How to become a plastics processing machine operator
Official title: Plastics processing machine operators
Also called: Plastics moulder, Plastic coagulator, Plastic compounder, Bag machine operator, Plastic mould setter, Plasticator operator, Plastic mixer operator, Thermoforming operator, Plastics press operator, Injection plastic moulder, Plastic extruder operator, Plastics machine operator
Plastics processing machine operators set up and operate plastic mixing, calendering, extruding and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They are employed by plastic products manufacturing companies.
Main tasks
- Mixing machine operators
- Weigh resins, colourants and other chemicals according to formula
- Place weighed materials in mixing machine and operate machine to blend plastic and other chemicals to a specified consistency or viscosity
- Monitor operation, regulate material supply and add chemicals and colourants to mixture
- Operate controls to regulate temperature, speed and other processing conditions
- Unload mixture into container or conveyor for further processing
- Maintain and perform minor repairs on machinery as required
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area
How to become one
For all operators in this unit group, completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a helper, tender or packer in the same company may be required. Completion of a statistical process control (SPC) course may be required. Completion of courses in hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics systems may be required for moulding process operators. On-the-job training is provided.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $44,850 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $50,700.
- About 15,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 15,600 are projected by 2033. (+4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a plastics processing machine operator?
For all operators in this unit group, completion of secondary school is usually required. Several years of experience as a helper, tender or packer in the same company may be required. Completion of a statistical process control (SPC) course may be required. Completion of courses in hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics systems may be required for moulding process operators. On-the-job training is provided.
How much does a plastics processing machine operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $44,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $50,700.
Is a plastics processing machine operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2033, from about 15,000 to about 15,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a plastics processing machine operator?
Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03