Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Molding and Casting Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Also called: Aluminum Molder, Aluminum Molding Machine Operator, Automatic Casting Machine Operator, Babbitt Spinner, Babbitter, Bench Molder
Median pay
$44,350
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$34,170 – $61,600
People employed
150,470
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- 02Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- 03Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
- 04Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
- 05Read 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.
- 06Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders93% · +3%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers92% · +5%
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic89% · +4%
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders86% · +5%
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing84% · −2%
Change into molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers92% · $46,350
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90% · $45,760
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic89% · $46,170
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders86% · $46,460
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders85% · $41,330