Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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 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)

Career path and how to earn more as Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

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.