How to become a Plastics Factory Worker

Performs routine tasks in manufacturing plastic goods.

Main tasks

• Feeds raw plastic materials into machines and removes finished products
• Brushes and sprays release agents onto moulds to assist with the removal of moulded products
• Stops moulding machines and discharges contents
• Inspects finished products for defects, removes from production line, and reports the findings
• Assists supervisor and machine operators with the plastic manufacturing processes
• May smooth rough edges of moulded products using files, grinders and sanders
• May build up layers of fibreglass and resin on moulds

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Polymer Processing (PMB30121); Certificate IV in Polymer Technology (PMB40121); Diploma of Polymer Technology (PMB50121); Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208); Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (MSM30116); Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology (MSA40108); Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology (MSM20216); Certificate II in Polymer Processing (PMB20121)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $83,668 a year
• About 1,500 people work in this job group now, and about 1,500 are projected by 2035. (+3.2%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Cement and Concrete Plant Worker
• Chemical Plant Worker
• Fabric and Textile Factory Worker
• Glass Processing Worker
• Metal Engineering Process Worker
• Paper and Pulp Process Worker

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Plastics Factory Worker?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Polymer Processing; Certificate IV in Polymer Technology.

How much does a Plastics Factory Worker earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $83,668 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Plastics Factory Worker a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 1,500 to about 1,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Plastics Factory Worker?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Polymer Processing; Certificate IV in Polymer Technology.

Will AI change the work of a Plastics Factory Worker?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04