FAQ
Molding Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a molding machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a molding machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about molding machine operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects slight decline, with many openings.
Can I advance?
Yes, to process technician.
How much does a molding machine operator make?
The median annual wage for molding machine operators was $44,350 ($21.32 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,170 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,600.
How long does it take to become a molding machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a molding machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is molding machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.4% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 13,800 openings each year. Upsides include many openings; a common challenge is that repetitive.
What skills does a molding machine operator need?
Key technical skills include machine operation, part inspection, mold changes, and process settings. Employers also value attention to detail, reliability, and focus.
What certifications are available for molding machine operators?
Common credentials include Injection molding certification, NADCA training, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Molding Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Extruding Machine Operator, or explore Molding Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4072 (Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.