in production. All work is performed in a climate- controlled ...

Operator

Albany, GA

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Use plastic bags to hold raw materials during weighing. * Enter ingredient amounts into the ... Communicate with the Extruder Operator to maintain smooth line operation. Operator Job ...

Manufacturing Operator

Greenville, OH · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Extruder Operator Company Overview: Klöckner Pentaplast is a global leader in the production of rigid plastic film solutions for a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, food packaging ...

Operator

Albany, GA

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Use plastic bags to hold raw materials during weighing. * Enter ingredient amounts into the ... Communicate with the Extruder Operator to maintain smooth line operation. Operator Job ...

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Plastic Extruder Operator information

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How much do plastic extruder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic extruder operator in the United States is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Plastic Extruder Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Extruder Operator, you need experience with plastic processing machinery, strong mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with extrusion equipment, quality control gauges, and OSHA safety protocols is highly valuable, and some employers prefer certifications in manufacturing or plastics technology. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators quickly address issues and support team productivity. These competencies are essential to ensure product quality, maintain equipment efficiency, and uphold a safe work environment.

What is a Plastic Extruder Operator job?

A Plastic Extruder Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that shape plastic materials through an extrusion process. They monitor production, adjust machine settings, and ensure the final product meets quality standards. The role requires knowledge of plastic materials, machine troubleshooting, and safety procedures. Operators may also inspect and package finished products while keeping detailed production records.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Plastic Extruder Operator?

As a Plastic Extruder Operator, your typical day involves setting up and adjusting extrusion machinery, monitoring equipment during production, and ensuring the quality of the plastic products meets specifications. You'll be responsible for troubleshooting minor mechanical issues, changing dies or tools as needed, and recording production data for quality assurance. The role often requires you to work closely with quality control inspectors and maintenance teams to address challenges quickly. This job can require standing for extended periods and attention to detail, making it a good fit for those who enjoy hands-on, active work environments.

More about Plastic Extruder Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Plastic Extruder Operator jobs? The most popular types of Plastic Extruder Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Plastic Extruder Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Extruder Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Extruder Operator jobs? For Plastic Extruder Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Plastic Extruder Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 75% Physical, and 25% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Extruder Operator (3rd Shift)

Extruder Operator (3rd Shift)

Vytron

Loudon, TN • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

This is a temp-to-hire position


Summary: Tends one single or dual extrusion line. Responsible for monitoring extruder and line conditions, feeding raw material to extruder manually or with the aid of automatic equipment, monitoring and controlling the quality of the continuously extruded products, and satisfactorily packaging the finished products.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Sets extruder and production line up by assembling and bolting all essential tooling to extruder and by moving necessary equipment into the line according to information on the setup sheet and production sheet for a specific production run.
  • Sets extruder heat controls per the setup sheet.
  • Sees that correct raw materials are at extruder - Virgin, regrind (if used), and color concentrate (if used).
  • Monitors heats and when they reach the correct temperature, loads extruder hopper with a proper mix of raw materials, and starts the extruder.
  • After extrudate is strung up through the line, verifies and adjusts extruder heats and speed, water conditions, and any other conditions as described in the set-up sheet and/or production sheet.
  • Further adjusts line speed, shape fixtures, heats, and water conditions as necessary to get the extrudate in specification and savable.
  • Sets footage monitoring equipment to obtain the correct footage or length on the units to be run.
  • Inspects and measures extrudate to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Continuously monitors extruder conditions, line conditions, and extrudate quality (size, shape, finish, bow, and color).
  • Moves extruder controls and line fixtures to adjust line conditions as necessary for quality control.
  • Spools and/or packages finished product properly per instructions on sheets.
  • Labels packaging properly per instructions on sheets.
  • Keeps all scrap and raw material labeled properly.
  • Assembles packaging (spools, boxes, etc.) for own line and other lines as time allows.
  • Stops extruder at the end of the run and disassembles and cleans the plastic from some or all of the extruder and die parts.
  • Tends machines and equipment other than extruder lines at times.
Requirements:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Previous manufacturing experience a plus