Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Molders, shapers, and casters form and cast products from materials like clay, glass, plaster, concrete, and stone. They work in manufacturing facilities, craft studios, and production shops, creating items ranging from food products and figurines to tile, pipes, and candles. The work combines hands-on material handling with attention to detail and consistency.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves preparing molds and material mixtures, pouring or pressing materials into forms, and monitoring the shaping or curing process. Workers inspect finished pieces for defects, remove items from molds, and may perform finishing work like trimming or smoothing edges. Tasks repeat across multiple production runs, with time spent maintaining equipment and organizing materials for efficiency.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you prefer structured, predictable tasks and tangible results you can see and handle. You likely appreciate practical, hands-on work with clear standards and procedures, and you're comfortable following established methods to produce consistent products.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $48,520 | $57,860 | $61,010 | 150 |
| Hawaii | $43,130 | $55,990 | $71,380 | 40 |
| Oregon | $48,000 | $52,740 | $57,420 | 410 |
| Connecticut | $44,060 | $52,520 | $58,270 | 170 |
| Washington | $48,580 | $51,780 | $61,520 | 1,130 |
| New Hampshire | $43,650 | $51,470 | $58,140 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $47,780 | $50,550 | $59,240 | 1,200 |
| Maryland | $39,850 | $50,360 | $61,870 | 110 |
| Colorado | $42,200 | $49,530 | $59,020 | 390 |
| California | $45,180 | $49,190 | $58,770 | 3,590 |
| Arizona | $46,050 | $49,060 | $50,790 | 470 |
| Vermont | $44,680 | $48,660 | $58,970 | 240 |
All 48 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Architectural Glass And Metal Technician (AGMT) — Administrative Management Systems, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-9195.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.