1

Plastic Extruder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Extruder Operator

Putnam, CT · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

To operate in a team environment in the manufacturing of specialty plastic compounds while ... Sets extruder operating parameters according to the manufacturing master reference set-up sheet.

The Extruder Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining extruder equipment to produce plastic materials used in packaging. This role includes performing startups, monitoring product ...

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.

As an extruder operator, you will be responsible to set up, maintain and operate machinery. You ... Loads extruder hopper with plastic granules and color concentrate per job specifications. When ...

Zip-Pak, Atlanta, we need extruder machine operators to operate plastic extrusion lines. 12-hour shifts (7pm-7am), 2-2-3 day schedule with alternating weekends off. Clean, safe, temperature ...

As an extruder operator, you will be responsible to set up, maintain and operate machinery. You ... Loads extruder hopper with plastic granules and color concentrate per job specifications. When ...

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

Bristol, TN · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Extruder Operator-Bristol REPORTS TO: Tim Lamie FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt APPROVED BY ... HR Business Partner SUMMARY Set-up and operate a minimum of six extruders producing PVC plastic ...

Extruder Operator 1 REPORTS TO: Production Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Production FLSA Status ... Non-Exempt X Exempt COST CENTER: 6721 SUMMARY Operates plastic extrusion machines such as cut-off ...

Extruder Operator

Perris, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Extruder Operator 1 REPORTS TO: Production Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Production FLSA Status ... Non-Exempt X Exempt COST CENTER: 6721 SUMMARY Operates plastic extrusion machines such as cut-off ...

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 ...

Extruder Operator

Bristol, TN · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Extruder Operator-Bristol REPORTS TO: Tim Lamie FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt APPROVED BY ... HR Business Partner SUMMARY Set-up and operate a minimum of six extruders producing PVC plastic ...

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 for our Day 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 for our Day Shift. This position involves the safe ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastic Extruder Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do plastic extruder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 is a plastic extruder operator?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic extruder operator?

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.

How much do plastic extruder operators make in the US?

Plastic extruder operators in the US typically earn an average annual salary of around $35,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the machinery operated. Skilled operators with certifications and knowledge of extrusion processes may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing environments with shift work or overtime opportunities.

Is extrusion operator a good job?

A plastic extruder operator is responsible for setting up and operating extrusion machines to produce plastic products, often requiring attention to detail and safety precautions. The job can offer steady employment and opportunities for skill development, but it may involve working in noisy environments and standing for long periods. Compensation and job satisfaction vary depending on the industry and location.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Primary Function: To operate in a team environment in the manufacturing of specialty plastic compounds while consistently being efficient, clean, safe, and maintaining our high-quality standard.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Determines production requirements by reading and implementing general and special instructions on each sales order
  • Reviews and applies the manufacturing bill of materials to each sales order.
  • Responsible for the preparation of the raw material including any related drying, pre-blending, or staging requirements by looking and planning.
  • Responsible for machine and equipment preparation by looking and planning.
  • Ensure that all equipment, including upstream and downstream, is thoroughly cleaned in accordance with our work instructions and/or other special instructions that may be indicated on the production schedule.
  • Sets extruder operating parameters according to the manufacturing master reference set-up sheet.
  • Prepares production run sheet records.
  • Throughout the production run, ensures that operating parameters are tuned to establish maximum extruder performance and quality.
  • Maintains a clean working environment by consistently removing manufacturing debris from the floor, and machine surfaces, and by cleaning work surface areas to prevent the build-up of manufacturing residue.
  • Take immediate action to prevent and correct unsafe operating conditions and/or injury.
  • Operates as a team player to assist all company employees in meeting or exceeding customer expectations and minimize interpersonal conflicts.
  • Other duties may apply.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Complies with all safety regulations and applies good judgment in safely performing all tasks.
  • Complies with all related ISO requirements.
  • Communicate with the shift supervisor all appropriate concerns about working conditions, safety, injuries, and interpersonal conflicts.
  • Other duties as may be requested and/or assigned by company management.
  • Accountable for requirements defined within this job description and/or all other assigned responsibilities and duties delegated by Supervisor.
  • Because this job is part of a multi-shift, continuous operation, promptness in reporting to a workstation is a must. Accommodation for starting times and ending times is not an option.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Qualifications:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents including safety rules, operational instructions, procedure manuals, and SDS sheets.
  • Ability to write routine reports.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
  • Ability to apply common sense to carry instructions in written, oral or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
  • Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities satisfactorily.
Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or equivalent or 1-3 years related experience or training or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Language/Communication Skills: Ability to read and write and follow written work instructions.
Computer Skills: Basic skills needed to run machine, batching software, and complete training.
Other Required Ability: None.
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations: None.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, talk, and hear.
  • Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
  • Specific vision ability includes close vision and color vision.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Regular exposure to fumes or airborne particles.
  • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and vibration.
  • Normal exposure to moderate noise levels.
Travel Expectations: None.
Telework Conditions: None.
Pathogen Exposure Risk: Low.