Extruding and Forming Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Extruding and Forming Machine Operators Make?
Extruding and Forming Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $44,980 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,590 at the 10th percentile to $63,650 at the 90th percentile — a range of $28,060. The highest-paying state is Ohio at $65,130.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,590 |
| 25th percentile | $38,990 |
| Median (50th) | $44,980 |
| 75th percentile | $54,690 |
| 90th percentile | $63,650 |
Extruding and Forming Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ohiotop | $65,130 |
| Alabama | $58,150 |
| Minnesota | $51,310 |
| Maryland | $49,190 |
| Wisconsin | $48,700 |
| Kansas | $48,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,200 |
| Rhode Island | $47,490 |
| California | $47,310 |
| Missouri | $47,270 |
| Iowa | $46,870 |
| New York | $46,690 |
| Texas | $46,520 |
| Tennessee | $45,060 |
| Georgia | $44,930 |
| North Carolina | $44,660 |
| Michigan | $43,250 |
| South Carolina | $42,920 |
| West Virginia | $42,300 |
| Florida | $41,030 |
| Virginia | $39,760 |
| Nebraska | $36,450 |
| Kentucky | $32,250 |
| Arizona | $31,060 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Extruding and Forming Machine Operators
Extruding and Forming Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,590 – $38,990 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$44,980 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$54,690 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $63,650+ |
How to Earn More as an Extruding and Forming Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Extruding and Forming Machine Operators in Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI earn $78,960 — $33,980 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($54,690) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Extruding and Forming Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Extruding and Forming Machine Operatorthis career | $44,980 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finisher | $47,260 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Operator | $46,980 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
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SOC: 51-6091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.