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Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salary in the United States

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II in the United States is $48,500 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,243
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,800 to $53,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,521
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View as table View as graph 25% $43,800 10% $39,521 90% $58,243 75% $53,600 $48,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $53,600 $4,467 $1,031 $26
Average $48,500 $4,042 $933 $23
25th Percentile $43,800 $3,650 $842 $21
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Key Factors That Influence Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salaries

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 your years of experience, geographic location, education 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 II'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 II 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $53,700.
  • California: $53,500.
  • Massachusetts: $52,800.

Top Paying Cities for Plastic Injection Molding Operator IIs

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: $61,200
  • San Francisco: $60,600
  • Oakland: $59,300

What Skills Can Increase a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II'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 II's salary.
  • CAD: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Repairing: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
CAD
$51,410
6%
Repairing
$50,925
5%
Commitment
$50,925
5%
Analytical Skills
$50,440
4%
Process Improvement
$49,955
3%
CNC
$49,955
3%
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How Education impacts a Plastic Injection Molding Operator II's Salary?

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).

Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

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

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.

Last Updated on May 01, 2026

Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Plastic Injection Molding Operator III $56,700 17%
Production Machine Operator III $51,600 6%
General Machinist III $65,800 36%
CNC Laser Machine Operator II $62,700 29%

Salary Trends for Plastic Injection Molding Operator II

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Plastic Injection Molding Operator II Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$42,067
2024
$42,218
2025
$42,104
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $42,067
2024 $42,218
2025 $42,104
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Plastic Injection Molding Operator II

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Plastic Injection Molding Operator II

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

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FAQ about Plastic Injection Molding Operator II

1. Is plastic injection molding a good career?

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.

2. How profitable is the plastic industry?

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.

3. Is plastic injection molding difficult?

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.

4. Is plastic injection molding profitable?

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.

5. Who is the world's largest injection molding machine manufacturer?

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.

6. How much does a plastic injection molding machine cost per hour?

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.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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