Plastics are responsible for so many of the things we enjoy in our modern lives, from sports to shelter and transportation, and it’s the men and women of the plastics industry who make it possible. The plastics workforce is key to the competitiveness of the global marketplace, and here in the U.S. the industry employs nearly 900,000 people. Learn more about training for a career in plastics manufacturing.
Career Examples
- Maintenance technician – plastic injection mold repair
- Mold maker – injection molding
- Process technician – plastic injection mold
- Plastics engineer
- Senior mechanical engineer
- Territory manager plastics
- Tooling engineer automotive plastics
- Production engineering specialist
Salary Information
As of May 2012, plastics engineers earned a median salary of $28,810 a year, while the top 10 percent earned $45,240.
Keys to Succeeding
- Ability to use programmable devices, computers, and robots
- Precise hand movements
- Adept with setting up machinery
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
