Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4072Also known as:
Aluminum Molder, Aluminum Molding Machine Operator, Automatic Casting Machine Operator, Babbitt Spinner, Babbitter
Median Annual Salary
$41,230
-3.8% growth (2024-2034)
16K
Openings/Year
155K
Current Jobs
What Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
💰 Salary
$41,230
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
16K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
154,600
Projected Employment (2034)
148,800
Related Careers
Extruding and drawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,980 •
+1.2% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers
$44,980 •
-1.1% growth
Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,130 •
+2.0% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- 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.
- Read specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine setups, temperatures, and time settings required to mold, form, or cast plastic materials, as well as to plan production sequences.
- Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
- Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
- Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
- Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
- Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $41,230.
What education do molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming a molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -3.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 15,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Aluminum Molder, Aluminum Molding Machine Operator, Automatic Casting Machine Operator, Babbitt Spinner, Babbitter, Bench Molder, Bender Machine Operator, Bit Bender, Blaster, Blow Mold Operator, Blow Molding Machine Tender, Blow Molding Operator, Bonding Machine Operator, Brake Drum Molder, Brass Molder, Bullet Casting Operator, Bullet-Slug Casting Machine Operator, Cake-Press Operator, Cast Associate, Caster.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.