Prevailing Wage for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Prevailing wage for Extruder Operator roles is set by the DOL under SOC 51-6091, covering positions from Extruder to Extrusion Line Operator and Granulator. DOL establishes four experience-based wage levels, so the floor your employer must meet depends on both your seniority and the worksite city listed on the Labor Condition Application.
See all jobs for Extruder OperatorLook up your work address
Level 1 applies to entry-level extruder operators with limited hands-on experience, typically performing routine machine monitoring under close supervision and following established procedures with little independent judgment required.
Level 2 is the most common filing level for extrusion operators. It covers workers with practical machine-setup experience who handle standard production runs, troubleshoot minor issues, and need only general supervision for day-to-day operations.
Level 3 fits experienced extrusion operators who independently set up and adjust machines for varied fiber types, train newer operators, and resolve process deviations without supervisory guidance on routine technical matters.
Level 4 applies to fully competent operators who lead process optimization across multiple extrusion lines, serve as the technical authority on fiber formation parameters, and may oversee or mentor junior and mid-level operators.
Prevailing Wage for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers by OES area
Each shape is a DOL OES area, the unit prevailing wage is published for.
What’s an OES area?
The Department of Labor publishes prevailing wages for geographic zones called OES areas. Every U.S. county belongs to exactly one, and the wage floor applies across the whole area. A worker in Oakland gets the San Francisco metro wage, not a separate Oakland wage.
Top 10 cities · Level 1
See all jobs for Extruder Operator
See which U.S. employers are actively hiring for Extruder Operator and sponsoring H-1B, OPT, and green card visas at or above the prevailing wage.
Search visa-sponsored jobsPrevailing Wage Guide for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Confirm your title maps to SOC 51-6091
Titles like Hot End Operator or Granulator are O*NET-listed alternates for this occupation. If your employer files your LCA under a different SOC, the wage floor shifts and may not reflect the correct prevailing wage for your actual duties.
Watch the Minneapolis wage gap closely
Minneapolis posts L1 prevailing wages nearly forty percent above the national median for this occupation. Accepting a flat national-rate offer while working at a Twin Cities facility means your offer may fall short of the local DOL floor.
Exclude shift differentials when checking compliance
DOL prevailing wage compliance for extrusion operator roles is measured against base hourly pay. Shift premiums, production bonuses, and overtime cannot be counted toward meeting the floor on your Labor Condition Application.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsors with extrusion history
Migrate Mate shows which employers have previously sponsored workers in manufacturing and production roles like this one. Filtering by sponsorship history helps you focus on companies already familiar with the LCA process for extrusion occupations.
Jobs for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Jobs for Extruder OperatorPrevailing Wage by Reported Job Title
DOL classifies these titles under SOC 51-6091.00 alongside Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers, so the same four-tier wage schedule applies to each. Tap a title to see the full breakdown.
Extruder Prevailing Wage
Extruder Prevailing Wage
Extruder positions fall under SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Extruder Operator Prevailing Wage
Extruder Operator Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Extruder Operator for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Extrusion Line Operator Prevailing Wage
Extrusion Line Operator Prevailing Wage
Extrusion Line Operator is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Extrusion Operator Prevailing Wage
Extrusion Operator Prevailing Wage
Extrusion Operator positions fall under SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Granulator Prevailing Wage
Granulator Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Granulator for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Hot End Operator Prevailing Wage
Hot End Operator Prevailing Wage
Hot End Operator is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Pelletizer Operator Prevailing Wage
Pelletizer Operator Prevailing Wage
Pelletizer Operator positions fall under SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Pot Tipper Prevailing Wage
Pot Tipper Prevailing Wage
When a U.S. employer sponsors a Pot Tipper for a work visa or green card, DOL applies the prevailing wage schedule for SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). Wage level reflects the role's experience and responsibility, not the title itself.
Spindraw Operator Prevailing Wage
Spindraw Operator Prevailing Wage
Spindraw Operator is an O*NET-reported job title within SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). All roles in this SOC share the same prevailing wage tiers. The level an employer files at depends on what the role requires, not which title is used.
Stretch Operator Prevailing Wage
Stretch Operator Prevailing Wage
Stretch Operator positions fall under SOC 51-6091.00 (Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers). DOL OFLC publishes one four-tier prevailing wage schedule for the entire classification; employers filing H-1B, E-3, or PERM petitions for this title use the levels below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DOL set the prevailing wage for Extruder Operator positions?
DOL calculates prevailing wages using Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics across hundreds of metro areas. For each area, DOL assigns four wage levels based on the distribution of reported wages for SOC 51-6091. Employers filing an LCA must offer at least the level that matches the position's actual duties and required experience, certified through OFLC.
What do the four wage levels mean and how do I know which applies to me?
The four levels reflect increasing experience and responsibility. Level 1 is entry-level with close supervision; Level 2 covers qualified workers handling standard production independently; Level 3 applies to experienced operators who troubleshoot and train others; Level 4 is for fully competent workers in lead or technical authority roles. Your level should reflect the duties in your actual job description, not just your job title.
Why does the prevailing wage for the same Extrusion Operator role vary so much between cities?
DOL uses regional Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, so wages reflect local labor market conditions rather than a single national figure. The worksite address on your LCA determines which metro area's wage applies, not your employer's headquarters. Cities with higher concentrations of advanced manufacturing or tighter labor supply for extrusion workers, such as Minneapolis, post substantially higher floors than lower-cost markets like Hickory or Augusta.
What happens if my job offer is below the prevailing wage for a sponsored Extrusion Line Operator position?
OFLC will not certify an LCA where the offered wage falls below the applicable prevailing wage level. Without a certified LCA, your employer cannot file the underlying visa petition with USCIS. If a wage deficiency surfaces after certification, DOL can investigate, assess back-wage liability, and debar the employer from future sponsorship. You should verify the floor before accepting an offer, not after.
How can I find and verify the prevailing wage for an Extruder role in a specific U.S. city?
Use the OFLC Wage Search tool on the DOL website, entering SOC code 51-6091 and your worksite metro area to retrieve current four-level prevailing wages. Cross-reference the result with your offer letter's base salary before your employer files the LCA. Migrate Mate can help identify employers with a history of sponsoring workers in this occupation, narrowing your search to companies already familiar with the process.
See which employers are hiring and sponsoring visas for Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers right now.
Search Jobs for Extruder Operator