Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
SOC code 51-9195 · O*NET-SOC 51-9195.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$46,170
a year
Hourly
$22.20
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$47,500
$22.84 per hour
Middle 50%
$39,280 – $53,000
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$35,850 – $61,530
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
33,190
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $35,850
- $17.24/hr
- 25th percentile
- $39,280
- $18.88/hr
- Median percentile
- $46,170
- $22.20/hr
- 75th percentile
- $53,000
- $25.48/hr
- 90th percentile
- $61,530
- $29.58/hr
What do molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
- 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.
- Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic earn?
The national median is $46,170 a year. The full range runs from $35,850 at the 10th percentile to $61,530 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension2.9/5
- Active Listening2.9/5
- Speaking2.8/5
- Monitoring2.8/5
- Writing2.6/5
- Critical Thinking2.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- English Language2.6/5
- Mathematics2.6/5
- Engineering and Technology2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Social Perceptiveness.