Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4072
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $41,230 and -3.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 154,600 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
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4072) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, 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 154,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.8% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $41,230, 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 Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic. 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. Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
- 2. Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
- 3. Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
- 4. Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
- 5. Read specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine setups, temperatures, and time settings required to mold, form, or cast plastic materials, as well as to plan production sequences.
- 6. Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
- 7. Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
- 8. Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
- 9. Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
- 10. Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 32%, 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 Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 3.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 154,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $41,230, 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 Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
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).