Plastic sprayers

What does an injection molding operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An injection molding operator works with manufacturing plastic products through the process of injection molding, where melted plastic is pressed into molds to create details and components. Tasks include handling and monitoring machines, ensuring product quality, and adjusting settings to optimize production. The environment is often industrial, focusing on safety and ergonomics, where the operator must follow workplace safety regulations to avoid exposure to chemicals and high temperatures.

Salary development over time

Injection molding operators have experienced stable salary growth over the past three years, with the average salary increasing from 30,900 SEK per month in 2022 to 33 200 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of approximately 7.4 percent during the period, indicating a positive trend despite industry challenges. The increase can be explained by rising demand for skilled machine operators in the plastics industry and adjustments for inflation and market salary levels. At the same time, technological development influences wages by pushing some tasks toward automation, which may limit wage increases in the longer term. The relatively steady annual increase shows that injection molding operators are still valued in the production chain, but the growth rate is not as rapid as in some other industrial sectors.

Injection molding operator salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 33 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,500 SEK (female, regional sector, upper secondary education)
• Highest salary: 35,700 SEK (male, private employee, post-secondary education 3+ years)
• Hourly wage: 200 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month for hourly workers)
• Gender differences: Women earn on average 31 800 SEK, which corresponds to 94% of men's 33 900 SEK
• Regional differences: Lowest wages are often in the regional sector, while private employees have the highest wages

Education and qualifications

The typical education path to become an injection molding operator is upper secondary school focused on industrial programs or plastics technology. Practical experience and certifications in machine handling are valuable for strengthening professional qualifications and enabling safe and efficient work.

• Upper secondary education: Industrial program with plastics specialization, 3 years
• Certifications/courses: Machine operator training, safety and environmental courses
• Internship/trainee: Common to have internships within industrial companies
• Prerequisites: Basic technical understanding and accuracy
• Tips for choosing: Select education focusing on plastics production and mechanical engineering

Common benefits and compensations

Injection molding operators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, holiday pay, and sometimes access to wellness allowances. The work may also include shift premiums and overtime compensation depending on workplace agreements and industry practices.

Competition and challenges

The profession as an injection molding operator is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are difficulties in recruiting, yet many leave the profession. Challenges are linked to the work environment and technological development that increases automation, reducing demand for manual operators. At the same time, technical competence and quick problem-solving skills are required to handle modern machines. The job is physically demanding and may involve shift work, affecting working conditions. Despite this, job opportunities are considered large in the short term, but demand is expected to decline over five years.

Tips for aspiring injection molding operators

To succeed as an injection molding operator, it’s beneficial to have a technical interest and a precise approach, as accuracy is crucial for product quality. It's important to be stress-resistant and able to work efficiently under pressure, especially during shift work and in environments where machines require constant attention. Good teamwork skills facilitate communication with colleagues and maintenance staff, which is necessary to quickly solve problems. Being flexible and adaptable is also valuable, as tasks may vary with production needs. Finally, a willingness to learn and develop within plastics technology helps stay relevant in a field undergoing technological change.

Key facts about injection molding operators

• Education level: Upper secondary school with industrial or plastics specialization
• Salary range: 31,500–35,700 SEK/month
• Work environment: Industrial setting with shift work and machine handling
• Demand: Great opportunities but decreasing over five years
• Gender differences: Women earn approximately 94% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After 3–5 years as an injection molding operator, there are opportunities to advance to team leader, machine supervisor, or specialist within plastics production and quality control. Some choose to further their education in mechanical engineering or automation to meet technological developments. According to forecasts from the Employment Service, job prospects are large in the short term, but demand is expected to decline due to automation and efficiency improvements. The profession belongs to the group of machine operators within the plastics industry, where recruitment is paradoxical with both recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover. There are approximately 1,437 available jobs nationwide in this profession.

Common questions about injection molding operators

• What is the average salary of an injection molding operator?
  - The average salary is approximately 33 200 SEK per month.
• Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 94% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What education is required to become an injection molding operator?
  - The most common education is upper secondary school with a focus on industrial programs or plastics technology.
• What are the future prospects for injection molding operators?
  - Job opportunities are considered large in the short term, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years.
• What are the working conditions for injection molding operators?
  - Work often takes place in industrial environments with shift work and requires attention to machine safety.
• What influences salary development for injection molding operators?
  - Salary increases are driven by market demand, technological development, and collective agreements.
• Are there regional salary differences for injection molding operators?
  - Yes, salaries are generally higher in the private sector compared to regional sector.