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Plastic Machine Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... plastic sheet and film products in the U.S. Are you are a highly motivated, self-starter with a ... Job Brief We are looking for a capable Machine Operator to support our company's warehouse ...

Apply Early

Machine Operator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... plastic sheet and film products in the U.S. Are you are a highly motivated, self-starter with a ... Job Brief We are looking for a capable Machine Operator to support our company's warehouse ...

Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator Position Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible for ...

Apply Early

Operator - Hiring on all shifts! Location: Pulaski, TN Pay: $16.74/hour + $1.00/hour shift premium ... Join our team at a leading automotive plastic injection molding facility in Pulaski, TN. What You ...

Peoplelink Staffing , in partnership with a prominent plastics manufacturer in the Fayetteville, TN area, is seeking machine operators to join their team! Machine Operator Job Summary: * Pay: Up to ...

Machine Operator

Bristol, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

Retrieve all packaging and safety supplies as needed (Pallets, cardboard, plastic wrap, gloves, etc ... machine tools including the set-up and the selection of the proper operating parameters. Why ...

Machine Operator

Bristol, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Retrieve all packaging and safety supplies as needed (Pallets, cardboard, plastic wrap, gloves, etc ... machine tools including the set-up and the selection of the proper operating parameters. Why ...

Machine Operator

Bristol, TN

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Retrieve all packaging and safety supplies as needed (Pallets, cardboard, plastic wrap, gloves, etc ... machine tools including the set-up and the selection of the proper operating parameters. Why ...

Machine Operator

Bristol, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Retrieve all packaging and safety supplies as needed (Pallets, cardboard, plastic wrap, gloves, etc ... machine tools including the set-up and the selection of the proper operating parameters. Why ...

Machine Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Machine Operator Architectural Products Group Memphis, Tennessee, United States Job ID: 525445 ... plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle ...

Machine Operator

Memphis, TN

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

... plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle ... Perform routine machine maintenance * Startup machinery for daily production * Make sure all ...

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Showing results 1-20

Plastic Machine Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$14

$17

How much do plastic machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic machine operator in Tennessee is $14.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plastic Machine Operator vs Injection Molding Technician?

AspectPlastic Machine OperatorInjection Molding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing plants, often working directly with molds
Job FocusOperating plastic extrusion or molding machinesSetting up, maintaining, troubleshooting injection molds
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in some industries, but generally distinct roles

While both roles work within plastic manufacturing, Plastic Machine Operators primarily focus on running and monitoring plastic extrusion or molding machines, whereas Injection Molding Technicians specialize in setting up and maintaining injection molds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is plastic injection molding a good career?

Plastic machine operators specializing in injection molding play a key role in manufacturing, operating and maintaining molding machines to produce plastic parts. The career offers steady employment opportunities, requires technical skills, and often involves working in a factory environment with safety protocols. Advancement can include supervisory roles or specialized technical positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plastic Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. To address these issues, operators typically follow preventive maintenance schedules, closely monitor equipment settings, and quickly troubleshoot minor problems. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams are essential to minimize downtime and ensure smooth workflow. Continuous training on new technologies and safety procedures also helps operators stay effective in their roles.

How much does a mold setter make?

A mold setter, often working in manufacturing or plastic production, typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled mold setters who operate complex machinery and have certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or chemical manufacturing, where operators may earn higher wages due to the complexity and safety requirements. Senior or lead machine operators with advanced certifications and extensive experience tend to earn the highest salaries in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with on-the-job training or technical coursework. Familiarity with injection molding machines, CNC equipment, and quality control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient production and maintaining high product quality in a manufacturing environment.

What are Plastic Machine Operators?

Plastic Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that mold, form, or fabricate plastic products. They ensure the machinery runs smoothly, monitor product quality, and make necessary adjustments to maintain production standards. These operators often work in manufacturing environments and must follow safety protocols while handling equipment and materials. Their role is crucial in producing various plastic items used in everyday life.

What is a plastic machine operator?

A plastic machine operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery used to produce plastic products, such as injection molding or extrusion machines. They monitor machine performance, ensure quality standards, and troubleshoot issues during production shifts, often requiring knowledge of safety procedures and technical skills.
What are popular job titles related to Plastic Machine Operator jobs in TN? For Plastic Machine Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Plastic Machine Operator job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,405 per year, or $14.6 per hour.
Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Regal Plastic

Nashville, TN • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

For more than 70 years, Regal Graphic's has been a pioneer in the distribution and conversion of plastic sheet and film products in the U.S.

Are you are a highly motivated, self-starter with a solid work ethic? Are you looking for a company where you can make a difference? If this describes you, we just might have the job you desire.

Job Brief

We are looking for a capable Machine Operator to support our company’s warehouse operations in Nashville. Primary responsibility will be running one of our machines, such as a CNC router or CNC saw. You will receive on the job training. No previous experience is necessary. You will be cross-trained to receive, input, sort, load and unload products and you will perform various warehouse activities.

Hours are standard business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

We pride ourselves on being flexible, but there are some things we feel very strongly about:

  • Being an excellent communicator, because you not only have to articulate your own thought process but that of your customer as well.
  • Understanding the whole business. Extraordinary systems aren't built in a vacuum - they require hard work from dedicated people across many disciplines and an understanding of how it all fits together.
  • Great teams are more than just the sum of their parts. No matter how excellent the individual players, teams only succeed when they work together.

Responsibilities

  • Machine operation and maintenance
  • Processing, packaging and shipping orders accurately
  • Organize items to company standards
  • Record and maintain inventory levels
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment

We Offer

  • Starting salary $17-$20 an hour
  • A generous benefits package including
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life, Long Term Disability
  • 401K matching savings plan
  • Paid time off

Requirements

  • Must be dependable, hardworking and maintain a positive attitude
  • Ability to lift or move heavy products
  • Good attendance record
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks
  • High school diploma

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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