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Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I in the United States is $43,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,304
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,400 to $46,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,122

Key Factors That Influence Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salaries

A Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Plastic Injection Molding Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $47,600.
  • California: $47,400.
  • Massachusetts: $46,800.

Top Paying Cities for Plastic Injection Molding Operator Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $54,200
  • San Francisco: $53,600
  • Oakland: $52,500

What Skills Can Increase a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 7.05% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Repairing (Mentioned in 2.85% Job Postings): To put something that is damaged, broken, or not working correctly, back into good condition or make it work again.
  • Hydraulics (Mentioned in 1.57% Job Postings): Hydraulics is a technology and applied science using engineering, chemistry, and other sciences involving the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 7.05%
Repairing 2.85%
Hydraulics 1.57%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Bill of Materials: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Initiative: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $48,160
12%
Bill of Materials $47,730
11%
Initiative $47,300
10%

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,443. While startup companies pay approximate $41,034.

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,034
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,377
Established 501~5000 $46,795
Enterprise 5000+ $48,443

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Plastic Injection Molding Operator I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Plastic Injection Molding Operator positions in Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Plastic Injection Molding Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$47,300$23.010%
MFG Durable$45,150$22.05%

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$39,400
Average $43,000/year
$46,300
$3,283
Average $3,583/month
$3,858
$758
Average $827/week
$890
$19
Average $21/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,300 $3,858 $890 $22
Average $43,000 $3,583 $827 $21
25th Percentile $39,400 $3,283 $758 $19

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extruder Operator II $54,700 27%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,600 13%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 6%
Milling Machine Technician II $52,200 21%

Most common benefits for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

Here are companies hiring for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Is plastic injection molding difficult?

Plastic injection molding can be challenging, especially when dealing with small, complex parts that require intricate designs to achieve irregular geometries. Operators in this field earn between $39,400 and $49,200, with a median salary of $44,100, reflecting the skill and precision needed to navigate these manufacturing challenges effectively.

3. What does an injection mold operator do?

An Injection Mold Operator is responsible for managing the injection molding process, which includes changing molds, setting up machines, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining equipment. The role ensures efficient production and quality control. Salary ranges for this position typically fall between $39,400 and $49,200, with a mid-range salary of $44,100.

4. Is injection molding a good career?

Plastic injection molding can be a rewarding career choice, offering competitive salaries ranging from $39,400 to $49,200, with a mid-salary of $44,100. The demand for skilled operators is high, providing opportunities for job stability and growth in various regions across the country.

5. Is plastic injection molding a good career?

Yes, plastic injection molding can be a good career choice. The industry is growing, and operators can expect salaries ranging from $39,400 to $49,200, with a median salary of $44,100. While the field is evolving with automation, it still offers stable job opportunities in the U.S.

6. What is better than injection molding?

While injection molding is ideal for producing complex parts, thermoforming excels in creating high-quality finished products. It is particularly effective for large-scale manufacturing and offers an efficient, cost-effective molding process. For those considering a career in this field, salaries for Plastic Injection Molding Operators range from $39,400 to $49,200, with a midpoint of $44,100.

7. Is plastic injection molding profitable?

The profitability of plastic injection molding largely depends on production volume. For large orders, it can be quite lucrative, while small quantities may yield limited profit due to high mold design and tooling costs. Operators in this field typically earn between $39,400 and $49,200, with a median salary of $44,100, reflecting the industry's potential profitability.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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