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Plastic Molding Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plastic Molding Operator

Le Sueur, MN ยท On-site

$18.25/hr

Plastic Molding Operator The Plastic Molding Operator sets up and operates plastic injection molding machines to produce a variety of high-quality plastic products. This role focuses on monitoring ...

Plastics Engineer

Hudson, MA ยท On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Since 1968, Plastic Molding Manufacturing (PMM) has been an owner-operated leader in American-made innovation and quality. We focus on plastics molding development, thin and thick wall molding, tight ...

Molding Operator

Rutledge, GA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

The design operators and toolmakers work closely with engineering and take personal pride in the ... As part of our team, you will operate plastic injection molding equipment or clean product to a ...

Molding Operator

Rutledge, GA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

The design operators and toolmakers work closely with engineering and take personal pride in the ... As part of our team, you will operate plastic injection molding equipment or clean product to a ...

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Plastic Molding Operator information

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$10

$17

$22

How much do plastic molding operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic molding operator in the United States is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Plastic Molding Operators and how can they be addressed on the job?

Plastic Molding Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and minimizing downtime during production runs. To address these issues, operators can follow regular maintenance schedules, closely monitor equipment settings, and collaborate with maintenance technicians and quality control teams. Staying proactive and attentive helps ensure smooth operations and reduces the likelihood of defects or delays. Many workplaces also provide ongoing training to help operators develop troubleshooting skills and stay updated on best practices.

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

AspectPlastic Molding OperatorPlastic Injection Molding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, operating molding machinesManufacturing plant, overseeing injection molding processes
Job ResponsibilitiesSet up, operate, and monitor molding machinesMaintain, troubleshoot, and optimize injection molding equipment

The main difference is that Plastic Molding Operators focus on running molding machines, while Plastic Injection Molding Technicians handle maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar credentials and work in manufacturing environments, but Technicians typically have more technical training and responsibilities.

What does a Plastic Molding Operator do?

A Plastic Molding Operator is responsible for operating machines that shape plastic materials into products or parts. They set up, monitor, and adjust molding machines, ensuring the finished products meet quality and safety standards. Their duties often include loading raw materials, inspecting finished pieces for defects, and performing routine maintenance on equipment. This role is critical in manufacturing industries that produce plastic components for items like automotive parts, packaging, and household goods.

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

To thrive as a Plastic Molding Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with injection molding machines, quality measurement tools, and safety protocols is typically required, along with knowledge of production management systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help operators prevent defects and maintain workflow. These skills ensure efficient production, product quality, and safety in a manufacturing environment.
More about Plastic Molding Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Plastic Molding Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,361 per year, or $17.5 per hour.
Plastic Molding Operator

Plastic Molding Operator

Aerotek

Le Sueur, MN โ€ข On-site

$18.25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Plastic Molding Operator

Job Description

The Plastic Molding Operator sets up and operates plastic injection molding machines to produce a variety of high-quality plastic products. This role focuses on monitoring multiple machines, performing quality inspections, and packaging finished parts according to customer specifications in a clean, climate-controlled production environment.

Responsibilities

  • Operate plastic injection molding machines to produce a variety of plastic parts and products according to production requirements.
  • Monitor and oversee the output from up to six machines at a time, adjusting workflow based on machine speed and production demands.
  • Inspect plastic parts from the injection molding machines to ensure they meet quality and accuracy standards.
  • Perform quality assurance checks on parts using appropriate inspection methods and tools.
  • Package finished parts into boxes directly from the machine in an efficient and organized manner.
  • Tape, close, and seal boxes securely to protect products during handling and shipping.
  • Label packaged products accurately according to customer-specific work orders and requirements.
  • Follow all production, packaging, and inspection procedures to maintain consistent product quality.
  • Handle and move boxes of finished products, lifting 5 lbs routinely and up to 40 lbs occasionally.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area around the machines and packaging stations.
  • Follow all safety guidelines, including proper use of required personal protective equipment.
  • Collaborate with team members and supervisors to meet production goals and resolve basic machine or quality issues.

Essential Skills

  • Prior manufacturing experience, preferably in a machine-tending role.
  • Experience operating production or molding machinery in a manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on experience inspecting parts to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Ability to use inspection tools or methods to verify part quality and compliance with specifications.
  • Capability to routinely lift 5 lbs and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs safely.
  • Ability to stand for the entire shift in a production environment.
  • Strong attention to detail for accurate inspection, packaging, and labeling.
  • Reliability in following work orders, safety procedures, and production instructions.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in plastic molding, machine operation, general labor, or production work.
  • Experience with packaging and labeling in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
  • Comfort overseeing multiple machines simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
  • Willingness to learn and grow into more advanced machine operator roles over time.
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to consistent attendance and performance.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, long-tenured team where many employees have built careers of more than 25 years, reflecting a very low turnover and strong workplace loyalty. The organization prioritizes safety, with a safety rating significantly better than the state standard. After converting to direct employment, you receive 10 paid holidays and gain access to meaningful growth opportunities, with operators able to advance to higher earning levels even without prior experience. The company also supports ongoing education by offering 100% tuition reimbursement for students after one year of employment, creating a strong pathway for professional and personal development.

Work Environment

This role is based in a climate-controlled production facility that focuses on safety and comfort. You will stand for the entire shift while operating and monitoring machines and performing inspections and packaging tasks. The position requires wearing appropriate footwear such as boots or sturdy shoes and safety glasses at all times on the production floor. The environment is structured, process-driven, and team-oriented, with clear work orders guiding daily tasks and expectations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Le Sueur, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.25 - $18.25/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
โ€ข Medical, dental & vision
โ€ข Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan โ€“ Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
โ€ข Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
โ€ข Short and long-term disability
โ€ข Health Spending Account (HSA)
โ€ข Transportation benefits
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Le Sueur,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry โ€“ from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companiesโ€™ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry โ€“ from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companiesโ€™ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.