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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 May 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
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View as table View as graph 25% $39,400 10% $36,122 90% $49,304 75% $46,300 $43,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Salaries by Percentile

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
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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 your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Plastic Injection Molding Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Plastic Injection Molding Operator I (0-1 years): $42,937
  • Plastic Injection Molding Operator II (1-3 years): $48,500
  • Plastic Injection Molding Operator III (3-5 years): $56,629
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Plastic Injection Molding Operator I0-1 years$42,937
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II1-3 years$48,500
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III3-5 years$56,629
$42,937 Plastic I...
$48,500 Plastic I...
$56,629 Plastic I...
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What Am I Worth?

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.
See More Skills
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%
Commitment
$46,870
9%
Products and Services
$45,580
6%
Process Improvement
$44,720
4%
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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 May 01, 2026

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 $54,600 27%
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II $48,500 13%
Intermediate Machine Operator $45,500 6%
Milling Machine Technician II $46,900 9%

Salary Trends for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

Salaries for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $38,256 in 2023 to around $37,727 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Plastic Injection Molding Operator I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Plastic Injection Molding Operator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$38,256
2024
$37,980
2025
$37,727
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $38,256
2024 $37,980
2025 $37,727
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Plastic Injection Molding Operator I

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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