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What is a molder operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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The molder operator ensures that automatic machines operate continuously so that products meet required specifications without defects. They operate the molder to file, shape, and groove Woodstock. Also, they install cutting heads on the machine according to the pattern the client wants to cut. A molder operator creates and removes the patterns on the molder, and turns the handwheel to adjust the cutting knives, table levels, pressure bars according to depth, the position of cuts, and stock dimensions. They also examine stock to prevent defects early.

A molder operator makes an average annual salary of $39,640. That is approximately $19.06 per hour. The molder operator must possess problem-solving and decision-making skills. They must also be well-versed in raw materials, quality control, production processes, and other techniques. This all will aid the manufacture and distribution of goods effectively. They test and inspect products, services, and processes to review their quality.

ScoreMolder OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.5

Avg. Salary $31,707

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.74%

Asian 7.27%

Black or African American 9.99%

Hispanic or Latino 15.68%

Unknown 4.02%

White 62.30%

Gender

female 33.39%

male 66.61%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Molder operator career paths

Key steps to become a molder operator

  1. Explore molder operator education requirements

    Most common molder operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    51.1 %

    Associate

    17.6 %

    Diploma

    14.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific molder operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    GMP10.38%
    Quality Checks8.15%
    Dexterity7.80%
    Troubleshoot6.81%
    Quality Standards6.77%
  3. Complete relevant molder operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New molder operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a molder operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real molder operator resumes.
  4. Research molder operator duties and responsibilities

    • Require molding expect rate of part producing and achieving ISO QualityStandards.
    • Mold canoes and kayaks also flash them.
    • Handle all the chemicals alone with proper PPE.
    • Certify to run both a bobcat and forklift.
  5. Prepare your molder operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your molder operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a molder operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable molder operator resume templates

    Build a professional molder operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your molder operator resume.
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    Molder Operator Resume
    Molder Operator Resume
    Molder Operator Resume
  6. Apply for molder operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a molder operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first molder operator job

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Average molder operator salary

The average molder operator salary in the United States is $31,707 per year or $15 per hour. Molder operator salaries range between $26,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average molder operator salary
$31,707 Yearly
$15.24 hourly

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How do molder operators rate their job?

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Molder operator reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

The challenge of day to day work, being able to process injection molding machinery an make parts . It really feels good when you get a job running no one can. An the 60,000 a year is a plus

Cons

alot of stress


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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