How much does a molding operator make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical molding operator in the United States makes $45,760 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a work order, load material, set the machine’s speed and heat, then watch gauges and lights as it shapes each item. They measure samples, remove defective pieces, clean the molds, and record production.
Did you know? A molding operator’s machine may shape candy bars, balloons, light bulbs, or insulation panels—not just plastic parts!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,630 and $63,450How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is usual; no prior experience is required, and workers learn on the job. Many start after high school, often around 18, or train through a registered apprenticeship.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, machine skills, and useful certificates can affect pay. Wages can also differ by factory industry, employer, and location; people doing more complex setups or working extra, night, or weekend shifts may earn differently.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Pennsylvania ($53,580), lowest in Kentucky ($36,180).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a plastics worker averages $30,549. Molding operator salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,630 | $45,760 | $63,450 | about 59,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $53,580 | about 2,000 |
| Minnesota | $52,070 | about 560 |
| South Carolina | $51,620 | about 2,000 |
| Virginia | $49,390 | about 2,000 |
| Iowa | $49,340 | about 500 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend machines, such as glass-forming machines, plodder machines, and tuber machines, to shape and form products such as glassware, food, rubber, soap, brick, tile, clay, wax, tobacco, or cosmetics. Excludes “Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders” (51-6042) and “Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders” (51-9196).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9041.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-9041.00
- www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2021/May/oes519041.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY