Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-9195
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic carries a 34% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,690 and +6.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 41,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic (SOC 51-9195) carries an AI exposure score of 34%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 41,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,690, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic. Public companies with meaningful exposure to this occupation, such as PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA and ELI LILLY & Co, inherit a share of the same automation risk through their industry classification. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
- 2. Place glass into dies or molds of presses and control presses to form products, such as glassware components or optical blanks.
- 3. Start machine units and conveyors and observe lights and gauges on panel board to verify operational efficiency.
- 4. Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
- 5. Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
- 6. Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
- 7. Spray or swab molds with oil solutions to prevent adhesion of glass.
- 8. Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
- 9. Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
- 10. Heat glass to pliable stage, using gas flames or ovens and rotating glass to heat it uniformly.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Fine Arts
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 34%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic is projected to grow by 6.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 41,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
Key skills for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic is $45,690, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic?
Public companies with significant Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic workforce shares include PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA, ELI LILLY & Co, EXXON MOBIL CORP, among others. These employers are mapped by industry classification (SIC/NAICS) to BLS occupation-industry employment distributions. See the full employer rankings for AI displacement risk grades.
Employers with High AI Exposure in This Occupation Group
Public companies whose industry occupation mix includes a significant share of Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic roles.
| Company | AI Grade | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|
| PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA | B | 36.9% |
| ELI LILLY & Co | B | 36.9% |
| EXXON MOBIL CORP | B | 36.9% |
| JOHNSON & JOHNSON | B | 36.9% |
| CHEVRON CORP | B | 36.9% |
| AbbVie Inc. | B | 36.9% |
| PROCTER & GAMBLE Co | B | 36.9% |
| COCA COLA CO | B | 36.9% |
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).