Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Injection Molding Machine Operator III in the United States is $56,658 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $69,315
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,294 to $63,283
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,410

Key Factors That Influence Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salaries

An Injection Molding Machine Operator III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Injection Molding Machine Operator III'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

Top Paying Cities for Injection Molding Machine Operator III

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: $71,463
  • San Francisco: $70,680
  • Oakland: $69,191

What Skills Can Increase an Injection Molding Machine Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 3.46% 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.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
  • 5S (Mentioned in 1.15% Job Postings): Stands for sort, sustain, set in order, standardized and shine. 5 tips that are designed to achieve clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized workplace for a more systematized work flow.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 3.46%
Continuous Improvement 1.92%
5S 1.15%

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 III's salary.

  • Container: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Team Management: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Container $66,290
17%
Analysis $65,157
15%
Team Management $64,590
14%

Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Injection Molding Machine Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $63,974. While startup companies pay approximate $54,187.

Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $54,187
Growth Stage 51~500 $57,285
Established 501~5000 $61,797
Enterprise 5000+ $63,974

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

For Injection Molding Machine Operator III roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Biotechnology, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Injection Molding Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Injection Molding Machine Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Injection Molding Machine Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$67,990$33.020%

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

Understanding how an Injection Molding Machine Operator III'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
$51,294
Average $56,658/year
$63,283
$4,275
Average $4,722/month
$5,274
$986
Average $1,090/week
$1,217
$25
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,283 $5,274 $1,217 $30
Average $56,658 $4,722 $1,090 $27
25th Percentile $51,294 $4,275 $986 $25

Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

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

Injection Molding Machine Operator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator IV $55,445 -2%
Machinist IV $73,364 29%
CNC Machine Operator IV $71,330 26%
Packaging Supervisor $84,517 49%

Most common benefits for Injection Molding Machine Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Injection Molding Machine Operator III

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

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FAQ about Injection Molding Machine Operator III

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

An Injection Molding Machine Operator III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Injection Molding Machine Operator III is $71,463.

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

The highest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator III is $69,315.

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

The lowest pay for Injection Molding Machine Operator III is $46,410.

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

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Injection Molding Machine Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.)

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