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Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does an Injection Molding Machine Operator I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Injection Molding Machine Operator I in the United States is $42,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,227
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,398 to $46,233
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,169
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salaries

An Injection Molding Machine 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 Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Injection Molding Machine 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:

  • Injection Molding Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $42,945
  • Injection Molding Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $48,516
  • Injection Molding Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $56,668
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Injection Molding Machine Operator I0-1 years$42,945
Injection Molding Machine Operator II1-3 years$48,516
Injection Molding Machine Operator III3-5 years$56,668
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How Do Injection Molding Machine 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 Injection Molding Machine Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $47,549.
  • California: $47,368.
  • Massachusetts: $46,737.

Top Paying Cities for Injection Molding Machine 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: $54,167
  • San Francisco: $53,573
  • Oakland: $52,444

What Skills Can Increase an Injection Molding Machine 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%
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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 an Injection Molding Machine 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 $48,098
12%
Bill of Materials $47,669
11%
Initiative $47,240
10%
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Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Injection Molding Machine Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,382. While startup companies pay approximate $40,982.

Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $40,982
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,321
Established 501~5000 $46,735
Enterprise 5000+ $48,382

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

For Injection Molding Machine 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, Injection Molding Machine Operator positions in Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Injection Molding Machine Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Injection Molding Machine Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$47,240$23.010%
MFG Durable$45,092$22.05%

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

Understanding how an Injection Molding Machine 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
$39,398
Average $42,945/year
$46,233
$3,283
Average $3,579/month
$3,853
$758
Average $826/week
$889
$19
Average $21/hour
$22
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,233 $3,853 $889 $22
Average $42,945 $3,579 $826 $21
25th Percentile $39,398 $3,283 $758 $19

Injection Molding Machine Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Injection Molding Machine Operator I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Injection Molding Machine 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.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Extrusion Operator, Sr. $54,604 27%
Injection Molding Machine Operator II $48,516 13%
Machine Operator II $45,476 6%
Milling Machine Operator II $52,128 21%

Most common benefits for Injection Molding Machine Operator I

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

Common company salaries for Injection Molding Machine Operator I

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

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FAQ about Injection Molding Machine Operator I

1. Where can an Injection Molding Machine Operator I earn the most?

An Injection Molding Machine Operator I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Injection Molding Machine Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Injection Molding Machine Operator I is $54,167.

2. What is the highest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator I?

The highest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator I is $49,227.

3. What is the lowest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator I?

The lowest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator I is $36,169.

4. What are the responsibilities of Injection Molding Machine Operator I?

Sets up and operates injection molding machinery to shape plastics. Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position, and secure machinery. Adjusts machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications, and in a timely fashion. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Injection Molding Machine Operator I?

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

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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