Hopper operator vs injection molding technician

The differences between hopper operators and injection molding technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an injection molding technician has an average salary of $47,557, which is higher than the $34,345 average annual salary of a hopper operator.

The top three skills for a hopper operator include hopper cars, and . The most important skills for an injection molding technician are preventative maintenance, auxiliary equipment, and plastic injection.

Hopper operator vs injection molding technician overview

	Hopper Operator	Injection Molding Technician
Yearly salary	$34,345	$47,557
Hourly rate	$16.51	$22.86
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	30,825	7,682
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Hopper operator vs injection molding technician salary

Hopper operators and injection molding technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Hopper Operator	Injection Molding Technician
Average salary	$34,345	$47,557
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $48,000	Between $37,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	-	Norwich, CT
Highest paying state	-	Nebraska
Best paying company	-	Pentair
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between hopper operator and injection molding technician education

There are a few differences between a hopper operator and an injection molding technician in terms of educational background:

	Hopper Operator	Injection Molding Technician
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 83%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Hopper operator vs injection molding technician demographics

Here are the differences between hopper operators' and injection molding technicians' demographics:

	Hopper Operator	Injection Molding Technician
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 84.9% Female, 15.1%	Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 7.9% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 9.1% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between hopper operator and injection molding technician duties and responsibilities

Hopper operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.

Injection molding technician example responsibilities.

Assist PMs in establishing effective project oversight and control, and in proactively identifying and managing project risks.
Monitor and prepare support equipment, including circulators, grinders, etc.
Assist in tip burns, sift changes, logo changes, and machine repairs.
Assemble car parts for Nissan.
Repair molds using CNC mills and lathes.
Wear proper PPE to protect yourself from hazard material.

Hopper operator vs injection molding technician skills

Common hopper operator skills

Hopper Cars, 100%

Common injection molding technician skills

Preventative Maintenance, 9%
Auxiliary Equipment, 8%
Plastic Injection, 7%
Hand Tools, 5%
Calipers, 4%
Injection Molds, 4%

Hopper Operator vs. similar jobs

Hopper Operator related careers

Hopper Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Hopper Operator
Hopper Operator vs Injection Molding Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs