How to hire an extrusion operator

How to hire an extrusion operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step extrusion 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 operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new extrusion operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an extrusion operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the extrusion operator you need to hire. Certain extrusion operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect extrusion operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of extrusion operators.

   Type of Extrusion Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Extrusion Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-21
   Pack Machine Operator	A pack machine operator is an employee who is responsible for operating and maintaining packaging machines to prepare industrial and consumer products for storage or shipment. Pack machine operators observe machine operations to ensure quality and conformity of filled or packaged products are up to standards... Show more	$13-20
   Press Brake Operator	A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Extrusion
   • Hand Tools
   • Math
   • Quality Checks
   • Extrusion Machine
   • Safety Procedures
   • Extrusion Equipment
   • Quality Standards
   • Basic Math
   • Extruders
   • Product Quality
   • Minor Maintenance
   • Routine Maintenance
   • ISO

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Set up and operate equipment to produce food contact grade PVC plastic film.
   • Mount rolls of base material on machine spindles for automatic feed through machines.

   More extrusion operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your extrusion operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. An extrusion operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, extrusion operators' average salary in georgia is 30% less than in connecticut.
   • Seniority. Entry-level extrusion operators 36% less than senior-level extrusion operators.
   • Certifications. An extrusion operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in an extrusion operator's salary.

   Average extrusion operator salary

   $36,571yearly

   $17.58 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level extrusion operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 22, 2025

   Average extrusion operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$42,792	$21
   2	Washington	$42,531	$20
   3	Illinois	$40,784	$20
   4	South Carolina	$40,443	$19
   5	Wisconsin	$39,998	$19
   6	Iowa	$39,411	$19
   7	California	$37,867	$18
   8	Ohio	$37,151	$18
   9	Colorado	$36,941	$18
   10	Indiana	$36,411	$18
   11	Massachusetts	$36,244	$17
   12	North Carolina	$34,747	$17
   13	Texas	$34,082	$16
   14	Tennessee	$33,070	$16
   15	Georgia	$32,511	$16

   Average extrusion operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	BD	$49,325	$23.71	7
   2	Medtronic	$44,942	$21.61	3
   3	Mars	$44,108	$21.21	15
   4	Cook Children's Medical Center	$44,063	$21.18	2
   5	Strategic Systems International	$42,377	$20.37
   6	Hoehn Plastics	$42,066	$20.22
   7	Masco	$41,950	$20.17	12
   8	Amcor	$41,836	$20.11	137
   9	Press-Seal Gasket Corporation	$41,751	$20.07
   10	Precision Castparts	$41,742	$20.07	41
   11	Reliance Worldwide	$41,469	$19.94	1
   12	Sonoco	$41,386	$19.90	8
   13	Avery Dennison	$41,296	$19.85	68
   14	Owens Corning	$41,287	$19.85	17
   15	Sika	$41,076	$19.75	18
   16	Oldcastle Infrastructure	$40,755	$19.59	278
   17	Andersen	$40,494	$19.47	3
   18	Pactiv	$40,433	$19.44	76
   19	Shaw Industries	$40,412	$19.43	6
   20	Toro	$40,111	$19.28	10

4. Writing an extrusion operator job description

   An extrusion 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 operator job description:

   Extrusion operator job description example

   Hire Dynamics is currently assisting a local client currently in search of Extrusion Operator in the Brooklet, GA area. As an Extrusion Operator, you will be responsible for operating and set up plastic extrusions. Apply Now if you meet the qualifications listed below!
   Responsibilities for this Extrusion Operator include: night shift availability required
   • Must be able to use and read a tape measure
   • Must be able to use calipers to measure thickness, diameters and distance between surfaces
   • Must be able to stand for a minimum of eight hours
   • Must be able to carry, lift or push work-in-process which could weigh between 50 to 100 pounds
   • Must be comfortable using a touch screen computer
   
   Qualifications:
   • Basic math skills (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing) are necessary to perform job functions
   • Basic writing skills are required in the completion of daily production records
   • Basic verbal communication skills are required to transfer or interpret the explanation of problems and to receive and understand work assignments
   • Good motor skills (hand/eye coordination) are necessary for the efficient operation of this job
   • Good vision required to visually inspect vinyl for quality
   • Must be able to stand for a minimum of 8 hours
   • Must have flexible availability- Must be able to work night shift
   
   Pay Rate: $13.00 / hour
   
   Click on Apply Now to be considered for this Extrusion Operator position or you can visit our website www.hiredynamics.com to search for other opportunities that are currently available. EOE Company DescriptionConsistently Ranked as One of the Fastest Growing Staffing Companies in the U.S.
   
   We are an award winning staffing firm for one simple reason, we make it a point to understand you and your career goals as your career advocate.
   
   At Hire Dynamics, you are more than just a resume or skill set, you are an individual. We get to know you as a person, your unique needs, interests and aspirations, and match you with the ideal opportunity.
   
   We provide opportunities to be recognized for your contributions.
   
   Some staffing firms focus on filling job orders. We focus on you. We will provide opportunities for growth, recognition and help you achieve your career goals!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find extrusion operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit extrusion operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the extrusion operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new extrusion operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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How much does it cost to hire an extrusion operator?