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Injection molding technician vs plastic machine operator

The differences between injection molding technicians and plastic machine operators 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 $31,802 average annual salary of a plastic machine operator.

The top three skills for an injection molding technician include preventative maintenance, auxiliary equipment and plastic injection. The most important skills for a plastic machine operator are quality checks, CNC, and provide technical assistance.

Injection molding technician vs plastic machine operator overview

Injection Molding TechnicianPlastic Machine Operator
Yearly salary$47,557$31,802
Hourly rate$22.86$15.29
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs7,68258,108
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Injection molding technician vs plastic machine operator salary

Injection molding technicians and plastic machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Injection Molding TechnicianPlastic Machine Operator
Average salary$47,557$31,802
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $60,000Between $24,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityNorwich, CTVancouver, WA
Highest paying stateNebraskaAlaska
Best paying companyPentairDart Container
Best paying industryAutomotiveManufacturing

Differences between injection molding technician and plastic machine operator education

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

Injection Molding TechnicianPlastic Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 37%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Injection molding technician vs plastic machine operator demographics

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

Injection Molding TechnicianPlastic Machine Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 89.6% Female, 10.4%Male, 69.1% Female, 30.9%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 6.9% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between injection molding technician and plastic machine operator duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Plastic machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Assist in color die changes for use in maintaining plastic extrusion machines.
  • Operate pallet jacks and heavy machinery assembling bolts and nuts into car parts for Honda.
  • Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
  • Participate in technical support and assist validation and QA department during equipment validation.

Injection molding technician vs plastic machine operator skills

Common injection molding technician skills
  • Preventative Maintenance, 9%
  • Auxiliary Equipment, 8%
  • Plastic Injection, 7%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Calipers, 4%
  • Injection Molds, 4%
Common plastic machine operator skills
  • Quality Checks, 19%
  • CNC, 12%
  • Provide Technical Assistance, 11%
  • Mold Components, 9%
  • Lean Manufacturing, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%

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