Also called: Extruder Operator (Pet Food), Kibble Production Operator
Runs the giant cooker-extruders that turn dough made of grains, meat and vitamins into dry dog and cat kibble.
Checks the recipe on the control screen, adjusts steam, water and die speed so kibble comes out the right shape and density, and pulls samples every hour to test moisture and size. When a jam happens you shut down, clear it and restart. Plants run around the clock.
Estimate based on food batchmakers and machine operators.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school diploma plus on-the-job training; mechanical skills help.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average. Pet food production keeps growing.
Medium risk for 10 years. Smarter controls run more of the line, so fewer operators are needed, but troubleshooting stays human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply for production or extrusion operator trainee jobs at a pet food plant; most train you on the line
Classes: Chemistry, Manufacturing or ag mechanics CTE, Math.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.