How to hire a plastic extrusion operator

How to hire a plastic extrusion operator, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a plastic extrusion operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a plastic extrusion operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a plastic extrusion operator that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of plastic extrusion operators.

   Type of Plastic Extrusion Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Plastic Extrusion Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$14-23
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Extruder Operator	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... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Extrusion
   • Hand Tools
   • Air Pressure
   • Calipers
   • Production Data
   • Extruders
   • RAN
   • ISO
   • Machine Operation
   • Troubleshoot
   • Safety Guidelines
   • PVC
   • Machine Functions

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage the levels of chemicals to make sure process run correctly for making Styrofoam.
   • Load extruders mixers, mix color concentrates maintain color tolerances in the lab.
   • Verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, rulers.
   • Conduct tests at regular intervals using calipers, scales, and other devices to insure the part's integrity.
   • Perform machine setup and operate extrusion machines as well as material handling equipment
   • Participate in any engineering orders, samples or prototypes manufacture on any of the plastics extrusion machinery.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, plastic extrusion operators' average salary in alabama is 39% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level plastic extrusion operators 35% less than senior-level plastic extrusion operators.
   • Certifications. A plastic 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 a plastic extrusion operator's salary.

   Average plastic extrusion operator salary

   $38,941yearly

   $18.72 hourly rate

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   Entry-level plastic extrusion operator salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

4. Writing a plastic extrusion operator job description

   A plastic 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 a plastic extrusion operator job description:

   Plastic extrusion operator job description example

   At Greene, Tweed, you'll find the cutting-edge technology, world-class polymer expertise and endless advancement opportunities you'd expect from a multi-national industry leader. You'll find them all in an environment that embraces diversity in people and opinions, moves decision making to the point of impact, and celebrates your success.
   
   If you enjoy continuous learning and are excited about working with and creating technological solutions, explore career opportunities with Greene, Tweed.
   Job Title: Plastics Secondary Operator
   Shift/Hours: 3rd shift - 10:45 PM - 7:00 AM
   Department/Group: Plastics Machining
   Position Type: KV Union
   Location: Kulpsville, PAJob Family/Grade: 8
   Reports to: Supervisor
   Position Purpose Summary - Perform all operations required to finish parts to expected quality and production.
   
   Job DescriptionESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES• Comply with all federal and state environmental, health and safety regulations as well as any safety policies and protocols outlined by the company.• Record all information on GT data collection system as required.• Ability to operate in team-oriented environment.• Finish machine parts on appropriate equipment (i.e., radius, lathe deburr, notching, etc.).• Set up and operate equipment such as saw skive, knife skive, hot knife, guillotine, dye penetrant.nd operate a variety of CNC equipment already programmed for producing quality custom plastic/ metal components in a production environment.• Perform first article and in-process inspection of components as required.• Perform final inspection using standard measuring equipment including OGP, Keyence, CMM and other measuring devices. (No programming required)• Perform assembly of components as needed.• Deburr and finish parts as required.• Paint parts utilizing approved painting instructions.• Transport work in process and finished goods within and between departments as necessary.• Clean and package parts.• Setup and load ovens for plasma shields, resizing and others as required.OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES• Maintain good housekeeping in work area.• Perform all miscellaneous duties in work area.• Perform job in a safe manner.• Perform job in compliance with Greene, Tweed & Co. Quality Policy (AS9100 / ISO 9000).• Review and update work instructions on a timely basis.• Ability to wear protective equipment such as hearing protection, eye protection, protective masks (respirators), protective gloves, etc.• Assist in finding ways to meet or exceed labor rates.• Assist in improving the manufacturing process to increase productivity and profitability.• Eliminate non-value, added operations through consolidation of forms and processes.QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS• High School Diploma / GED.• Ability to read and interpret drawings.• Maintain annual QC certification.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS• Ability to work for long periods in a standing position.• Ability to occasionally work in positions requiring sitting and walking.• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without the use of mechanical lifting devices.• Must pass annual eye exam.
   
   Note: This Job Description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by the Supervisor. All requirements are subject to change and updates.
   
   We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term and long term disability insurance, 401K savings plan, paid time-off, tuition assistance and more, to meet the diverse needs of all employees and their family members.
   
   EEO Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
   
   Greene, Tweed, a Federal Contractor, is an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or their protected veteran status.
   
   NOTE: Greene, Tweed is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at GT without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of Greene, Tweed, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Greene, Tweed as a result of the referral or through other means.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right plastic extrusion operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with plastic extrusion operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit plastic extrusion operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit plastic 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 plastic extrusion operator

   Once you've found the plastic extrusion operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   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.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new plastic extrusion operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

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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