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The differences between manufacturing operators and extrusion 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 $34,457 average annual salary of a manufacturing operator.
The top three skills for a manufacturing operator include basic math, GMP and math. The most important skills for an extrusion operator are extrusion, hand tools, and math.
| Manufacturing Operator | Extrusion Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,457 | $36,571 |
| Hourly rate | $16.57 | $17.58 |
| Growth rate | 2% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 97,656 | 58,622 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A manufacturing operator is primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling the performance of machines and equipment, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around monitoring production operations, conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of machinery, performing corrective measures and adjustments as needed, and assessing the quality of finished products, all while adhering to deadlines and goals. Furthermore, it is vital to comply with the company's safety policies and regulations to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
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.
Manufacturing operators and extrusion operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Manufacturing Operator | Extrusion Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,457 | $36,571 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $43,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fort Collins, CO | Minnetonka, MN |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | DuPont | BD |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a manufacturing operator and an extrusion operator in terms of educational background:
| Manufacturing Operator | Extrusion Operator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | Stanford University | - |
Here are the differences between manufacturing operators' and extrusion operators' demographics:
| Manufacturing Operator | Extrusion Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 69.2% Female, 30.8% | Male, 88.6% Female, 11.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 3% |