Career comparison
Extruding Machine Operator vs. Rolling Machine Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Rolling machine operators earn more at the median ($50,140 vs. $47,720), while extruding machine operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Extruding machine operators run machines that push metal or plastic through dies to make tubes, pipes and profiles. Rolling machine operators run rolling mills that flatten and shape metal into sheets, bars and shapes.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Extruding Machine Operator | Rolling Machine Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $47,720 ($22.94/hr) | $50,140 ($24.10/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,700 – $63,710 | $37,690 – $70,310 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.7% (little or no change) | -8.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 5,400 | 1,900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | Extrusion training | Crane certification |
| Work setting | Operators work in plastics and metal plants.. | Operators work in steel and aluminum mills and metal plants.. |
What each job does
Extruding Machine Operator
- Set up extruders
- Install dies
- Control heat and speed
- Measure product
- Cut to length
Rolling Machine Operator
- Set up rolls
- Set roll gaps
- Feed metal
- Control speed
- Measure thickness
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, shift work, and indoor work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose extruding machine operator if…
- I like machines
- I like measuring
- I solve problems
Choose rolling machine operator if…
- I like heavy machinery
- I’m safety-focused
- I can work rotating shifts
Still torn? Take the Extruding Machine Operator fit quiz and the Rolling Machine Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, extruding machine operator or rolling machine operator?
Rolling Machine Operators earn more at the median: $50,140 versus $47,720 for extruding machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Extruding Machine Operators typically train faster (A few months on the job) than rolling machine operators (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects extruding machine operators to grow +0.7% from 2025–35, compared with -8.3% for rolling machine operators.