This study aims to synthesize a molybdenum oxide coating through cathodic cage plasma deposition (CCPD), employing a molybdenum cathodic cage and evaluating both cathodic and floating potentials treatment. Structural, morphological, and wear properties of coated AISI 316 samples are investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Rockwell-C adhesion test, and ball-on-disc wear tester. Cathodic potential treatment results in a coating containing agglomerated nanostructures (spherical nanoparticles) composed by molybdenum oxide (MoO₃), iron-oxide (Fe₂O₃), Fe₂Mo₃ and Fe₃Mo phases. The coating generated by floating potential mainly contains molybdenum oxide (MoO₃) phase and shows homogeneously dispersed microplatelets with quite a regular shape. The Rockwell-C adhesion test showed that the layers on both samples exhibit good adhesion strength with the substrate. The samples treated at floating potential reveal better wear resistance and lowest/smooth friction coefficient. This shows that molybdenum oxide coating by CCPD using floating potential can be used as a solid lubricant in tribological applications.