Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders work in manufacturing plants and foundries to set up and run machines that shape metal or plastic into finished parts. They monitor machines during production, make adjustments to maintain quality, and handle material loading and unloading throughout shifts.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves checking machine settings before production starts, loading raw material or molds into equipment, monitoring the molding or casting process for defects or malfunctions, and removing finished parts. Operators clean equipment, perform routine maintenance, record production data, and may adjust temperature, pressure, or timing settings based on quality checks. Work follows established procedures and production schedules.
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're practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable following established procedures and standards. You prefer hands-on work with machines and equipment over creative or abstract tasks, and you're reliable about maintaining consistent quality and safety practices.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $71,240 | $77,560 | $89,170 | 140 |
| Maryland | $47,840 | $63,460 | $67,500 | 230 |
| Maine | $47,580 | $59,230 | $64,500 | 470 |
| Minnesota | $40,270 | $49,590 | $57,700 | 2,230 |
| Nevada | $40,290 | $49,590 | $67,900 | 350 |
| Nebraska | $37,340 | $48,500 | $52,610 | 1,000 |
| Washington | $45,240 | $48,290 | $57,510 | 1,800 |
| Colorado | $43,950 | $48,200 | $55,970 | 2,160 |
| North Dakota | $45,650 | $47,780 | $53,130 | 160 |
| New Hampshire | $39,070 | $47,610 | $52,450 | 1,080 |
| California | $41,190 | $47,240 | $51,920 | 9,250 |
| Kentucky | $38,970 | $47,110 | $57,640 | 4,340 |
All 49 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Machining Level I - CNC Mill Operations — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Machining Level I - CNC Turning: Operations — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Machining Level I - Turning I (Chucking Skills) — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Machining Level I - Grinding I — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- CNC Lathe Operations — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations — National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4072.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.