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For Educators: Military Resources

Foundry Mold and Coremakers

Median Salary
44,300
Job Outlook
-6%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to decline 6 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 91,800 openings for metal and plastic machine workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$25,410

10%

$44,300

Median

$56,140

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    64%

  • Less than high school

    35%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Ironworking/Ironworker

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Education and Training
  • Production and Processing
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering and Technology

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.