Is A Career In Plastics Injection Molding Right For You?

"Is a career in plastic injection molding right for you?" 

In addition to strong job prospects, this industry can be a great choice for building your career for the long term. This is not a dirty, mundane, or dead-end factory job.

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Why Work in Plastic Injection Molding?

Plastic injection molding jobs are in high demand, and they can be a great way to earn competitive pay and benefits in just about any region of the country. Compared to other types of manufacturing, injection molding facilities also offer a clean, safe working environment. 

But that’s just the beginning of why this industry can provide a rewarding career. Beyond earning a good living, we explore three important reasons to choose a career in plastic injection molding below.

Reason #1: The Plastic Injection Molding Industry is Here to Stay

When it comes to choosing a career, it’s important to think long-term. Will a company or industry still be around and thriving in 5 years? What about 10? 20? With the plastic injection molding industry, the answer is a confident “yes.”

First, this industry has a long history, with a huge variety of proven applications that fuel a strong market, case in point contract injection molders generated nearly $17 billion in revenue in 2022. 

Second, new plastic parts are designed every day for use in industries ranging from electronics, to automotive, to aerospace, making the future bright for injection-molded components. 

Finally, because plastic parts are in demand across such a broad variety of industries, injection molding companies benefit from a diverse set of clients. 

This means your career will never be completely dependent on the health of a particular industry outside of your own.

Reason #2: The Plastic Injection Molding Industry Offers Room for Growth

High demand makes it straightforward to find a job in plastic injection molding, and even entry-level positions offer the possibility of advancement. This industry offers great opportunities for those just getting started, while also providing a number of different future career paths.

On-the-job training means working in injection molding doesn’t require a specific educational background, and you will have the opportunity to learn more skills over time.

For employees who work hard, show up on time, and demonstrate attention to detail, there are advancement opportunities available. No matter your educational background, you will not be stuck in the same position forever.

Because plastic injection molders operate all over the country, you won’t have to start over if your family needs to relocate. Experienced plastic injection molding professionals have skills that are valued just about anywhere.

Just an example of the potential for advancement…A press operator, who runs the injection molding machines used to make plastic parts, is one of the most common entry-level roles. Press operators can then advance into jobs such as quality technician, material handler, and mold setter. 

Reason #3: Skills Learned in the Plastic Injection Molding Industry Are Transferable Across Different Roles and Industries

The plastic injection molding industry can be a great place to spend your entire career, but it can also offer paths into future work across a number of different roles and industries. While skills related to operating injection molding equipment are industry-specific, you can also build skills in quality control, maintenance, and product design that are broadly transferable throughout the manufacturing sector. 

For example, a press operator can earn a promotion to a role in quality inspection, a critical job function in just about every category of manufacturing. Press operators can also advance into maintenance roles, and experience maintaining complex equipment is also in high demand across a variety of industries. Finally, while the materials and processes employed may vary, knowing how to translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective product designs is another skill set that is valuable in injection molding and beyond.