Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Common Job Titles
- Caster
- Mold Mechanic
- Molder
- Molding Line Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onManipulate materials such as clay, glass, plaster, concrete, and stone into specified shapes using hand tools and molding equipment following production specifications and quality standards in manufacturing settings.Developing
- Hands-onOperate casting machines including injection molding, centrifugal, and blow molding equipment to produce consistent products while maintaining safe work practices.Developing
- KnowledgeApply production and processing techniques to form, cast, or carve products such as figurines, tile, pipes, and candles from diverse materials.Developing
- Hands-onExecute quality control inspections on finished and in-process products using precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges to ensure compliance with specifications.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze material properties and production variables to troubleshoot defects and adjust processes for optimal product quality.Developing
- Hands-onPerform mechanical maintenance and repair of molding and casting equipment using hand and power tools to minimize downtime and ensure operational efficiency.Developing
- KnowledgeOperate CAD/CAM software and computer-aided manufacturing systems to interpret designs and coordinate with automated production equipment.Developing
- KnowledgeApply time management and production planning principles to organize work activities, prioritize tasks, and meet production schedules in fast-paced manufacturing environments.Developing
- MindsetEngage in collaborative communication with supervisors, peers, and team members to coordinate workflow, share production information, and resolve operational issues.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate knowledge of mechanical systems and engineering principles when selecting equipment, adjusting machine parameters, and optimizing molding processes.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
34,750
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $34,950. 25th percentile: U.S. $38,500. 50th percentile: U.S. $45,690. 75th percentile: U.S. $51,340. 90th percentile: U.S. $61,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $34,950 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $61,050 |
| Workers on average earn | $46,730 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- English Language2.6/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Inventory control software
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
- Timekeeping software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Band saws
- Belt conveyors
- C clamps
- Centrifugal casting machines
- Cleaning scrapers
- Combination squares
- Compressing machines