Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic
Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Table of contents
What they do
Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
- Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
- Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed, and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
Typical day
On a daily basis, DC Casting Operators turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed, and feed rates, and to set cycle times. They set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
A typical day for a Molding, Coremaking and Casting Machine Setter, Operator and Tender, Metal and Plastic will also include:
- Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
- Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
- Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
- Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, DC Casting Operators also clamp metal and plywood strips around dies or patterns to form molds. They may also shape molds to specified contours, using sand, and trowels, and related tools.
On a weekly to monthly basis, DC Casting Operators repair or replace damaged molds, pipes, belts, chains, or other equipment, using hand tools, hand-powered presses, or jib cranes. They might also select and install blades, tools, or other attachments for each operation.
In addition, they adjust equipment and workpiece holding fixtures, such as mold frames, tubs, and cutting tables, to ensure proper functioning.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them pull level and toggle latches to fill molds, regulate tension on sheeting, and release mold covers.
To some DC Casting Operators, it is also their responsibility to remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
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What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
58% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week).
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $23,500 to $27,620 per year or $11 to $13 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $52,570 | $25 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $41,680 | $20 |
| Median | $33,100 | $16 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $27,620 | $13 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $23,500 | $11 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch | $58860 | $28.30 |
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $50910 | $24.48 |
| Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | $47430 | $22.80 |
| Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | $45820 | $22.03 |
| Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing | $45220 | $21.74 |
| Fruit and Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing | $43480 | $20.91 |
| Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing | $43170 | $20.76 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $42750 | $20.56 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $41970 | $20.18 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $41500 | $19.95 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Molding, Coremaking And Casting Machine Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastics Product Manufacturing | 73410 | $34350 | $16.51 |
| Foundries | 13940 | $40080 | $19.27 |
| Employment Services | 10460 | $30210 | $14.52 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 9970 | $35380 | $17.01 |
| Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 6640 | $40180 | $19.32 |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 5260 | $38560 | $18.54 |
| Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 5140 | $37650 | $18.10 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 3470 | $37990 | $18.26 |
| Rubber Product Manufacturing | 2700 | $34520 | $16.60 |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | 2370 | $33850 | $16.27 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
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Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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