Molding Machine Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Molding Machine Operator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Molding Machine Operator in the United States is $41,765 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,821
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $37,988 to $44,935
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,550
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View as table View as graph 25% $37,988 10% $34,550 90% $47,821 75% $44,935 $41,765 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Molding Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $44,935 $3,745 $864 $22
Average $41,765 $3,480 $803 $20
25th Percentile $37,988 $3,166 $731 $18
Check out Molding Machine Operator Job Openings in the United States
Machine Operator

Acloche-Gahanna - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

LSI Industries Inc. - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

McNichols - Columbus, OH

Machine Operator

PPC Flexible Packaging - Columbus, OH

Search More Molding Machine Operator Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Molding Machine Operator Salaries

A Molding Machine Operator'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.

Top Paying Cities for Molding Machine Operators

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: $52,679
  • San Francisco: $52,102
  • Oakland: $51,004

What Skills Can Increase a Molding Machine Operator'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 Molding Machine Operator'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
$46,777
12%
Bill of Materials
$46,359
11%
Initiative
$45,942
10%
Commitment
$45,524
9%
Products and Services
$44,271
6%
Process Improvement
$43,436
4%
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Molding Machine Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Molding Machine Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$45,942$22.010%
MFG Durable$43,854$21.05%

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

Understanding how a Molding Machine Operator'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

Salary Trends for Molding Machine Operator

Salaries for a Molding Machine Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,908 in 2023 to around $37,383 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Molding Machine Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Molding Machine Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$37,908
2024
$37,635
2025
$37,383
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $37,908
2024 $37,635
2025 $37,383
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Molding Machine Operator

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

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

Find Your Next Molding Machine Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Molding Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Trillium Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Trillium Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator. Great opportunity for an experienced Machinist in the precision metal industry to join an established and growing manufacturer in Columbu... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Altium Packaging

    Columbus, OH

    Altium Packaging | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator. Location: 1917 Joyce Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Work Shift: 12hr - D Shift 7p-7:30a Columbus (United States of America). The Machine O... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Komline Sanderson

    Columbus, OH

    Komline Sanderson | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. About Komline. As a pioneering leader in advanced separation technologies, Komline has established a global reputation fo... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Luxor Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Luxor Staffing | Columbus, OH

    2756 S Hamilton Rd - [Equipment Operator] - Weekly Pay (Direct Deposit/Onsite Check Delivery) / ACA Compliant Healthcare Benefits (Dental + Vision Coverage... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Randstad

    Columbus, OH

    Randstad | Columbus, OH

    Machine Operator Opportunity. Ready to land a job with a different kind of company one where worker safety and wellbeing are top priorities. Where people w... more

    3 Days Ago

  • LSI Industries Inc.

    Columbus, OH

    LSI Industries Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Join Our Team at LSI ADL Technology. LSI ADL Technology is an Electronics Manufacturing Services company based in Columbus, we are looking for a 2nd shift ... more

    4 Days Ago

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FAQ about Molding Machine Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Molding Machine Operator?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Molding Machine Operator 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.)

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