What does a plastic machine operator do?
Plastic machine operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real plastic machine operator resumes:
- Assist in color die changes for use in maintaining plastic extrusion machines.
- Operate pallet jacks and heavy machinery assembling bolts and nuts into car parts for Honda.
- Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
- Participate in technical support and assist validation and QA department during equipment validation.
Plastic machine operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Plastic Machine Operators are proficient in Quality Checks, CNC, and Provide Technical Assistance. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Plastic Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Quality Checks, 19%
Operated a plastics molding machine and performed quality checks on the parts being made.
- CNC, 12%
Operate CNC machining of ductile iron castings to precision dimensions required by automotive industry.
- Provide Technical Assistance, 11%
Provide technical assistance with the machinery and manufacturing of products.
- Mold Components, 9%
Positioned and secured assembled mold and mold components
- Lean Manufacturing, 8%
Implemented lean manufacturing concepts, including 5S, kaizen, and flow-charts, by being a contributing team member.
- Safety Procedures, 6%
Operated and maintained plastic dye machines while following government and company safety procedures.
Common skills that a plastic machine operator uses to do their job include "quality checks," "cnc," and "provide technical assistance." You can find details on the most important plastic machine operator responsibilities below.
Computer skills. One of the key soft skills for a plastic machine operator to have is computer skills. You can see how this relates to what plastic machine operators do because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a plastic machine operator resume shows how plastic machine operators use computer skills: "designed different products using computer aided design concepts. "
Mechanical skills. plastic machine operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to plastic machine operator responsibilities, because "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." A plastic machine operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "performed product quality checks, including dimension, tolerance and specifications using mechanical measurement device. "
Physical strength. A big part of what plastic machine operators do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to plastic machine operator responsibilities because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical plastic machine operator tasks: "create invoices for non-expected inventory, physically/ manually unload trucks, operate forklift to unload/ load trucks. "
The three companies that hire the most plastic machine operators are:
- The Reserves Network4 plastic machine operators jobs
- PADNOS2 plastic machine operators jobs
- ProMach2 plastic machine operators jobs
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Plastic machine operator vs. Assembly operator
In a manufacturing setting, an assembly operator is in charge of assembling materials using hands or tools. Their responsibilities include following assembly guidelines, packing items in containers and boxes, operating tools and equipment, and developing strategies to optimize operations. They may also perform regular maintenance checks on machines and equipment to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Furthermore, it is essential to observe an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating for a structured and smooth workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between plastic machine operators and assembly operator. For instance, plastic machine operator responsibilities require skills such as "provide technical assistance," "mold components," "product quality," and "production documentation." Whereas a assembly operator is skilled in "hand tools," "basic math," "math," and "assembly operations." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Assembly operators earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $34,880. On the other hand, plastic machine operators are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $34,995.On average, assembly operators reach similar levels of education than plastic machine operators. Assembly operators are 0.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Plastic machine operator vs. Cell operator
A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, plastic machine operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "provide technical assistance," "mold components," "production process," and "production documentation." Meanwhile, a cell operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, cell operators earn a higher salary than plastic machine operators. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, cell operators earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $41,770. Whereas plastic machine operators have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,995.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Cell operators tend to reach similar levels of education than plastic machine operators. In fact, they're 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Plastic machine operator vs. 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. These operators may have their own business, work in a factory setting, or other types of machinery shops.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a plastic machine operator is likely to be skilled in "cnc," "provide technical assistance," "mold components," and "lean manufacturing," while a typical press brake operator is skilled in "calipers," "tape measure," "math," and "hand tools."
Press brake operators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $40,158. Comparatively, plastic machine operators have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,995.press brake operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to plastic machine operators. Specifically, they're 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Plastic machine operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator
A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.
Types of plastic machine operator
Updated January 8, 2025











