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The differences between extruder operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an extruder operator has an average salary of $36,707, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for an extruder operator include extrusion, quality checks and hand tools. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,707 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.65 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 66,729 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An extruder operator's work is essential to industries such as automobile parts manufacturing and aerospace machine manufacturing. They control the machines that make and shape thermoplastic materials. They may also be responsible for training new staff to work on these machines. They also do maintenance on their tools, ensure products meet specifications, and create reports for their supervisors.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Extruder operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,707 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Woburn, MA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Baker Hughes | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an extruder operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between extruder operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Extruder Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 2.3% White, 72.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |