How To Become An Extrusion Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is an extrusion operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Extrusion operators are responsible for adjusting, calibrating, and testing equipment at the beginning of every shift to ensure proper pressure, speed, temperature, and general operation. They set up and operate an extrusion machine in accordance with established procedures, guidelines, and customer requirements. They also monitor and accurately record production quality checks as required while collecting process samples and performing in-process lab analysis.

Extrusion operators earn a median sum of $32,000 annually or $15 per hour. Their duties include constantly monitoring extrusion lines and performing corrective action. They maintain and troubleshoot equipment, perform testing per specification requirements, and prepare, record, close out, review, and maintain device history records.

Extrusion operators typically hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. They report to a supervisor/manager and possess a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. They are expected to have some years of general work experience with the knowledge of current OSHA safety rules and regulations.

ScoreExtrusion OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $36,571

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.2

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 2.31%

Black or African American 9.74%

Hispanic or Latino 12.05%

Unknown 2.82%

White 72.31%

Gender

female 11.44%

male 88.56%

Age - 43

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 - 43

Stress level

8.2

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an extrusion operator

Explore extrusion operator education requirements

Most common extrusion operator degrees

High School Diploma

52.8 %

Associate

16.7 %

Bachelor's

12.1 %

Start to develop specific extrusion operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Extrusion	21.42%
Hand Tools	5.53%
Math	4.65%
Quality Checks	4.58%
Extrusion Machine	4.43%

Complete relevant extrusion operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New extrusion 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 extrusion operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real extrusion operator resumes.

Research extrusion operator duties and responsibilities

Manage the levels of chemicals to make sure process run correctly for making Styrofoam.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Extrude automotive parts according to ISO standards.
Start operations by inserting data into CNC control units.

Prepare your extrusion operator resume

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

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