What Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic this way: "Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary"; "Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments"; "Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products"; "Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times"; "Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 150,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 144,900 in 2035, a decrease of 5,100 jobs (-3.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,350, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $45,225 in Indiana to $46,247 in Illinois, a gap of $1,023 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $44,350 and 0 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 17,880, which is 58.8% of the 30,400 counted across them. Illinois follows with 12,520.
Highest-paying states
Illinois ($46,247) and Indiana ($45,225) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($45,225) and Illinois ($46,247) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-4000) include Machinists, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers and Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Frequently asked questions about Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
How much do Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $44,350. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $45,225 to $46,247.
Which state pays Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
Illinois, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $46,247. Indiana is next at $45,225.
Is Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 3.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,800 openings a year.
What education do Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.