CFChooseField
Production

Pourers and Casters, Metal

Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Pourers and Casters, Metal
Download graphic

Median pay

$48,940
Median annual pay for Pourers and Casters, Metal.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

10-year growth

-4.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Annual openings

600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Employment

5,900
Estimated U.S. employment for Pourers and Casters, Metal in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
View source ↗

Jobs added or lost

-300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
View source ↗

Entry preparation

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

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

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

Knowledge areas

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

Abilities

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

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Performing General Physical Activities
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Handling and Moving Objects
  4. 4Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  5. 5Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  6. 6Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Representative tasks

  • Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.
  • Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.
  • Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.
  • Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.
  • Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.
  • Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.
  • Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.
  • Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyHusky Injection Molding Systems Shotscope NX

Sources

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

ChooseField compares fields using public labor-market and professional sources.