ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plastic Extruder Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JM Eagle

Extruder Operator - Night Shift

Tulsa, OK

$20 - $21.50/hr

The EXTRUDER OPERATOR A/B main function is to tend to machines that perform one or more packing ... plastic pipe. Moves finished product to the lag area. Uses various hand tools such as wrenches ...

New

East Jordan Plastics

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 ...

Aerotek

Extruder Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Extruder Operator This role operates and monitors extrusion lines to produce high-quality film ... Prior experience operating extrusion lines or similar plastic processing equipment. * Familiarity ...

Aerotek

Extruder Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Extruder Operator This role operates and monitors extrusion lines to produce high-quality film ... Prior experience operating extrusion lines or similar plastic processing equipment. * Familiarity ...

Aerotek

Extruder Operator | $22.50/hr

Barberton, OH · On-site

$22.50/hr

Extruder Operator As an Extruder Operator, you will oversee multiple plastic extrusion lines ... Oversee multiple plastic extrusion lines. * Manage line setup and teardown responsibilities.

New

East Jordan Plastics

Pelletizer Operator

South Haven, MI

$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 ...

Klockner Pentaplast

Manufacturing Operator

Greenville, OH

$16 - $19.25/hr

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

Pratt Industries

Extruder Operator

Dallas, TX

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating Plastics Extrusion Machinery including but not limited to setup, operation, cleanup, and recommendation of improvements to meet ...

Pratt Industries

Extruder Operator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

SUMMARY Responsible for all activities associated with safely operating Plastics Extrusion Machinery including but not limited to setup, operation, cleanup, and recommendation of improvements to meet ...

Klöckner Pentaplast

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlastic Extruder Operator Jobs

Plastic Extruder Operator information

See salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do plastic extruder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.

Is extrusion operator a skilled job?

Yes, a plastic extruder operator is considered a skilled worker who operates and monitors extrusion machinery, requiring knowledge of machine settings, quality control, and safety procedures. The role often involves understanding technical aspects of the extrusion process and may require training or certification. It is a position that demands attention to detail and technical competence but typically does not require advanced formal education.

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.

Is extrusion operator a good job?

A plastic extruder operator is responsible for operating machinery that shapes plastic materials through extrusion processes. The job typically offers steady employment, requires attention to safety protocols, and may involve shift work. It can be a stable career with opportunities for skill development and advancement in manufacturing settings.

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.

What does a plastic extrusion operator do?

A plastic extrusion operator sets up, operates, and monitors machinery that produces plastic products by forcing raw plastic material through a die to create continuous shapes. They inspect the equipment, ensure quality standards are met, and perform routine maintenance, often working with tools and safety protocols in a manufacturing environment.

What is an extrusion operator's salary?

The average salary for a plastic extruder operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the machinery operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in setting up and maintaining extrusion equipment may earn higher wages and benefits. Overtime and shift work can also impact overall compensation.
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 job categories do people searching Plastic Extruder Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Extruder Operator jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Extruder Operator jobs? For Plastic Extruder Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plastic Extruder Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Extruder Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 42% As Needed, 47% Full Time, 1% Contract, 4% Nights, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 48% Physical, and 52% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Extruder Operator - FW

Extruder Operator - FW

Foster Corporation

North Las Vegas, NV

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 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 minimizing 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.
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

Apply