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Injection Molding information

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$12

$23

$32

How much do injection molding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for injection molding in Iowa is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the typical injection molding salary?

The average salary for an injection molding technician or operator ranges from $35,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled workers with advanced knowledge of machinery and quality control can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

Is injection molding a good career?

Injection molding is a viable manufacturing career that involves operating and maintaining plastic molding machines, requiring technical skills and attention to safety. It offers opportunities for advancement, especially with experience and certifications, and typically involves working in a factory environment with standard shifts. Job stability depends on industry demand and automation levels, but it remains a steady option in manufacturing sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Injection Molding Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Injection Molding Technician, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical aptitude, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with injection molding machines, quality control systems, and troubleshooting tools, as well as certifications like RJG or Paulson Training, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing downtime, and ensuring efficient, safe production operations.

What are some common challenges faced by injection molding technicians, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Injection molding technicians often encounter challenges such as material inconsistencies, machine malfunctions, and maintaining strict quality standards. Addressing these issues requires a strong understanding of machinery operation, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Collaborating closely with maintenance teams and quality control specialists helps resolve technical issues quickly and ensures production runs smoothly. Proactively performing regular equipment checks and staying updated on best practices can significantly minimize downtime and defects.

What is the difference between Injection Molding vs Mold Technician?

AspectInjection MoldingMold Technician
Primary RoleDesign, operate, and optimize plastic injection molding machinesMaintain, repair, and troubleshoot molds and molding equipment
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of plastics, machinery operation, safety protocolsMechanical skills, mold maintenance certifications, troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants with injection molding machinesManufacturing facilities, mold shops, production lines
Industry UsagePlastic manufacturing, automotive, packagingPlastic parts production, mold maintenance services

Injection Molding and Mold Technician roles are closely related in the plastics industry. Injection Molding focuses on operating and optimizing molding machines, while Mold Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing molds. Both roles require mechanical knowledge and work in manufacturing environments, often overlapping in skills and industry applications.

What is injection molding?

Injection molding is a manufacturing process used to produce parts by injecting molten material into a mold. It is commonly used with plastics but can also be used with metals and other materials. The process involves melting the material, injecting it into a mold cavity, and then cooling it to create a solid part. Injection molding is widely used for mass production of complex and precise components, offering high efficiency and repeatability.

What qualifications do you need for injection molding?

Injection molding operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience in operating molding machines. Skills in mechanical troubleshooting, attention to detail, and familiarity with safety protocols are important; certifications in machinery operation or safety can also enhance job prospects.

What is the hourly rate for injection molding?

The hourly rate for injection molding operators typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment. Skilled workers with certifications or specialized knowledge may earn higher wages, and rates can vary based on the employer and industry demand.

What Are Injection Molding Jobs?

Injecting molding is the process of filling molds of different shapes and sizes with heated materials, such as plastic or rubber, to make components or a finished product according to specifications for a wide variety of uses, from airplane and car parts to toys to medical devices. Some of the jobs available in injection molding include machine operator, fabricator, molding line assistant, technician, and molding line operator. Generally, these jobs are split between the workers who set up and calibrate injection molding machines and those who operate the machines. Most injection molding jobs are in factories or manufacturing facilities.

More about Injection Molding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Injection Molding jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Injection Molding jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Injection Molding jobs in Iowa? For Injection Molding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Injection Molding jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Injection Molding jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Injection Molding jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Injection Molding job openings:
Injection Molding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Injection Molding job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,723 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Injection Molding Technician 1st Shift

Groupe Lacroix

Le Mars, IA

$20.75 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a hands-on technician to help maintain and support our in-mold labeling (IML) plastic injection molding operations. The technician will assist with machine setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive maintenance for our injection molding machines, label robots, and associated automation systems.

This is a key role to help reduce downtime and ensure our equipment is running safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

Injection Molding & IML Setup:

  • Help install and remove molds from injection molding machines
  • Set up in-mold label magazines and adjust robot label pickers
  • Load labels into IML stations and make sure labels are applied properly inside the molds

Machine Operation Support:

  • Monitor machines to ensure proper label placement and product quality
  • Assist operators and team leads with machine or label alignment issues
  • Adjust label sensors, vacuum levels, or robot arms when labels are misapplied

Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

  • Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, pneumatic, or robotic issues (e.g., vacuum loss, stuck labels, faulty sensors)
  • Report any recurring machine issues to maintenance manager
  • Replace worn-out components (hoses, fittings, sensors, cylinders)

Preventative Maintenance:

  • Clean sensors, filters, and moving parts on IML and molding machines
  • Grease and lubricate mold slides and robotic arms regularly
  • Inspect and tighten loose wires, air lines, and fittings

Documentation & Communication:

  • Record maintenance tasks in logbooks or computer system
  • Communicate clearly with maintenance team, leads, and supervisors on issues or needed repairs
  • Follow all safety and lockout/tagout procedures

What We're Looking For:

  • Basic mechanical knowledge (gears, motors, belts, sensors, air lines)
  • Comfortable using hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, Allen keys, etc.)
  • Some experience with injection molding, automation, or IML labeling is a big plus
  • Ability to read machine instructions and troubleshoot issues logically
  • Willing to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and respond to machine downtime quickly
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet throughout the shift

Bonus Skills (Nice to Have):

  • Ability to read simple electrical or pneumatic diagrams
  • Experience using forklift or pallet jack (if needed for mold handling)


Benefits Include:

  • Biweekly pay
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays and PTO
  • Growth opportunities and on-the-job training
  • Friendly and supportive team environment

Apply