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The differences between molder operators and extruder operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an extruder operator has an average salary of $36,707, which is higher than the $31,707 average annual salary of a molder operator.
The top three skills for a molder operator include GMP, quality checks and dexterity. The most important skills for an extruder operator are extrusion, quality checks, and hand tools.
| Molder Operator | Extruder Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,707 | $36,707 |
| Hourly rate | $15.24 | $17.65 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 66,217 | 66,729 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
An extruder operator's work is essential to industries such as automobile parts manufacturing and aerospace machine manufacturing. They control the machines that make and shape thermoplastic materials. They may also be responsible for training new staff to work on these machines. They also do maintenance on their tools, ensure products meet specifications, and create reports for their supervisors.
Molder operators and extruder operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Molder Operator | Extruder Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,707 | $36,707 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $38,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Milford, CT | Woburn, MA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Hampshire |
| Best paying company | BD | Baker Hughes |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a molder operator and an extruder operator in terms of educational background:
| Molder Operator | Extruder Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 52% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between molder operators' and extruder operators' demographics:
| Molder Operator | Extruder Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4% | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 62.3% 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 | 3% | 3% |