As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II in the United States is $48,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,700 | $4,475 | $1,033 | $26 |
| Average | $48,600 | $4,050 | $935 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
A Plastic Injection Molding Operator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 7.05% |
| Repairing | 2.85% |
| Hydraulics | 1.57% |
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 II's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| CAD | $51,516 | |
| Repairing | $51,030 | |
| Commitment | $51,030 |
Plastic Injection Molding Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,752. While startup companies pay approximate $46,378.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $46,378 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,026 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $52,889 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $54,752 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Plastic Injection Molding Operator IIs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II with a No Diploma is between $47,018 and $50,394).
| Typical Education for Plastic Injection Molding Operator II | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 10.0% |
| High School | 66.7% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 6.7% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,700 | $4,475 | $1,033 | $26 |
| Average | $48,600 | $4,050 | $935 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II, 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,700 | 17% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,700 | 6% |
| General Machinist III | $65,800 | 35% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator III | $62,800 | 29% |
Salaries for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Plastic Injection Molding Operator II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Plastic Injection Molding Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Yes, plastic injection molding is a promising career choice. With salaries ranging from $45,700 to $58,000, it offers competitive compensation. The industry thrives on high demand for its efficiency and precision in producing complex parts, making it a stable and rewarding field to enter.
The plastic industry shows strong profitability, with a market value of approximately USD 598.76 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 827.12 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of about 4.12%. For those working as Plastic Injection Molding Operators, salaries range from $45,700 to $58,000, reflecting the industry's demand for skilled labor.
Plastic injection molding can be challenging due to factors like tight tolerances, material selection, and the need for precision in molds and machines. Operators must navigate these complexities, which can impact the quality of the final product. Despite the challenges, the role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $45,700, a mid-range of $51,600, and a maximum of $58,000.
The profitability of plastic injection molding largely depends on production volume. For large-scale orders, it can be quite lucrative, with operators earning between $45,700 and $58,000 annually. However, small quantity orders may yield lower profits due to high mold design and tooling costs, impacting overall profitability.
Headquartered in Austria and with 9 locations worldwide, ENGEL is the world's leading manufacturer of plastic injection molding machines. They provide a variety of services alongside machine building. For those considering a career as a Plastic Injection Molding Operator, salaries typically range from $45,700 to $58,000, with a mid-point around $51,600.
The cost of a plastic injection molding machine can vary significantly, typically ranging from $20.00 to $328.90 per hour, depending on factors like machine tonnage. Additionally, the salary for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator ranges from $45,700 to $58,000 annually, which can influence overall production costs.
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