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Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Injection Molding Machine Operator II in the United States is $48,512 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,278
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,728 to $53,624
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,372
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 II Salaries

An Injection Molding Machine 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 Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Injection Molding Machine 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:

  • Injection Molding Machine Operator I (0-1 years): $42,943
  • Injection Molding Machine Operator II (1-3 years): $48,512
  • Injection Molding Machine Operator III (3-5 years): $56,658
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Injection Molding Machine Operator I0-1 years$42,943
Injection Molding Machine Operator II1-3 years$48,512
Injection Molding Machine Operator III3-5 years$56,658
View as Graph

How Do Injection Molding Machine Operator IIs 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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $53,712.
  • California: $53,509.
  • Massachusetts: $52,796.

Top Paying Cities for Injection Molding Machine Operator II

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: $61,188
  • San Francisco: $60,518
  • Oakland: $59,243

What Skills Can Increase an Injection Molding Machine 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 7.05%
Repairing 2.85%
Hydraulics 1.57%
See More Skills

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 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 $51,423
6%
Repairing $50,938
5%
Commitment $50,938
5%
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Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Injection Molding Machine Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,776. While startup companies pay approximate $46,397.

Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $46,397
Growth Stage 51~500 $49,049
Established 501~5000 $52,912
Enterprise 5000+ $54,776

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

For Injection Molding Machine Operator II roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 50% above the average. Conversely, Injection Molding Machine Operator positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Injection Molding Machine Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Injection Molding Machine Operator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$72,768$35.050%

How Education impacts an Injection Molding Machine Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Injection Molding Machine Operator II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Injection Molding Machine Operator II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $48,772 and $52,098.

Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Injection Molding Machine 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%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Injection Molding Machine 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 August 01, 2026
$43,728
Average $48,512/year
$53,624
$3,644
Average $4,043/month
$4,469
$841
Average $933/week
$1,031
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,624 $4,469 $1,031 $26
Average $48,512 $4,043 $933 $23
25th Percentile $43,728 $3,644 $841 $21

Injection Molding Machine Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Injection Molding Machine Operator II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Injection Molding Machine 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
Injection Molding Machine Operator III $56,658 17%
Machine Operator III $51,598 6%
Machinist III $65,768 36%
CNC Machine Operator III $62,731 29%

Most common benefits for Injection Molding Machine Operator II

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

Common company salaries for Injection Molding Machine Operator II

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

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FAQ about Injection Molding Machine Operator II

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

An Injection Molding Machine Operator II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Injection Molding Machine Operator II is $61,188.

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

The highest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator II is $58,278.

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

The lowest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator II is $39,372.

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

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 moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Injection Molding Machine Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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