CFChooseField
Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$45,690
Median annual pay for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

41,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+2,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Finger Dexterity
  3. 3Manual Dexterity
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Multilimb Coordination

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Controlling Machines and Processes
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Spend Time Standing
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  5. 5Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  6. 6Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Representative tasks

  • Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
  • Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
  • Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
  • Engrave or stamp identifying symbols, letters, or numbers on products.
  • Assemble, insert, and adjust wires, tubes, cores, fittings, rods, or patterns into molds, using hand tools and depth gauges.
  • Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
  • Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
  • Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.

Software and tools

Dassault Systemes SolidWorks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyInventory control softwareMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareTimekeeping software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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