Injection molding is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, producing precision parts by injecting molten material into a mold. This process is vital across industries like automotive, medical, packaging, and consumer goods, where efficiency and accuracy are non-negotiable. The skilled workers behind these machines—known as injection molders—ensure the quality and consistency of countless products. But how much do they earn for their expertise? In this article, we’ll break down injection molder salaries¹, exploring how experience, location, and industry shape their compensation.

Injection molders earn an average of $32,151 annually, with salaries ranging from $26,000 to $38,000 depending on experience, location, and industry.

Whether you’re considering a career in injection molding or looking to hire talent, understanding these salary dynamics is key. Read on to discover how various factors influence earnings in this field.

What Factors Affect Injection Molder Salaries?

Injection molder salaries hinge on a trio of key factors: experience, location, and industry.

Experience, location, and industry² drive injection molder salaries, with earnings spanning $23,800 for beginners to $39,400 for seasoned pros.

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	$23,800	$11.42
Mid-Level	$37,100	$17.85
Senior-Level	$39,400	$18.97

Experience

Experience is a game-changer in injection molding³. Newcomers with less than a year on the job might start at around $23,800 annually, but as they hone their skills—mastering machine operation, troubleshooting, and quality control—their value skyrockets. Seasoned molders with years of expertise can pull in upwards of $37,000 to $39,400 per year.

Location

Where you work matters. States with high demand for manufacturing talent or elevated living costs tend to pay more. Take Alaska, for example, where injection molders average $40,743 annually, thanks to its unique economic landscape. Compare that to Texas or Florida, where salaries dip to $28,278 and $27,053, respectively, often due to a larger workforce or lower regional costs.

Industry

The industry you’re in can tip the scales too. High-precision fields like automotive⁴ and medical devices demand top-tier skills, offering higher paychecks—think $34,963 on average in automotive. Meanwhile, simpler production in retail or packaging averages closer to $29,147, reflecting less technical complexity.

How Do Salaries Vary by Region for Injection Molders?

Geography plays a big role in injection molder earnings⁵.

Salaries swing widely by region, with Alaska topping the list at $40,743 and Texas lagging at $28,278.

Regional differences stem from local economies, cost of living, and manufacturing density. States like Alaska and Nebraska—averaging $40,743 and $40,292—often pay more due to demand or higher expenses. In contrast, Texas and Florida, despite bustling industries, hover lower at $28,278 and $27,053, possibly due to workforce saturation.

Cities can buck state trends too. Loveland, Colorado ($37,326), and New Britain, Connecticut ($36,423), outpace the national average, fueled by manufacturing hubs.

Rank	State	Avg. Salary	Hourly Rate
1	Alaska	$40,743	$19.59
2	Nebraska	$40,292	$19.37
3	Wyoming	$38,593	$18.55
4	Minnesota	$37,913	$18.23
5	Idaho	$37,838	$18.19
–	Texas	$28,278	$13.60
–	Louisiana	$28,249	$13.58
–	Florida	$27,053	$13.01

What is the Impact of Industry on Injection Molder Salaries?

The industry you work in can make or break your paycheck.

Automotive leads the pack⁶ at $34,963 annually, while retail trails at $29,147, tied to the skills each sector demands.

In automotive, where parts require exacting standards, injection molders earn $34,963 on average—a nod to the precision and complexity involved. Retail, producing simpler plastic goods, averages $29,147. Other fields like medical devices likely pay well too, given their strict requirements, though specific data is scarce. Consumer goods and packaging fall somewhere in between, depending on technical needs.

What are the Salary Trends for Injection Molders?

Injection molder salaries are on the rise.

Salaries have climbed 9%⁷ over a decade, from $27,663 in 2014 to $32,151 in 2025, signaling steady demand.

This upward trend—from $27,663 in 2014 to $32,151 in 2025—mirrors the growing reliance on injection molding in manufacturing. As industries lean harder on skilled molders, pay reflects their value, making this a promising field for career growth.

Conclusion

Injection molders are the unsung heroes of manufacturing, and their paychecks reflect their critical role. With an average salary of $32,151, earnings can swing from $26,000 to $38,000 based on experience, location, and industry. Want to maximize your income? Gain experience, target high-paying states like Alaska, or aim for industries like automotive.