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Plastic Extrusion Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Noel Group LLC

Extrusion Operator

Zebulon, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Nomaco Inc. Herc LLC Position Summary The Foam Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up ... Manufacturing experience required; foam or plastics extrusion experience strongly preferred

Toppan

Extrusion Operator

Franklin Park, IL

$24.40 - $27.58/hr

You have at least one year of extrusion operator experience in a plastic packaging environment * You have operated or led extrusion equipment directly (not helper or roll hanger experience only)

Toppan

Extrusion Operator

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$24.40 - $27.58/hr

You have at least one year of extrusion operator experience in a plastic packaging environment * You have operated or led extrusion equipment directly (not helper or roll hanger experience only)

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Plastic Extrusion Operator information

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How much do plastic extrusion operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic extrusion 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 extrusion operator is considered a skilled worker who operates and monitors extrusion machinery, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. The role often requires knowledge of equipment, troubleshooting skills, and sometimes certifications in safety or machinery operation.

Is extrusion operator a good job?

A plastic extrusion operator is responsible for operating machinery that produces plastic products, often requiring attention to safety protocols and quality control. The job typically offers steady employment, with opportunities for overtime and skill development, but may involve repetitive tasks and exposure to noise and fumes. It can be a stable entry-level position in manufacturing with potential for advancement.

What is an extrusion operator's salary?

The average salary for a plastic extrusion 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 differentials can also impact overall compensation.

What does a plastic extrusion operator do?

A plastic extrusion operator operates machinery that melts and shapes plastic materials into continuous profiles such as pipes, sheets, or films. They set up, monitor, and adjust extrusion equipment, ensure product quality, and follow safety procedures, often working with tools like calipers and gauges. The role typically requires attention to detail and may involve certifications in safety or machinery operation.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Extrusion Operator, you need a solid understanding of extrusion machinery, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with calibration tools, micrometers, and computerized control systems is common, with some employers preferring candidates who have completed manufacturing safety or plastics processing certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient production runs, maintaining high quality standards, and working safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What does a typical workday look like for a Plastic Extrusion Operator?

A typical day for a Plastic Extrusion Operator involves setting up and adjusting extrusion machines, monitoring production processes, and performing quality checks on finished products. Operators often collaborate with maintenance technicians, quality control inspectors, and shift supervisors to resolve any issues that arise during production. The role can be physically demanding and may require standing for long periods and working in shifts, including nights or weekends. Over time, experienced operators may advance to supervisory or lead technician roles, offering opportunities for career growth within the manufacturing industry.

What is a Plastic Extrusion Operator job?

A Plastic Extrusion Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that heat and form plastic materials into continuous shapes such as tubing, sheets, or profiles. They monitor production for quality, adjust machine settings, and troubleshoot issues to ensure efficient operation. Operators also inspect finished products, maintain safety standards, and perform routine maintenance on equipment. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of plastic materials and extrusion processes.

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Plastic Extrusion Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Extrusion Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Contract, 5% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Extrusion Operator

Extrusion Operator

Sealed Air Corporation

Saint Joseph, MO • On-site

$20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Sealed Air rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 72 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 114 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Sealed Air designs and delivers packaging solutions that protect essential goods transported worldwide, preserve food, enable e-commerce and digital connectivity, and help create a global supply chain that is touchless, safer, less wasteful, and more resilient. We strive to foster a caring, high-performance growth culture that will deliver consistent, sustainable profitable growth and accelerate our performance - a culture where accountability is clear and aligned, and where we reward business outcomes and impact. That culture guides everything we do, including how we partner with our customers and suppliers, how we attract and retain top talent, and how we create and deliver value to our stakeholders. In 2025, Sealed Air generated $5.4 billion in sales and has approximately 16,100 employees who serve customers in 119 countries/territories. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.
Job Description
Shift: Night
Schedule: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM; 2/2/3 schedule
Shift Premium: $1.00
Pay rate: $20.00/hr (Negotiable depending on experience)
Sealed Air is seeking an experienced Extrusion Operator to support plastic tubing and food packaging production in a regulated manufacturing environment.
This role is ideal for candidates with extrusion, plastics, or food-grade manufacturing experience who are interested in long-term technical career growth.
Key Responsibilities
  • Operate extrusion production lines for barrier and non-barrier tubing
  • Follow EHS, QMS, and SQF food safety standards
  • Complete required safety and quality training
  • Monitor line performance and manage multiple tasks
  • Perform quality inspections using microscopes, micrometers, and gauges
  • Adjust ICT and RDI systems to maintain specifications
  • Troubleshoot alarms, defects, and downtime issues
  • Document production, quality, and process data
  • Support preventive maintenance activities
  • Wear PPE and respond promptly to safety alerts
  • Coordinate with quality, maintenance, and production teams

Other Requirements
  • Assist Process Engineer, Maintenance, and Shift Supervisor in troubleshooting.
  • Follow the production schedule as issued by production control.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping and recycling practices in your work area .
  • Complete all required computer and paperwork.
  • Participate in scheduled Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities.
  • Operation of motorized handling devices, including lift trucks, walk-behinds, core extractors, and electric pallet jacks.
  • Wears all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Food Safety (PFS): Beard/Hair Net, hearing protection, safety glasses, and safety shoes. Also, wear any additional safety PPE as required.

Equipment & Technologies Used
  • Plastic extrusion lines
  • Inline Control Technologies (ICT)
  • Resin Dispensing Units (RDI)
  • Quality inspection tools (micrometers, microscopes, gauges)
  • Production monitoring systems

Qualifications
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 1+ year experience in extrusion, plastics, or food packaging manufacturing
  • Knowledge of food safety and SQF standards
  • Experience with quality measurement tools
  • Strong troubleshooting and process optimization skills
  • Basic computer proficiency (Windows, MS Office)
  • Ability to work independently and in teams
  • Willingness to work overtime
  • Strong safety awareness

Preferred:
  • Plastic tubing or film extrusion
  • Food-grade or pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Inline inspection systems
  • Resin handling and compounding
  • Radiation safety certification
  • Lean manufacturing / continuous improvement

Physical & Work Environment
  • Night shift manufacturing operations
  • Standing, lifting, and equipment monitoring
  • Regulated food-grade environment
  • Exposure to heat, resins, and machinery (PPE provided)

Benefits and Perks
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid elder care
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

Requisition id: 55520
Relocation: No
Sealed Air is committed to attracting, selecting, and developing talent that reflects the diversity of the communities and customers we serve. We take pride in our selection process to identify, infuse, and grow talent to align with our culture, values, and norms. Sealed Air prioritizes talent development, fostering a culture of continuous growth and career progression. The company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and to all employees, without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, protected disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
*Please be cautious of fraudulent recruiting efforts using the Sealed Air name or logo. Sealed Air will never request private information during the application process, such as a Driver's License or Social Security Number. If you have any concerns about information received from SEE during the application process, please reach out to us directly at globalta@sealedair.com.
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