Pourers and casters, metal
SOC Code: 51-4052Also known as:
Aluminum Pourer, Billet Header, Brass Pourer, Buggy Ladle Tender, Bull Ladle Tender
Median Annual Salary
$48,940
-4.7% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Pourers and casters, metal Do
Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
💰 Salary
$48,940
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,900
Projected Employment (2034)
5,700
Related Careers
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$49,240 •
-18.9% growth
Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,630 •
-8.3% growth
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$41,230 •
-3.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.
- Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.
- Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.
- Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.
- Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.
- Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.
- Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.
- Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.
- Transport metal ingots to storage areas, using forklifts.
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 pourers and casters, metal make?
The median annual salary for pourers and casters, metal is $48,940.
What education do pourers and casters, metal need?
Most pourers and casters, metal positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming a pourers and casters, metal a good career choice?
Pourers and casters, metal is projected to see -4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for pourers and casters, metal?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to pourers and casters, metal?
Pourers and casters, metal may also be known as: Aluminum Pourer, Billet Header, Brass Pourer, Buggy Ladle Tender, Bull Ladle Tender, Busher, Caster, Casting Machine Operator, Casting Operator, DC Caster (Direct Chill Caster), DCO (Die Cast Operator), Die Cast Machine Operator, Die Casting Machine Operator, Header, Ingot Caster, Ingot Header, Iron Pourer, Ladle Car Operator, Ladle Filler, Ladle Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.