Objective To improve the wear resistance performance of 304 stainless steel. Methods A Mo alloying layer was formed on the surface of 304 stainless steel using the double-glow plasma alloying technique. The composition distribution and phase structure of the modified layer were analyzed. The hardness, the cross-section morphology of wear scar and friction, and the wear properties of substrate and Mo alloying layer were compared, respectively. Results The Mo alloying layer prepared was homogeneous and compact, and the thickness of the alloying layer was about 9. 6 滋m. The layer mainly consisted of Mo, and the Mo element in the alloying layer showed a gradient distribution from the surface to the underlying substrate. The average surface microhardness value was about 806HV0. 05. Under dry friction conditions, the wear rate of 304 stainless substrate was about 84 times higher relative to that of the Mo alloying layer, leading to significantly improved wear resistance. Conclusion Double-glow plasma molybdenizing technique could effectively improve the anti-wear properties of the 304 stainless steel.