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Mold Maker I Salary in the United States

How much does a Mold Maker I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mold Maker I in the United States is $49,672 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Mold Maker I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,148
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,567 to $53,585
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $43,740
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mold Maker I Salaries

A Mold Maker 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 Mold Maker I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Mold Maker 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $49,440
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,081
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,665
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $50,840
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,957
Levels Salary
Entry Level Mold Maker I$49,440
Intermediate Level Mold Maker I$50,081
Senior Level Mold Maker I$50,665
Specialist Level Mold Maker I$50,840
Expert Level Mold Maker I$50,957
View as Graph

How Do Mold Maker 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 Mold Maker Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $54,997.
  • California: $54,788.
  • Massachusetts: $54,058.

Top Paying Cities for Mold Maker 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: $62,651
  • San Francisco: $61,965
  • Oakland: $60,659

Mold Maker I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mold Maker I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $56,041. While startup companies pay approximate $47,480.

Mold Maker I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $47,480
Growth Stage 51~500 $50,191
Established 501~5000 $54,137
Enterprise 5000+ $56,041

Mold Maker I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mold Maker I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Mold Maker positions in Pharmaceuticals or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mold Maker I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Mold Maker I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$69,541$33.040%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$64,574$31.030%
Biotechnology$59,606$29.020%
Chemicals$54,639$26.010%

Mold Maker I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Mold Maker 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
$46,567
Average $49,672/year
$53,585
$3,881
Average $4,139/month
$4,465
$896
Average $955/week
$1,030
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,585 $4,465 $1,030 $26
Average $49,672 $4,139 $955 $24
25th Percentile $46,567 $3,881 $896 $22

Mold Maker I Salary Growth & Career Path

Mold Maker I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Mold Maker I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Mold Maker II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,757 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Mold Maker I

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

Common company salaries for Mold Maker I

Here are companies hiring for Mold Maker I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Mold Maker I

1. Where can a Mold Maker I earn the most?

A Mold Maker 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, a Mold Maker I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Mold Maker I is $62,651.

2. What is the highest pay for Mold Maker I?

The highest pay for Mold Maker I is $57,148.

3. What is the lowest pay for Mold Maker I?

The lowest pay for Mold Maker I is $43,740.

4. What are the responsibilities of Mold Maker I?

Fabricates, assembles, and maintains precision industrial metal molds used in manufacturing processes to meet engineering specifications and production requirements. Interprets technical drawings, CAD models, and specifications to plan mold construction and modification activities. Operates precision machining equipment, including CNC machines, lathes, grinders, and EDM tools, to manufacture mold components to tight tolerances. Assembles, fits, and tests mold components to ensure proper function, alignment, and surface finish. Performs troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance on molds to minimize downtime and extend tool life. Collaborates with engineering, production, and quality teams to resolve tooling issues. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. May require Master Mold Builder certification. Typically reports to a supervisor. 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 Mold Maker I?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Mold Maker I roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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