FAQ
Extruding Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an extruding machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an extruding machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about extruding machine operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
Are shifts long?
Often 12 hours.
How much does an extruding machine operator make?
The median annual wage for extruding machine operators was $47,720 ($22.94 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,700 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,710.
How long does it take to become an extruding machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be an extruding machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is extruding machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +0.7% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 5,400 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that heat.
What skills does an extruding machine operator need?
Key technical skills include extruder setup, die changes, temperature control, and measurement. Employers also value attention to detail, problem-solving, and reliability.
What certifications are available for extruding machine operators?
Common credentials include Extrusion training, NIMS certification, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Extruding Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Molding Machine Operator, or explore Extruding Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4021 (Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.