5 of the Highest Paying Plastic Extruding Machine Operator Jobs in 2026

The best Plastic Extruding Machine Operator jobs can pay up to $125,000 per year.

High Paying Plastic Extruding Machine Operator Jobs

• Extrusion Manager

  Salary range: $59,500 - $125,000

  An extrusion manager works in the manufacturing industry and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of an extrusion department and die shop. In this position, your duties include ensuring safety during production, and your primary responsibilities revolve around working to plan, schedule and provide a budget or price quotes for the creation of a product or components. You may conduct meetings for members of the extrusion department and develop new procedures and processes for each project if necessary.

• Extrusion Engineer

  Salary range: $87,500 - $110,500

  An extrusion engineer develops and evaluates the extrusion process for a manufacturing company. Your duties in this career are to support the production and engineering needs through the set-up and operation of the extrusion equipment and processes. Other responsibilities may be to design, set up, and troubleshoot new equipment and procedures for development. You are expected to document the details of the processes and experiments you perform. Other duties include analyzing research and development, communicating issues, implementing resolutions, participating in meetings, and training new staff.

• Extrusion Technician

  Salary range: $36,000 - $45,500

  As an extrusion technician, your primary responsibilities are to prep and operate machinery used to produce metal and plastic bars, hoses, rods, or other tubular shapes. You determine the proper forms, lengths, and diameters for production. Your duties include prepping extruding machinery, sorting materials, and operating equipment. You install, connect, test, and adjust equipment as needed. You also clean the tools and make sure everything is working correctly. You are in charge of checking for product quality and ensuring the process is compliant with occupational regulations as well.

• Extrusion Machine Operator

  Salary range: $35,000 - $44,000

  An extrusion machine operator works in a factory, overseeing the production of rods, hoses, and other tubular shapes out of thermoplastic materials for manufacturing or construction. As an extrusion machine operator, your primary responsibilities are to monitor the use and maintenance of the industrial equipment in a factory. Your day-to-day duties include performing maintenance, preparing machinery for use, and running the controls in compliance with current occupational regulations. The main qualifications needed for this job are manufacturing knowledge, strong communication skills, and drawing machine experience. While the only formal education you need is a high school diploma or GED certificate, a certificate from a vocational school can help you advance as an extrusion machine operator.

• Extruder

  Salary range: $38,000 - $41,000

  As an extruder, you operate specialized machinery used in the manufacture of thermoplastic materials, used in turn for purposes like car and plane manufacture. Your duties include mixing materials, inputting settings, and ensuring a safe and successful extrusion process. You also perform routine maintenance on equipment, and report any mechanical degradation or breakage, especially where it may affect safe operation. A career as an extruder does not require you have formal qualifications or a college degree, but you should have a high school diploma or GED certificate, mechanical aptitude, and a strong eye for detail. Skills and experience gained at a trade school or vocational program will set you ahead of other candidates and help you gather professional contacts.