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How to become foundry mold and coremakerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$48,110
25th–75th pct. $41,870–$57,350
Top pay (est.)
$81,400
Top 10% $62,640
Pay in 5 years
$54,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$60,500est.
$52,000–$70,300
Outlook score
28/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
34%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−23.0%
800 openings / yr

How to become foundry mold and coremakers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Foundry Mold and Coremakers

Key skills

Monitoring
2.6
Time Management
2.5
Critical Thinking
2.5
Coordination
2.5
Operation and Control
2.4
Operations Monitoring
2.4
Judgment and Decision Making
2.2
Active Listening
2.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.0
Education and Training
4.0
Production and Processing
3.9
Chemistry
3.5
Engineering and Technology
3.3
Physics
3.3
Design
3.2
Building and Construction
3.0

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Manual DexterityStatic StrengthReaction TimeTrunk StrengthArm-Hand SteadinessNear Vision

Education of workers

High school diploma
64%
Less than high school
36%

Training before entry

None / short demo
36%
3–6 months
25%
1–3 months
18%
Over 10 years
11%
6–12 months
6%
Up to 1 month
4%

Related work experience

None
56%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
12%
Over 10 years
11%
1–2 years
5%
1–3 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as foundry mold and coremakers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.