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The differences between extrusion operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an extrusion operator has an average salary of $36,571, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for an extrusion operator include extrusion, hand tools and math. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Extrusion Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,571 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.58 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 58,622 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
An extrusion operator is also sometimes called a drawing machine operator. They control and monitor machines that shape thermoplastic materials for industries such as aerospace manufacturing, general plastics manufacturing, and automobile and auto parts manufacturing. An extrusion operator sets up and operates a machine following established procedures, guidelines, and customer requirement. Mechanical skills are the very foundation of being an extrusion operator. An extrusion operator also needs physical strength, stamina, computer skills, and critical thinking skills.
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.
Extrusion operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Extrusion Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,571 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minnetonka, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | BD | BD |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Automotive |
There are a few differences between an extrusion operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Extrusion Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 53% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between extrusion operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Extrusion Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 43 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% | 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% |