Plastics Processing and Machine Operators
(NOC 9422)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesPlastics processing machine operators set up and use plastic mixing, calendering, extruding and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They work for plastic products manufacturing companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Plastics Processing Machine Operators most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 76% of Plastics Processing Machine Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $42,350. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$19.19
Median$26.20
MaximumAnnual Pay
$16,950
Minimum$40,939
Median$61,190
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Plastics processing machine operators set up and use plastic mixing, calendering, extruding and moulding processing machines used in the manufacture of plastic parts and plastic products. They work for plastic products manufacturing companies.
Job duties
Mixing machine operators:
- Weigh resins, colorants and other chemicals according to formula.
- Place weighed materials in mixing machine and run machine.
- Monitor process, regulate material supply, and add chemicals and colorants to mixture.
- Use controls to regulate temperature, speed and other processing conditions.
- Unload mixture into container or conveyor for further processing.
- Maintain and do minor repairs on machinery as required.
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.
Calendering process operators:
- Set up and use calendering machines that change dough-consistent plastic mass into continuous sheets or films of specified thickness.
- Maintain and make minor repairs to equipment and adjust calender rollers for production line change.
- Monitor quality of material produced.
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.
Extruding process operators:
- Set up and use one or more extruding machines that shape plastic composites products through a nozzle or die.
- Change dies on extruding machines.
- Maintain and make minor repairs to equipment.
- Monitor quality of material produced.
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.
Moulding process operators:
- Set up and use one or more moulding machines that mould plastic products.
- Change moulds and adjust equipment.
- Maintain and make minor repairs to equipment.
- Monitor quality of material produced, and change machine settings as required.
- Follow formulation card to mix ingredient batches for injection moulding process.
- Maintain inventory of material and clean working area.
Sample job titles
- bag machine operator
- banbury operator
- blow moulding machine operator
- calender operator
- extruder operator
- injection moulding operator
- plastics press operator
- printing roller moulder
- solution mixer operator
- thermoforming operator
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical ability are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Several years of experience as a helper, tender or packer in the same company may be necessary.
- A statistical process control (SPC) course may be needed.
- Courses in hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics systems may be necessary for moulding process operators.
Other considerations
Movement among the various operators in this unit is possible. Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Southern
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
55-64
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$38,102 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,227 median annual incomeLess than high school
$31,850 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$50,568 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.