As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plastics Operator in the United States is $46,360 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Plastics Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Plastics 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Plastics Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Plastics Operator | $41,398 |
| Plastics ... Level Plastics Operator | $46,001 |
| Machine O... Level Plastics Operator | $52,172 |
| Machine O... Level Plastics Operator | $56,123 |
| Machine O... Level Plastics Operator | $81,411 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Plastics Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.99% |
| Machine Operation | 3.23% |
| Container | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$50,068 |
8%
|
|
Dedication
|
$49,605 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$48,214 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$47,750 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$47,750 |
3%
|
|
SOP
|
$47,287 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Plastics Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Plastics Operator with a No Diploma is between $44,700 and $47,709).
Plastics Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 85.7% |
| High School | 85.7% |
| Associates | 9.5% |
| Bachelors | 4.8% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Plastics 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 February 01, 2026Salaries for a Plastics Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,559 in 2023 to around $42,597 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Plastics Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,559 |
| 2024 | $42,712 |
| 2025 | $42,597 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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