Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC: 51-4072 O*NET: 51-4072.00
Median Salary
$44,350
per year
Job Growth
📉 -3.8%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
15.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
What does a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$34,170
10th percentile
Early Career
$37,270
25th percentile
Median
$44,350
50th percentile
Experienced
$51,020
75th percentile
Top Earners
$61,600
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$34,170
25th
$37,270
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$44,350
Mean: $45,960
75th
$51,020
90th
$61,600
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $27,430 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $37,270 and $51,020
- •Salary spread is 31.0% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 150,470 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:154,600
Top Industries
Manufacturing92.1%
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing51.5%
Plastics Product Manufacturing49.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-3.8%
Annual Openings:15,900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)154,600
Current
2034 (Projected)148,800
-3.8%
-5,800
Employment Change
-3.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
Michigan
13,550 jobs$39,4903.18x
Ohio
11,050 jobs$44,8302.06x
Illinois
10,680 jobs$45,5001.81x
California
9,250 jobs$47,2400.52x
Indiana
8,810 jobs$44,2902.85x
Wisconsin
8,590 jobs$44,2303.02x
North Carolina
7,570 jobs$41,6301.58x
Texas
7,460 jobs$41,1400.55x
Pennsylvania
7,000 jobs$46,7601.19x
Alabama
5,900 jobs$39,0102.88x
Kentucky
4,340 jobs$47,1102.24x
Massachusetts
3,810 jobs$42,5701.08x
Tennessee
3,730 jobs$38,8201.18x
Iowa
3,670 jobs$45,2202.43x
Missouri
3,340 jobs$44,1201.18x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Production and Processing
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Active Listening
92%
#5
Manual Dexterity
92%
#6
Reading Comprehension
86%
#7
Multilimb Coordination
82%
#8
Operation and Control
78%
#9
Control Precision
74%
#10
Monitoring
70%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Production and Processing
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.6
92%
Manual Dexterity
advanced4.6
92%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Multilimb Coordination
intermediate4.1
82%
Operation and Control
intermediate3.9
78%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Production and Processing
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Manual Dexterity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Multilimb Coordination
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operation and Control
intermediateImportance78%
abilities
3.9/5.0
Control Precision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Mechanical
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Information Ordering
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic90%
5 shared skills
Etchers and Engravers89%
5 shared skills
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89%
5 shared skills
Crane and Tower Operators80%
5 shared skills
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders80%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Production and Processing
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Critical Thinking
- →Information Ordering
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Production and Processing
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Arm-Hand Steadiness
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Production and Processing
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
- ★Manual Dexterity
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (17)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (1)
1
Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.34
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.19
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.00
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.82
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.79
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.76
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.3
Attention to Detail
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Integrity
3.8
Independence
3.8
Initiative
3.8
Stress Tolerance
3.8
Analytical Thinking
3.7
Self-Control
3.6
Achievement/Effort
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 54 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 4 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: MI (8) , IL (6) , IN (5) , PA (5) , TX (5)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.3k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
984 program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
891 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
870 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
821 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
781 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
731 program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
695 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
679 program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
601 program completions/year