As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plastic Technician in the United States is $48,772 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Plastic Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Plastic Technician'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 Plastic Technician'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 |
|---|---|
| Plastic T... Level Plastic Technician | $48,433 |
| Waste Wat... Level Plastic Technician | $54,311 |
| Waste Wat... Level Plastic Technician | $61,221 |
| Waste Wat... Level Plastic Technician | $93,753 |
| Waste Wat... Level Plastic Technician | $106,974 |
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 Plastic Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.86% |
| Environmental Science | 1.88% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 1.64% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Budgeting
|
$78,036 |
60%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$69,257 |
42%
|
|
Project Management
|
$68,281 |
40%
|
|
Resource Management
|
$67,306 |
38%
|
|
Surveying
|
$66,818 |
37%
|
|
Consulting
|
$65,843 |
35%
|
For Plastic Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 57% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Plastic Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Plastic Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $63,404 | $30.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $60,965 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $56,088 | $27.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $53,650 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $51,211 | $25.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Plastic Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Plastic Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,356 and $44,917).
Plastic Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 61.5% |
| Associates | 7.7% |
| Bachelors | 23.1% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Plastic Technician'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, 2026Salaries for a Plastic Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,139 in 2023 to around $40,665 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Plastic Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $41,139 |
| 2024 | $41,053 |
| 2025 | $40,665 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Plastic Technician roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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