Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 33% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$44,350
25th–75th pct. $37,270–$51,020
Top pay (est.)
$80,100
Top 10% $61,600
Pay in 5 years
$50,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$58,200est.
$50,100–$67,600
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
33%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−3.4%
14K openings / yr

Will AI replace Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

33%
Low
Ranked #287 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.8
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Troubleshooting
2.8
Equipment Maintenance
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
3.8
Production and Processing
3.2
Mathematics
2.9
Education and Training
2.6
Engineering and Technology
2.5
English Language
2.5
Physics
2.4
Chemistry
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Static StrengthNear VisionAuditory AttentionReaction TimeFinger DexterityPerceptual Speed

Education of workers

High school diploma
57%
Less than high school
30%
Post-secondary certificate
11%
Some college
2%

Training before entry

None / short demo
26%
6–12 months
22%
1–3 months
19%
3–6 months
18%
2–4 years
8%
4–10 years
4%
Up to 1 month
2%

Related work experience

None
22%
1–2 years
18%
3–6 months
17%
2–4 years
13%
6–12 months
9%
1–3 months
6%
4–6 years
5%
6–8 years
5%
Up to 1 month
4%
Over 10 years
1%

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

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

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.