How to hire an extrusion line operator

How to hire an extrusion line operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step extrusion line operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an extrusion line operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new extrusion line operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your extrusion line operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an extrusion line operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An extrusion line operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, extrusion line operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of extrusion line operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Extrusion Line Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Extrusion Line Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$17-23
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Line Operator	A line operator is responsible for assisting in warehouse and factory operations, usually assigned on doing heavy works for the production. Line operators' duties include operating manufacturing machines and equipment, placing products on the appropriate shelves, checking supplies and inventories, loading orders for shipments, inspecting products for any defects, labeling products accurately, adhering to the safety procedures to prevent product contamination, and observing sanitary regulations... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Extrusion
   • Extrusion Line
   • Extruders
   • PVC
   • RAN
   • Material Changes
   • Product Quality
   • Machine Operation
   • Production Reports
   • Blown Film
   • Production Lines
   • Quality Standards
   • Customer Orders
   • Mechanical Problems

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead the 2nd shift fabrication department responsible for quality fabrication and assembly of component parts produce from the extrusion process.
   • Manufacture insulate wire using PVC compound and copper stranding.
   • Handle materials and run good quality plastic while operating a fork truck.
   • Operate a computer aid extrusion machine that manufacture wire for major organizations such as whirlpool.
   • Operate extruders and other machinery; used high-density polyethylene in combination with other additives to create blown film plastic.
   • Operate machine so production continuously run.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your extrusion line operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An extrusion line operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, extrusion line operators' average salary in alabama is 34% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level extrusion line operators earn 27% less than senior-level extrusion line operators.
   • Certifications. An extrusion line operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an extrusion line operator's salary.

   Average extrusion line operator salary

   $42,507yearly

   $20.44 hourly rate

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   Entry-level extrusion line operator salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing an extrusion line operator job description

   An extrusion line operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of an extrusion line operator job description:

   Extrusion line operator job description example

   Judd Wire Inc., a Sumitomo Electric Group company, is looking for 2nd Shift Multi-Line Extrusion Operator in our Turners Falls, MA manufacturing facility. Operator will set up tubing, semi-pressure and pressure processes on extruder lines which include: operation of multi-head/tandem; multi-extrusion lines; various printers; to jacket a wide range of short run, heavy/large wire, cable, braided products with extruded compounds of various colors according to specifications and established procedures. Run two extruders singly or simultaneously dependent upon demand.
   
   Work from shop orders, requisitions, move various heavy sized wire reels to take off apparatus; properly mix various components and chemicals to obtain and maintain stability with regard to footage, lengths, wall thickness, proper die and leader sizes. Work in MIS system.
   
   Schedule production, selecting shop orders to consolidate runs for best efficiency and to meet time requirements.
   
   Set ups are exacting/precise and require placing and adjusting dies and leaders in extruder; obtaining and maintaining proper temperatures, speeds, feeds. Ensure adequate cleaning of heads, screws and barrels.
   
   Operate marking/printing machines of various types (3) as specified to apply identification number, stripe or legend to extruded wire/cable. Operate multiple pay-off and take-ups per shop packet or wire size.
   
   Perform visual and tactile checks of work and take samples according to specifications and instructions. Operate testing equipment and perform tests according to specifications including: concentricity, OD/ID, elongation, adherence, and other tests are required.
   
   Monitor operations on a continuous basis and as needed make adjustments to water trough, speeds, feeds, and other variables to meet quality and quantity parameters.
   
   Detect and report defective materials, improper compounding, malfunctioning equipment, unusual conditions to supervision. Maintain equipment and work areas in clean and orderly condition.
   Ability to work a flexible schedule and required overtime as needed. Qualifications/Requirements High School diploma or GED and basic math skills required. Be a team player, enjoy detailed work and willingness to learn! 3 plus years of progressive manufacturing experience directly related to extrusion preferred Use of judgment to plan, perform and make decisions as to set ups and operations of multi-head/multi-line extruders (at times simultaneously) to ensure that products meet quality specifications, quantity and schedules within the limits of recognized or standard methods or procedures.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find extrusion line operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any extrusion line operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level extrusion line operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your extrusion line operator job on Zippia to find and recruit extrusion line operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting extrusion line operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new extrusion line operator

   Once you've selected the best extrusion line operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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