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.

Also Known As:

Bed Laborer Caster Injection Molding Machine Operator Machine Operator Mold Mechanic Molder Molding Line Operator Press Operator

Wages

Hourly

Annual wages for Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic in United States

Job Outlook Bright

New job opportunities are very likely in the future

United States 2034 Projected Employment

44,300

6% Change From 2024

Explore Molders, Shapers and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic video

Tasks you might complete in a day.

Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
Measure and cut products to specified dimensions, using measuring and cutting instruments.
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.
Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
Load or stack filled molds in ovens, dryers, or curing boxes, or on storage racks or carts.
Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
Select sizes and types of molds according to instructions.
Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
Tap or tilt molds to ensure uniform distribution of materials.
Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
Align and assemble parts to produce completed products, using gauges and hand tools.
Measure and cut products to specified dimensions, using measuring and cutting instruments.
Withdraw cores or other loose mold members after castings solidify.
Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.
Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.
Verify dimensions of products, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, vernier gauges, or protractors.
Patch broken edges or fractures, using clay or plaster.
Smooth surfaces of molds, using scraping tools or sandpaper.
Clean, finish, and lubricate molds and mold parts.
Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
Separate models or patterns from molds and examine products for accuracy.
Set the proper operating temperature for each casting.
Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
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.
Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
Repair mold defects, such as cracks or broken edges, using patterns, mold boxes, or hand tools.
Remove excess materials and level and smooth wet mold mixtures.

Subject areas you may need to master.

Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling - Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Foreign Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology - Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Administrative - Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Strengths you may need in this role.

Active Learning - Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
Active Listening - Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
Service Orientation - Looking for ways to help people.
Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
Systems Analysis - Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems.
Negotiation - Bringing people together to solve differences.
Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works.
Time Management - Managing your time and the time of other people.
Mathematics - Using math to solve problems.
Coordination - Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
Persuasion - Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
Management of Personnel Resources - Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
Systems Evaluation - Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
Operations Analysis - Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
Management of Financial Resources - Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
Science - Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
Speaking - Talking to others.
Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
Management of Material Resources - Managing equipment and materials.
Writing - Writing things for co-workers or customers.
Learning Strategies - Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
Instructing - Teaching people how to do something.
Programming - Writing computer programs.
Judgment and Decision Making - Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
Technology Design - Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
Social Perceptiveness - Understanding people's reactions.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
Monitoring - Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
Reading Comprehension - Reading work-related information.
Information Ordering - Ordering or arranging things.
Reaction Time - Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
Visual Color Discrimination - Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
Mathematical Reasoning - Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
Memorization - Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
Wrist-Finger Speed - Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
Night Vision - Seeing at night or under low light.
Flexibility of Closure - Seeing hidden patterns.
Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady.
Problem Sensitivity - Noticing when problems happen.
Manual Dexterity - Holding or moving items with your hands.
Response Orientation - Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
Static Strength - Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
Glare Sensitivity - Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
Finger Dexterity - Putting together small parts with your fingers.
Originality - Creating new and original ideas.
Oral Expression - Communicating by speaking.
Oral Comprehension - Listening and understanding what people say.
Gross Body Equilibrium - Keeping your balance or staying upright.
Hearing Sensitivity - Telling the difference between sounds.
Sound Localization - Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
Fluency of Ideas - Coming up with lots of ideas.
Stamina - Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
Speed of Closure - Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
Speed of Limb Movement - Quickly moving your arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility - Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Written Comprehension - Reading and understanding what is written.
Inductive Reasoning - Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
Perceptual Speed - Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Rate Control - Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Far Vision - Seeing details that are far away.
Dynamic Strength - Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
Time Sharing - Doing two or more things at the same time.
Gross Body Coordination - Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
Depth Perception - Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
Auditory Attention - Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
Speech Recognition - Recognizing spoken words.
Spatial Orientation - Knowing where things are around you.
Control Precision - Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
Trunk Strength - Using your lower back and stomach.
Category Flexibility - Grouping things in different ways.
Visualization - Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
Extent Flexibility - Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
Explosive Strength - Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
Peripheral Vision - Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
Speech Clarity - Speaking clearly.
Number Facility - Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Selective Attention - Paying attention to something without being distracted.
Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems.
Near Vision - Seeing details up close.
Written Expression - Communicating by writing.