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Plastic Extruding Machine Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Hebron, KY

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Machine Operators are responsible for all activities associated with safely operating ... Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting 6 months' experience ...

Machine Operator 2- HIRING APPLY SOON!!

KY

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operator II The Machine Operator II is an experienced production team member who sets up ... Understanding of plastic processes and how they impact machine settings, product quality, and ...

New

Asitrade Machine Operator 3rd Shift

Hebron, KY

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting * 6 months' experience ... Our Machine Operators work in all aspects of the manufacturing floor to help make boxes/displays ...

Machine Operator 2- HIRING APPLY SOON!!

KY

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operator II The Machine Operator II is an experienced production team member who sets up ... Understanding of plastic processes and how they impact machine settings, product quality, and ...

New

Asitrade Machine Operator 3rd Shift

Hebron, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting * 6 months' experience ... Our Machine Operators work in all aspects of the manufacturing floor to help make boxes/displays ...

Machine Operator

Richmond, KY

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As a PVC Extrusion Machine Operator at Zekelman Industries - Maverick Pipe in ... plastic products. The ideal candidate will have manufacturing experience, strong mechanical ...

Machine Operator

Richmond, KY

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As a PVC Extrusion Machine Operator at Zekelman Industries - Maverick Pipe in ... plastic products. The ideal candidate will have manufacturing experience, strong mechanical ...

Machine Operator

Richmond, KY

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As a PVC Extrusion Machine Operator at Zekelman Industries - Maverick Pipe in ... plastic products. The ideal candidate will have manufacturing experience, strong mechanical ...

1st Shift Machine Operator

Hebron, KY · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Machine Operator Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Description 1st Shift ... Every piece of plastic, glass, and paper we recycle is a step towards reducing waste, conserving ...

1st Shift Machine Operator

Hebron, KY

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

1st Shift Machine Operator Are you a Hands-On leader with a passion for excellence and a keen eye ... Every piece of plastic, glass, and paper we recycle is a step towards reducing waste, conserving ...

2nd Shift Machine Operator

Hebron, KY · On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Machine Operator Exempt/Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Description 2nd Shift ... Every piece of plastic, glass, and paper we recycle is a step towards reducing waste, conserving ...

Machine Operator

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Technical/mechanical background in Plastics Industry preferred Qualification/Skills: * Basic computer skills * Demonstrated mechanical ability Physical Demands: The physical demands described here ...

Showing results 21-40

Plastic Extruding Machine Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do plastic extruding machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic extruding machine operator in Kentucky is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Extruding Machine Operator vs Plastic Molding Machine Operator?

AspectPlastic Extruding Machine OperatorPlastic Molding Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentFactories with extrusion lines, continuous productionFactories with molding machines, batch production
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing, extrusion productsPlastic parts, injection molding products

The main difference is that Plastic Extruding Machine Operators focus on continuous extrusion processes to create long plastic profiles, while Plastic Molding Machine Operators work with molds to produce specific plastic parts. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ in the production methods and end products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plastic extruding machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Extruding Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supported by on-the-job training or vocational coursework. Familiarity with extrusion machinery, quality control tools, and safety systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and time management skills help operators excel in maintaining production efficiency and addressing equipment issues. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality manufacturing output in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Is a plastic extruding machine operator a good job?

A plastic extruding machine operator is a skilled trade that involves operating and maintaining extrusion equipment to produce plastic products. The job typically offers steady employment, requires attention to safety protocols, and may require certifications or training in machinery operation. It can be a stable career with opportunities for advancement in manufacturing settings.

What are some common challenges faced by plastic extruding machine operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Plastic Extruding Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and handling material variations. These issues can be managed by adhering to regular maintenance schedules, closely monitoring machine settings, and promptly reporting any irregularities to supervisors or maintenance teams. Developing strong attention to detail and effective communication skills is key to addressing these challenges and ensuring smooth production runs.

What does a plastic extruding machine operator do?

A Plastic Extruding Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that shape plastic materials into products such as tubing, pipes, or sheets. They monitor the extrusion process, adjust machine settings to ensure quality, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. The role also involves inspecting finished products for defects and making sure they meet industry or customer specifications. This job requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and adherence to safety protocols.

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Plastic Extruding Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Plastic Extruding Machine Operator job openings:

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

1st Shift Machine Operator

What do our Machine Operators do at Pratt Industries?

Our Machine Operators are responsible for all activities associated with safely operating production machines including setup, operation, cleanup and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

Jump on the path of a lifelong career!

Job Type - Full-Time!

Schedule:

  • OT required

Education/Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Previous experience in the packaging industry a plus

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work safely at all times, be aware of surroundings and understand and comply with Pratt Industries Safety rules, operating procedures, and help hold co-workers responsible for safety related items. Participate in Plant Safety Committee.
  • Follow at all times GMPs (Good Manufacturing Processes)
  • Learn and comply with Pratt Industries quality procedures and policies. Stop bad quality from leaving the facility to the Customer. Catch it on the front end of manufacturing the product. Strong attention to detail for poor quality; prevent bad quality being sent to customer.
  • Maximize the utilization of equipment by operating the machinery at available capacity and speed. Improve set up times daily, improve downtime daily. Identify and address mechanical concerns and report to Production Supervisor or Production Manager or Plant Mechanical Tech/Specialist
  • Housekeeping and cleaning of work areas - keep clean and free of tripping hazards during shift and end of shift cleaning of the area. In addition, good housekeeping of areas employee utilizes; break rooms, bathrooms, refrigerators etc.
  • Learn and understand capability and capacity of machine and drive efficiencies limiting waste and downtime. Do not sacrifice quality for machine speeds - must have both excellent quality and high efficiencies with minimal downtime.
  • Train and assist Assistant Machine Operators, Machine Helpers and Production Utility with job duties on the machine, downtime, setup times and quality.
  • Cross-train on other machines and learns other positions in the plant.
  • Complete necessary reports in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to: Production Data, Machine Operational Status, Safety Data, Quality Data.
  • Turn in maintenance work order requests to supervision for needed repairs on the machine or machines. Be proactive in the maintenance and housekeeping of equipment.
  • Switch duties with co-workers as necessary. Learning environment to learn as many job duties to assist with plant growth and personal and professional growth opportunities.
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures, including safety and maintaining good housekeeping.
  • Adheres to production schedule. Makes recommendations for optimizing the schedule to meet cost, quality and service goals. Reports any unusual scheduling issues to Supervisor.
  • Must be able to work overtime as necessary, sometimes on short notice. We serve our customers 24x7 - 365 days a year and sometimes work on holidays not avoidable.
  • Additional duties may be assigned by management.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED.

Candidates are PREFERRED who offer the following:

Prior work experience in the packaging industry; paper, plastics, converting

6 months' experience in some type of manufacturing operation.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Able to read and follow instructions; quality, safety, job packets

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Able to read a tape measure with speed and accuracy. Able to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, measurement, volume and rate. Able to apply concepts of high school math.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or graphic form. Ability to deal with problems involving one or more concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

May be required to maintain a current Lift Truck Operator License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally be required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Pratt is America's 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world's largest, privately-held 100% recycled paper and packaging company, with more than 10,000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability.

Why Choose Us?

At Pratt Industries, we care about our employees by providing secure jobs, a safe work environment, and many supportive benefits. By investing in employees, we are able to offer growth opportunities to build a thriving, lifelong career.

Perks of Pratt?

Paid Holidays from DAY ONE

Insurance benefits and wellness reimbursement program within ONE MONTH of hire

3 Months: 401(k) with match

6 Months: PAID vacation days

12 Months: FULL tuition reimbursement and PAID childbearing and parenting leave


What Pratt Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

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