How much does a Extrusion Operator make?
An Extrusion Operator plays a key role in the manufacturing of plastic and metal products. This job involves feeding raw materials into an extrusion machine to shape them into specific forms. The salary for an Extrusion Operator varies based on experience and location.
The average yearly salary for an Extrusion Operator is about $41,521. Salaries range from around $31,000 for those just starting out to over $56,000 for more experienced workers. Workers in areas with a high demand for their skills often earn more. Some of the factors that can affect salary include the specific industry, the size of the company, and the operator's level of skill and experience. Those who work in high-tech manufacturing or large companies may earn more than those in smaller operations. This job offers a stable career path with good earning potential.
What are the highest paying cities for a Extrusion Operator?

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Columbus, OH
Average Salary: $51,570
In Columbus, you will find a bustling industrial environment. Companies like Honda and Stanley Black & Decker offer opportunities. Workers enjoy a supportive atmosphere and good benefits.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $47,907
Rochester is known for its strong manufacturing sector. You will work alongside skilled professionals at companies such as Bausch + Lomb. The city values teamwork and innovation.
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Manchester, NH
Average Salary: $44,271
Manchester offers a thriving industrial hub. Here, you can find roles with BAE Systems. The community is tight-knit, and there is a strong sense of teamwork.
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Madison, WI
Average Salary: $43,761
Madison combines a vibrant culture with a strong industrial base. Companies like Kohl’s provide a chance to learn and grow. The area is known for its friendly workforce and good quality of life.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $42,969
In St. Louis, you will find a diverse industrial scene. Major employers like Boeing offer exciting opportunities. The city supports career growth and offers many professional development programs.
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Indianapolis, IN
Average Salary: $37,905
Indianapolis is a hub for manufacturing. Companies such as Eli Lilly and Caterpillar provide excellent career paths. The city offers a friendly environment and good community support.
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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $37,254
Dallas offers a dynamic job market. Companies like Raytheon and AT&T provide numerous opportunities. The city is known for its fast-paced environment and excellent growth potential.
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Winston-Salem, NC
Average Salary: $36,693
Winston-Salem boasts a strong industrial presence. Companies like HanesBrands offer stable jobs. The community is supportive and emphasizes teamwork.
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El Paso, TX
Average Salary: $29,188
El Paso has a growing industrial sector. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin provide exciting career paths. The city values hard work and offers a good work-life balance.
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What are the best companies a Extrusion Operator can work for?

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Amcor
Average Salary: $47,721
Amcor offers rewarding Extrusion Operator roles in various locations. With a global presence, Amcor provides opportunities in cities like New York and Los Angeles. These positions focus on operating extrusion machinery, ensuring the highest quality of plastic and paper packaging materials.
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Bonnell Aluminum
Average Salary: $45,681
At Bonnell Aluminum, Extrusion Operators work with advanced machinery to produce high-quality aluminum products. This company offers jobs in locations like Detroit and Pittsburgh. The role involves overseeing the extrusion process and ensuring products meet specifications.
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Motive Companies
Average Salary: $45,115
Motive Companies offers Extrusion Operator jobs in cities such as Chicago and Seattle. These roles involve managing extrusion machinery and ensuring production quality. With a focus on innovation, the company provides a dynamic work environment.
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Sealed Air
Average Salary: $44,532
Sealed Air provides Extrusion Operator jobs in locations like Minneapolis and Philadelphia. The company focuses on flexible packaging solutions. Extrusion Operators work with advanced extrusion technologies to create high-quality packaging materials.
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Masterson Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $44,000
Masterson Staffing Solutions offers Extrusion Operator jobs in major cities across the U.S., including Dallas and Atlanta. The company provides diverse opportunities in the packaging and manufacturing industries. Extrusion Operators play a crucial role in ensuring smooth production processes.
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Novolex
Average Salary: $42,956
Novolex offers Extrusion Operator positions in locations such as Houston and San Francisco. The company specializes in plastic films and flexible packaging. Extrusion Operators work on state-of-the-art machinery to produce high-quality materials.
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The Azek Company
Average Salary: $42,860
The Azek Company offers Extrusion Operator jobs in cities like Boston and Denver. Known for its composite decking materials, the company seeks skilled operators to manage the extrusion process. These roles focus on precision and quality.
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Aerotek
Average Salary: $42,536
Aerotek offers Extrusion Operator roles in various locations, including Miami and Phoenix. The company provides opportunities in different industries, focusing on manufacturing and production. Extrusion Operators work to ensure efficient and high-quality production.
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Saint-Gobain
Average Salary: $41,401
Saint-Gobain provides Extrusion Operator jobs in cities such as San Diego and Philadelphia. The company specializes in construction materials and advanced ceramics. Extrusion Operators play a key role in producing high-performance materials.
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Momentive Performance Materials
Average Salary: $41,180
Momentive Performance Materials offers Extrusion Operator jobs in locations like Columbus and Indianapolis. The company focuses on producing advanced materials for various industries. Extrusion Operators ensure the production of high-quality materials through precise extrusion processes.
How to earn more as a Extrusion Operator?
An Extrusion Operator can find several ways to increase their earnings. Attention to detail and a proactive attitude can open doors to higher pay. Focusing on these factors can lead to better opportunities and salary increases.
First, gaining more certifications can boost an Extrusion Operator’s value. Certifications in specific machinery or safety protocols can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Next, developing strong problem-solving skills allows an operator to quickly address issues on the production line. This can prevent costly delays and downtime. Another important factor is learning to operate multiple types of extrusion equipment. This versatility can make an operator more valuable. Gaining experience in different areas of production can also lead to higher positions and pay. Finally, continuously learning and improving skills keeps an operator competitive. Attending workshops and training sessions helps stay updated with the latest technologies and practices.
Here are key factors to consider for earning more as an Extrusion Operator:
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Develop strong problem-solving skills
- Learn to operate multiple types of equipment
- Gain experience in different production areas
- Continuously improve skills through training



