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What is an extractor plant operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an extractor plant operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $22.34 an hour? That's $46,470 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -15% and produce -6,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreExtractor Plant OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $46,470

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate -15%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.58%

Asian 1.29%

Black or African American 4.04%

Hispanic or Latino 6.79%

Unknown 5.49%

White 79.81%

Gender

female 6.67%

male 93.33%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.0

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an extractor plant operator

  1. Explore extractor plant operator education requirements

    Most common extractor plant operator degrees

    Bachelor's

    33.3 %

    Diploma

    33.3 %

    Certificate

    33.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific extractor plant operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Extraction36.68%
    Safety Practices35.20%
    Distillation28.12%
  3. Complete relevant extractor plant operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New extractor plant operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an extractor plant operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real extractor plant operator resumes.
  4. Research extractor plant operator duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
    • Prepare asphalt mixtures per customer requirements, load and unload tankers and monitor tanks and assist with paperwork
    • Operate tools, including hoists, saws and drills.
  5. Prepare your extractor plant operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your extractor plant operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an extractor plant operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable extractor plant operator resume templates

    Build a professional extractor plant operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your extractor plant operator resume.
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
    Extractor Plant Operator Resume
  6. Apply for extractor plant operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an extractor plant operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first extractor plant operator job

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Average extractor plant operator salary

The average extractor plant operator salary in the United States is $46,470 per year or $22 per hour. Extractor plant operator salaries range between $33,000 and $63,000 per year.

Average extractor plant operator salary
$46,470 Yearly
$22.34 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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