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Associate Degree Entry Level Careers and Jobs

Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with an Associate's Degree or Less, having 1 year or less of work experience - All On One Page

Sorted by median annual U.S. salary, including % with Associate's Degree (or less), and % with 1 year experience (or less).

These entry-level roles are open to associate's degree graduates and offer a practical starting point for building experience and advancing. For recent graduates or career changers seeking their first role with a two-year degree. Compare starting salaries and degree-holder percentages, then access preparation resources built for new graduates.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link.

This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Associate's Degree, to (1) Select an entry-level career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.

Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Associate's Degree entry-level careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover entry-level careers that might be of interest.

Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.



Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career

Leading Books About Associate Degree Jobs External Link
What entry level jobs can you get with just an Associate's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are entry level careers (1 year or less work experience) related to the Associate's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having an Associate's Degree. - 356 specific careers are listed. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those occupations that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of occupations. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:


Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Associate's Degree or less) / (% having less than 1 year experience) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)

Air Traffic Controllers / 78.05% / 54.55% / ($148,080)
Solar Energy Systems Engineers / 40.74% / 32.13% / ($122,930)
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians / 84.15% / 36.76% / ($110,240)
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers / 99.66% / 38.99% / ($109,910)
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives / 80.58% / 72.47% / ($106,040)
Computer Systems Analysts / 56.64% / 31.42% / ($105,850)
Radiation Therapists / 62.46% / 42.76% / ($105,310)
Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors / 67.01% / 62.53% / ($104,920)
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers / 47.05% / 41.17% / ($104,300)
Video Game Designers / 45.00% / 40.00% / ($104,000)
Nuclear Medicine Technologists / 68.68% / 42.91% / ($101,370)
Dental Hygienists / 75.18% / 69.49% / ($98,100)
Registered Nurses / 42.65% / 37.83% / ($97,550)
Critical Care Nurses / 35.71% / 60.71% / ($97,550)
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance / 85.70% / 45.00% / ($97,150)
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers / 100.00% / 44.44% / ($96,710)
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents / 86.55% / 44.63% / ($96,660)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists / 86.96% / 47.82% / ($95,480)
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers / 97.19% / 71.33% / ($95,320)
Police Identification and Records Officers / 75.14% / 39.28% / ($93,790)
Web Developers / 50.01% / 33.33% / ($92,650)
Signal and Track Switch Repairers / 100.00% / 62.23% / ($92,460)
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation / 100.00% / 32.59% / ($92,100)
Transit and Railroad Police / 65.67% / 55.34% / ($90,230)
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers / 42.07% / 30.56% / ($87,520)
Subway and Streetcar Operators / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($86,380)
Commercial and Industrial Designers / 32.08% / 32.87% / ($83,910)
Online Merchants / 58.72% / 37.80% / ($83,050)
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists / 57.51% / 56.99% / ($81,390)
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators / 60.66% / 49.63% / ($80,730)
Coroners / 40.00% / 40.00% / ($80,730)
Solar Energy Installation Managers / 93.70% / 75.35% / ($79,920)
Funeral Home Managers / 93.51% / 44.25% / ($78,790)
Roof Bolters, Mining / 100.00% / 97.75% / ($78,540)
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists / 90.91% / 72.73% / ($78,350)
Photonics Technicians / 81.82% / 40.92% / ($78,350)
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters / 100.00% / 80.65% / ($78,000)
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers / 89.30% / 37.26% / ($77,970)
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators / 100.00% / 46.65% / ($77,320)
Electrical and Electronics Drafters / 57.47% / 46.57% / ($76,870)
Boilermakers / 100.01% / 55.45% / ($76,410)
Customs and Border Protection Officers / 70.66% / 53.52% / ($76,210)
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers / 100.01% / 63.18% / ($76,170)
Fire Inspectors and Investigators / 95.76% / 36.53% / ($75,920)
Surveyors / 52.63% / 30.00% / ($75,440)
Film and Video Editors / 34.31% / 32.92% / ($75,420)
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film / 93.10% / 69.17% / ($74,990)
Energy Auditors / 75.86% / 31.04% / ($74,690)
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining / 100.00% / 74.51% / ($74,500)
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians / 93.42% / 43.17% / ($74,310)
Occupational Therapy Assistants / 96.81% / 82.25% / ($72,300)
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products / 66.12% / 36.34% / ($72,080)
Forensic Science Technicians / 65.60% / 32.02% / ($72,060)
Wellhead Pumpers / 100.00% / 46.56% / ($69,960)
Food Service Managers / 90.26% / 44.19% / ($69,390)
Physical Therapist Assistants / 84.16% / 80.80% / ($68,380)
Crane and Tower Operators / 100.00% / 53.05% / ($68,080)
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas / 91.08% / 43.40% / ($67,890)
Rail Car Repairers / 99.99% / 75.83% / ($67,530)
Transportation Security Screeners / 100.00% / 96.29% / ($66,770)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School / 32.71% / 31.47% / ($66,270)
Millwrights / 100.00% / 45.47% / ($65,700)
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers / 84.35% / 40.06% / ($65,380)
Hearing Aid Specialists / 43.26% / 42.87% / ($65,160)
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses / 88.91% / 58.54% / ($64,400)
Wind Turbine Service Technicians / 100.01% / 62.56% / ($64,120)
Tool and Die Makers / 100.00% / 33.04% / ($64,050)
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers / 93.54% / 46.15% / ($63,820)
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 100.01% / 31.51% / ($63,800)
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians / 77.54% / 54.49% / ($63,800)
Flight Attendants / 87.65% / 58.72% / ($63,580)
Electricians / 98.70% / 50.15% / ($63,190)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants / 43.47% / 34.43% / ($62,890)
Riggers / 100.00% / 64.67% / ($62,640)
Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters / 95.84% / 52.32% / ($62,620)
Biofuels Processing Technicians / 100.00% / 71.47% / ($62,470)
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents / 62.46% / 38.40% / ($62,370)
Quality Control Analysts / 72.10% / 71.31% / ($62,280)
Insurance Sales Agents / 53.10% / 72.73% / ($62,280)
Postal Service Clerks / 100.00% / 56.00% / ($62,130)
Brickmasons and Blockmasons / 99.99% / 37.22% / ($62,120)
Computer User Support Specialists / 48.31% / 32.44% / ($61,860)
Continuous Mining Machine Operators / 100.00% / 48.55% / ($61,810)
Sheet Metal Workers / 100.01% / 62.55% / ($61,800)
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers / 82.35% / 45.13% / ($61,770)
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons / 100.00% / 88.40% / ($61,290)
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers / 100.00% / 81.33% / ($60,600)
Postal Service Mail Carriers / 100.00% / 98.83% / ($60,550)
Chemical Technicians / 56.26% / 47.59% / ($60,390)
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 54.34% / ($60,190)
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers / 100.00% / 41.35% / ($60,070)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators / 100.00% / 54.17% / ($60,020)
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks / 100.01% / 46.62% / ($59,650)
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity / 99.99% / 67.21% / ($59,050)
Correctional Officers and Jailers / 100.00% / 77.83% / ($58,940)
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders / 98.23% / 50.55% / ($58,870)
Machinists / 100.00% / 38.18% / ($58,750)
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers / 82.43% / 61.59% / ($58,650)
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers / 99.99% / 38.91% / ($58,640)
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas / 99.99% / 53.72% / ($58,620)
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators / 100.01% / 94.65% / ($58,470)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical / 100.01% / 89.76% / ($58,340)
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors / 81.54% / 30.91% / ($58,170)
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 53.07% / ($58,160)
Bridge and Lock Tenders / 100.00% / 65.00% / ($57,700)
Plasterers and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 58.97% / ($57,660)
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($57,550)
Biological Technicians / 31.37% / 52.56% / ($57,510)
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining / 100.00% / 51.60% / ($57,430)
Tire Builders / 99.47% / 76.18% / ($57,390)
Glaziers / 100.01% / 55.76% / ($57,080)
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers / 99.99% / 76.91% / ($57,020)
Airfield Operations Specialists / 49.14% / 50.32% / ($56,850)
Bailiffs / 99.99% / 61.67% / ($56,600)
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians / 100.00% / 46.96% / ($56,550)
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles / 99.99% / 52.68% / ($56,460)
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers / 100.01% / 39.94% / ($56,210)
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers / 88.58% / 46.75% / ($55,940)
Tile and Stone Setters / 100.00% / 50.34% / ($55,690)
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators / 64.62% / 42.16% / ($55,490)
Desktop Publishers / 61.30% / 45.93% / ($55,290)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health / 31.83% / 68.18% / ($55,090)
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers / 88.76% / 81.80% / ($55,010)
Tax Preparers / 76.20% / 47.61% / ($54,920)
Automotive Body and Related Repairers / 99.99% / 70.29% / ($54,890)
Forest and Conservation Technicians / 85.19% / 50.94% / ($54,560)
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 81.40% / ($54,430)
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs / 68.62% / 43.38% / ($54,210)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers / 99.05% / 39.51% / ($53,750)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers / 92.80% / 59.42% / ($53,710)
Public Safety Telecommunicators / 95.26% / 68.18% / ($53,040)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers / 92.91% / 31.80% / ($52,720)
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers / 94.78% / 45.81% / ($52,600)
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers / 84.34% / 32.98% / ($52,540)
Cargo and Freight Agents / 69.25% / 74.53% / ($52,260)
Paperhangers / 100.00% / 49.80% / ($52,140)
Food Science Technicians / 52.50% / 67.10% / ($52,130)
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians / 100.00% / 48.27% / ($52,000)
Pourers and Casters, Metal / 100.00% / 83.26% / ($51,810)
Semiconductor Processing Technicians / 99.68% / 76.98% / ($51,430)
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters / 100.00% / 65.72% / ($51,330)
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers / 92.30% / 50.00% / ($51,320)
Animal Breeders / 95.94% / 47.64% / ($51,130)
Proofreaders and Copy Markers / 52.69% / 47.90% / ($51,120)
Home Appliance Repairers / 100.01% / 55.34% / ($50,990)
Tree Trimmers and Pruners / 100.00% / 39.55% / ($50,960)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators / 96.78% / 49.34% / ($50,690)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks / 81.29% / 32.20% / ($50,670)
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 90.27% / 50.57% / ($50,620)
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping / 65.40% / 30.88% / ($50,610)
Floor Sanders and Finishers / 100.00% / 30.71% / ($50,440)
Costume Attendants / 68.86% / 51.62% / ($50,400)
Carpet Installers / 100.00% / 31.43% / ($50,340)
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance / 92.98% / 44.53% / ($50,340)
Neurodiagnostic Technologists / 83.87% / 48.40% / ($50,290)
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.01% / 82.14% / ($50,270)
Highway Maintenance Workers / 100.00% / 58.12% / ($50,260)
Travel Agents / 85.65% / 31.99% / ($50,160)
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 62.67% / ($50,140)
Loan Interviewers and Clerks / 61.75% / 36.81% / ($50,020)
Agricultural Inspectors / 87.88% / 45.67% / ($49,940)
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners / 99.99% / 69.64% / ($49,880)
Logging Equipment Operators / 100.00% / 75.24% / ($49,740)
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors / 100.00% / 40.92% / ($49,690)
Dredge Operators / 100.00% / 46.67% / ($49,640)
Agricultural Technicians / 63.19% / 40.58% / ($49,630)
Precision Agriculture Technicians / 60.87% / 43.48% / ($49,630)
Dental Laboratory Technicians / 92.45% / 35.15% / ($49,610)
Painters, Construction and Maintenance / 98.15% / 48.09% / ($49,400)
Geothermal Technicians / 100.00% / 47.90% / ($49,230)
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks / 93.41% / 36.31% / ($49,230)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall / 100.00% / 81.05% / ($49,120)
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers / 87.75% / 44.39% / ($49,100)
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 92.88% / 48.80% / ($49,080)
Pipelayers / 100.00% / 43.07% / ($49,000)
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 92.48% / ($48,990)
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 99.79% / ($48,750)
Rock Splitters, Quarry / 81.02% / 87.71% / ($48,740)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers / 100.00% / 58.28% / ($48,570)
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 62.22% / ($48,540)
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers / 99.58% / 37.01% / ($48,520)
Models / 96.06% / 96.07% / ($48,470)
Endoscopy Technicians / 100.01% / 73.08% / ($48,430)
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants / 57.73% / 85.80% / ($48,430)
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 67.28% / ($48,250)
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers / 99.99% / 93.70% / ($48,220)
Foundry Mold and Coremakers / 100.00% / 83.14% / ($48,110)
Dental Assistants / 100.00% / 61.45% / ($48,070)
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders / 98.16% / 65.88% / ($48,040)
Fence Erectors / 99.99% / 88.21% / ($47,980)
Cooks, Private Household / 100.00% / 42.31% / ($47,940)
Bus Drivers, School / 100.00% / 90.59% / ($47,920)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 70.42% / ($47,920)
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics / 100.00% / 33.69% / ($47,880)
Helpers--Extraction Workers / 100.01% / 89.58% / ($47,730)
Medical Equipment Preparers / 82.92% / 43.14% / ($47,700)
New Accounts Clerks / 100.00% / 58.40% / ($47,670)
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters / 93.77% / 65.96% / ($47,550)
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive / 89.01% / 43.85% / ($47,540)
Motorboat Operators / 85.14% / 45.12% / ($47,520)
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers / 100.00% / 72.61% / ($47,450)
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians / 89.60% / 70.52% / ($47,380)
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys / 59.63% / 40.27% / ($47,340)
Opticians, Dispensing / 100.00% / 50.00% / ($47,260)
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 63.96% / ($47,180)
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors / 61.91% / 52.38% / ($47,160)
Construction Laborers / 100.00% / 83.68% / ($47,120)
Bill and Account Collectors / 78.88% / 52.69% / ($47,030)
Roustabouts, Oil and Gas / 100.00% / 43.99% / ($46,960)
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators / 99.36% / 83.68% / ($46,880)
Self-Enrichment Teachers / 45.76% / 33.67% / ($46,800)
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders / 99.99% / 80.47% / ($46,460)
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators / 100.00% / 51.68% / ($46,420)
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners / 90.92% / 36.37% / ($46,420)
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping / 99.49% / 87.75% / ($46,380)
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers / 100.00% / 67.03% / ($46,350)
Upholsterers / 100.00% / 31.96% / ($46,340)
Log Graders and Scalers / 100.00% / 49.41% / ($46,330)
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 36.13% / ($46,330)
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing / 99.03% / 48.34% / ($46,170)
Craft Artists / 86.96% / 34.79% / ($46,080)
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers / 100.00% / 77.97% / ($45,990)
Social and Human Service Assistants / 44.61% / 60.58% / ($45,930)
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan / 98.84% / 34.25% / ($45,920)
Printing Press Operators / 100.00% / 40.17% / ($45,780)
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 96.10% / 50.94% / ($45,760)
Pharmacy Technicians / 96.16% / 80.98% / ($45,750)
Medical Assistants / 82.53% / 81.37% / ($45,690)
Animal Control Workers / 96.15% / 42.31% / ($45,660)
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians / 100.00% / 45.45% / ($45,570)
Skincare Specialists / 78.15% / 70.98% / ($45,330)
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks / 89.25% / 85.10% / ($45,260)
Psychiatric Technicians / 68.09% / 75.29% / ($45,130)
Office Clerks, General / 99.76% / 47.07% / ($45,010)
Psychiatric Aides / 95.92% / 72.31% / ($44,910)
Light Truck Drivers / 100.00% / 99.31% / ($44,860)
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 65.83% / ($44,810)
Customer Service Representatives / 85.79% / 48.94% / ($44,770)
Photographers / 81.82% / 36.37% / ($44,660)
Library Technicians / 68.58% / 66.51% / ($44,580)
Furniture Finishers / 100.00% / 45.95% / ($44,540)
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks / 99.42% / 76.21% / ($44,390)
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 100.00% / 57.82% / ($44,350)
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers / 100.00% / 65.46% / ($44,080)
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic / 96.57% / 85.26% / ($43,960)
Forest and Conservation Workers / 57.20% / 41.32% / ($43,680)
File Clerks / 91.72% / 39.40% / ($43,600)
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 70.21% / ($43,530)
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing / 98.28% / 68.80% / ($43,380)
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators / 100.00% / 80.06% / ($43,370)
Tutors / 54.54% / 72.73% / ($43,350)
Etchers and Engravers / 99.99% / 41.69% / ($43,310)
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 78.21% / ($43,220)
Tellers / 91.68% / 92.13% / ($43,030)
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood / 100.00% / 70.09% / ($42,770)
Helpers--Electricians / 98.70% / 58.74% / ($42,670)
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand / 100.00% / 64.30% / ($42,660)
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists / 89.50% / 61.98% / ($42,540)
Conveyor Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 94.70% / ($42,420)
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters / 90.30% / 60.09% / ($42,360)
Print Binding and Finishing Workers / 100.01% / 42.89% / ($42,290)
Food Batchmakers / 99.99% / 83.20% / ($42,290)
Nursing Assistants / 87.36% / 81.52% / ($42,260)
Residential Advisors / 59.02% / 65.91% / ($42,240)
Telephone Operators / 100.00% / 45.37% / ($41,740)
Agricultural Equipment Operators / 99.99% / 61.03% / ($41,730)
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term / 55.21% / 66.44% / ($41,670)
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers / 90.54% / 56.27% / ($41,640)
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers / 100.00% / 97.14% / ($41,600)
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($41,590)
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers / 100.00% / 95.83% / ($41,380)
Data Entry Keyers / 100.00% / 48.23% / ($41,340)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 51.07% / ($41,330)
Counter and Rental Clerks / 79.75% / 74.93% / ($41,300)
Machine Feeders and Offbearers / 100.00% / 73.86% / ($41,220)
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer / 82.57% / 57.68% / ($40,960)
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials / 80.95% / 57.14% / ($40,710)
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators / 94.81% / 66.47% / ($40,610)
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons / 100.00% / 60.78% / ($40,470)
Medical Transcriptionists / 100.00% / 66.02% / ($40,410)
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand / 100.00% / 68.49% / ($40,240)
Recycling and Reclamation Workers / 91.99% / 97.72% / ($40,240)
Butchers and Meat Cutters / 100.00% / 32.98% / ($40,140)
Slaughterers and Meat Packers / 100.00% / 60.24% / ($40,130)
Animal Trainers / 98.25% / 44.20% / ($39,990)
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 76.39% / ($39,530)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians / 91.17% / 67.45% / ($39,460)
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers / 82.36% / 65.27% / ($39,390)
Demonstrators and Product Promoters / 99.34% / 99.34% / ($39,320)
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service / 100.00% / 96.52% / ($39,280)
Occupational Therapy Aides / 98.20% / 75.70% / ($39,160)
Helpers--Production Workers / 92.38% / 89.55% / ($39,070)
Concierges / 90.91% / 63.65% / ($38,950)
Driver/Sales Workers / 100.00% / 91.91% / ($38,770)
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 74.10% / ($38,760)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders / 100.00% / 99.60% / ($38,670)
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service / 96.96% / 60.95% / ($38,630)
Parts Salespersons / 86.38% / 35.11% / ($38,630)
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers / 98.70% / 95.45% / ($38,300)
Orderlies / 100.00% / 84.96% / ($38,290)
Motion Picture Projectionists / 89.90% / 90.17% / ($38,270)
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.01% / 93.56% / ($38,180)
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers / 99.54% / 78.62% / ($38,150)
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education / 62.81% / 50.90% / ($38,140)
Crossing Guards and Flaggers / 100.00% / 90.24% / ($38,100)
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand / 100.00% / 58.19% / ($38,020)
Security Guards / 98.04% / 80.52% / ($38,020)
Receptionists and Information Clerks / 100.00% / 47.01% / ($38,010)
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers / 100.00% / 98.78% / ($37,800)
Pharmacy Aides / 100.00% / 79.83% / ($37,680)
Dietetic Technicians / 93.29% / 45.65% / ($37,640)
Gambling Cage Workers / 100.00% / 57.48% / ($37,580)
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria / 93.22% / 64.36% / ($37,450)
Cooks, Restaurant / 99.99% / 83.35% / ($37,390)
Baggage Porters and Bellhops / 100.01% / 80.60% / ($37,080)
Library Assistants, Clerical / 95.43% / 72.18% / ($36,910)
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 75.92% / 78.11% / ($36,840)
Sewing Machine Operators / 99.99% / 58.36% / ($36,670)
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals / 99.77% / 54.31% / ($36,670)
Recreation Workers / 37.90% / 40.14% / ($36,560)
Sewers, Hand / 99.48% / 60.39% / ($36,480)
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants / 89.23% / 53.66% / ($36,300)
Packers and Packagers, Hand / 100.00% / 99.39% / ($36,280)
Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers / 100.00% / 84.76% / ($36,220)
Cooks, Short Order / 100.01% / 81.36% / ($35,880)
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment / 99.99% / 82.18% / ($35,830)
Manicurists and Pedicurists / 100.00% / 83.60% / ($35,760)
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products / 100.00% / 87.28% / ($35,730)
Funeral Attendants / 88.97% / 69.50% / ($35,680)
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants / 100.00% / 62.92% / ($35,670)
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse / 75.14% / 71.76% / ($35,660)
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders / 100.00% / 80.85% / ($35,650)
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners / 89.15% / 79.59% / ($35,510)
Telemarketers / 100.00% / 78.19% / ($35,450)
Retail Salespersons / 96.00% / 75.39% / ($35,410)
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant / 87.18% / 78.54% / ($35,360)
Animal Caretakers / 86.63% / 65.83% / ($35,360)
Food Preparation Workers / 95.85% / 88.15% / ($35,320)
Physical Therapist Aides / 81.30% / 72.78% / ($35,240)
Waiters and Waitresses / 100.00% / 98.56% / ($35,230)
Parking Attendants / 99.04% / 97.27% / ($35,150)
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks / 95.41% / 84.96% / ($35,070)
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials / 85.85% / 36.62% / ($35,060)
Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners / 100.01% / 72.38% / ($34,980)
Childcare Workers / 91.29% / 49.53% / ($34,980)
Dishwashers / 100.00% / 100.00% / ($34,810)
Bartenders / 98.88% / 57.35% / ($34,340)
Gambling Dealers / 100.00% / 62.42% / ($34,320)
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers / 100.00% / 93.53% / ($33,980)
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers / 98.78% / 76.80% / ($33,580)
Cashiers / 100.00% / 72.87% / ($32,880)
Shampooers / 100.00% / 93.40% / ($32,600)
Amusement and Recreation Attendants / 98.57% / 94.63% / ($32,150)
Fast Food and Counter Workers / 99.96% / 80.65% / ($31,200)
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop / 86.88% / 85.05% / ($31,200)
Dancers / 100.01% / 62.06% / (Salary Not Available)

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Job Listings for: Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

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Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career

Prepare for the "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.




Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Description: Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.

U.S. Total Employment (2025):
150,000		 U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.):
144,900
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.):
-5,200 (-3.4%) 		Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.):
13,800
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Remove parts, such as dies, from machines after production runs are finished.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Perform maintenance work such as cleaning and oiling machines.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Connect water hoses to cooling systems of dies, using hand tools.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Smooth and clean inner surfaces of molds, using brushes, scrapers, air hoses, or grinding wheels, and fill imperfections with refractory material.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Cool products after processing to prevent distortion.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Position and secure workpieces on machines, and start feeding mechanisms.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Unload finished products from conveyor belts, pack them in containers, and place containers in warehouses.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Operate hoists to position dies or patterns on foundry floors.
Importance: 59 (%) Description: Obtain and move specified patterns to work stations, manually or using hoists, and secure patterns to machines, using wrenches.
Importance: 57 (%) Description: Preheat tools, dies, plastic materials, or patterns, using blowtorches or other equipment.
Importance: 57 (%) Description: Install dies onto machines or presses and coat dies with parting agents, according to work order specifications.
Importance: 55 (%) Description: Repair or replace damaged molds, pipes, belts, chains, or other equipment, using hand tools, hand-powered presses, or jib cranes.
Importance: 55 (%) Description: Remove finished or cured products from dies or molds, using hand tools, air hoses, and other equipment, stamping identifying information on products when necessary.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Select and install blades, tools, or other attachments for each operation.
Importance: 50 (%) Description: Trim excess material from parts, using knives, and grind scrap plastic into powder for reuse.
Importance: 50 (%) Description: Select coolants and lubricants, and start their flow.
Importance: 48 (%) Description: Inventory and record quantities of materials and finished products, requisitioning additional supplies as necessary.
Importance: 46 (%) Description: Adjust equipment and workpiece holding fixtures, such as mold frames, tubs, and cutting tables, to ensure proper functioning.
Importance: 41 (%) Description: Maintain inventories of materials.
Importance: 39 (%) Description: Spray, smoke, or coat molds with compounds to lubricate or insulate molds, using acetylene torches or sprayers.
Importance: 33 (%) Description: Mix and measure compounds, or weigh premixed compounds, and dump them into machine tubs, cavities, or molds.
Importance: 30 (%) Description: Skim or pour dross, slag, or impurities from molten metal, using ladles, rakes, hoes, spatulas, or spoons.
Importance: 26 (%) Description: Pour or load metal or sand into melting pots, furnaces, molds, or hoppers, using shovels, ladles, or machines.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
Apply lubricants or coolants to workpieces.
Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds.
Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
Clean production equipment.
Connect supply lines to production equipment or tools.
Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces.
Heat material or workpieces to prepare for or complete production.
Inspect metal, plastic, or composite products.
Load items into ovens or furnaces.
Load materials into production equipment.
Lubricate production equipment.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Maintain production or processing equipment.
Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.
Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
Operate grinding equipment.
Operate metal or plastic forming equipment.
Package products for storage or shipment.
Place materials into molds.
Record operational or production data.
Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
Remove workpieces from molds.
Repair templates, patterns, or molds.
Replace worn equipment components.
Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
Select production equipment according to product specifications.
Select production input materials.
Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Skim impurities from molten metal.
Smooth metal surfaces or edges.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Adjust equipment to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Apply materials to fill gaps or imperfections.
Activity: Apply protective solutions or coatings.
Activity: Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas.
Activity: Connect components or supply lines to equipment or tools.
Activity: Cut materials.
Activity: Disassemble equipment.
Activity: Inspect completed work or finished products.
Activity: Load products, materials, or equipment for transportation or further processing.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Maintain tools or equipment.
Activity: Mark materials or objects for identification.
Activity: Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment.
Activity: Monitor equipment operation.
Activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Activity: Operate cutting or grinding equipment.
Activity: Operate industrial processing or production equipment.
Activity: Operate lifting or moving equipment.
Activity: Package objects.
Activity: Position workpieces or materials on equipment.
Activity: Prepare industrial materials for processing or use.
Activity: Prepare mixtures or solutions.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Remove workpieces from production equipment.
Activity: Repair tools or equipment.
Activity: Repair workpieces or products.
Activity: Replenish inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Activity: Set up equipment.
Activity: Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software:
HotFlo! Die-Shot Monitor
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:
Intera Systems Hawk-i
RobotWare DieCast
Visi-Trak True-Trak 20/20
Industrial control software:
FANUC Robotics iRVision
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 57.0 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 30.3 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Frequency of Attainment: 11.2 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
Frequency of Attainment: 1.6 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 22.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 17.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 17.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 13.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 6.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 5.3 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.7 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Up to and including 1 month
Frequency of Attainment: 1.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Association of Women in the Metal Industries (AWMI) External Link
International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) External Link
Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI) External Link
Plastic and Metal Products Manufacturers Association (PMPMA) External Link
Society of Plastics Industry (SPI) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Aluminum Molder
Aluminum Molding Machine Operator
Automatic Casting Machine Operator
Babbitt Spinner
Babbitter
Bench Molder
Bender Machine Operator
Bit Bender
Blaster
Blow Mold Operator
Blow Molding Machine Tender
Blow Molding Operator
Bonding Machine Operator
Brake Drum Molder
Brass Molder
Bullet Casting Operator
Bullet-Slug Casting Machine Operator
Cake-Press Operator
Cast Associate
Caster
Caster Operator
Casting Machine Operator
Casting Machine Set-Up Operator
Casting Molder
Casting Operator
Casting Room Operator
Casting Wheel Operator
Centrifugal Casting Machine Operator
Centrifugal Casting Machine Tender
Composite Technician
Compression Molding Machine Operator
Compression Molding Machine Setter
Compression Molding Machine Tender
Compression Operator
Contact Lens Molder
Core Blower
Core Carrier
Core Filer
Core Fitter
Core Machine Operator
Core Mounter
Core Placer
Coremaking Machine Setter
Corrugator
Corrugator Operator
Diamond Blender
Die Cast Technician
Die Caster
Die Casting Machine Operator
Die Casting Machine Setter
Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech)
Diecast Machine Operator
Direct Chill Casting Operator (DC Casting Operator)
Eight Arm Operator
Flask Fitter
Flask Maker
Foundry Pattern Molder
Grey Iron Molder
Hand Bender
Hopper Operator
Hot Molder
Injection Mold Operator
Injection Molding Machine Operator
Injection Molding Machine Setter
Injection Molding Machine Tender
Injection Molding Machinist
Injection Molding Maintenance Technician (Injection Molding Maintenance Tech)
Injection Molding Operator
Injection Molding Process Technician
Injection Operator
Injection Press Operator
Ironmolder
Lead Die Molder
Lead Ingot Molder
Machine Coremaker
Machine Molder
Machine Operator
Manufacturing Assistant
Manufacturing Associate
Manufacturing Operator
Mat Maker
Mat Roller
Metal Base Blocker
Metal Caster
Metal Molder
Mogul Operator
Mold Machine Operator
Mold Maintenance Technician (Mold Maintenance Tech)
Mold Maker
Mold Operator
Mold Setter
Mold Technician
Molder
Molding Machine Operator
Molding Machine Setter
Molding Process Technician
Nonferrous Metal Caster
Nonferrous Metal Precision Pattern and Die Caster
Pattern Molder
Pig Machine Operator
Pilling Machine Operator
Pipe Coremaker
Pipe Covering Molder
Plastic Cup Fabricating Machine Operator
Plastic Duplicator
Plastic Joint Maker
Plastic Molder
Plastic Process Technician
Plate Corrector
Plate Molder
Polymerization Oven Operator
Polymerization Oven Tender
Preform Machine Operator
Process Technician
Production Technician
Punch Molder
Reclamation Kettle Tender
Remelter
Rotor Casting Machine Operator
Rotor Casting Machine Setup Operator
Sand Slinger
Sand Slinger Operator
Setter
Setup Technician
Shell Mold Bonding Machine Operator
Shell Molder
Shell Molding Roller Blast Operator
Shift Operator
Shot Dropper
Spout Worker
Steel Molder
Thermoplastic Technician
Turning and Beading Machine Operator
Typecasting Machine Operator
Vacuum Caster
Vacuum Plastic Forming Machine Operator
Vanstone Machine Operator
Wet End Operator
Wheel Molder
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
2 - Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
3 - Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
4 - Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
5 - Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
6 - Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
7 - Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
8 - Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
9 - Tool and Die Makers
10 - Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
11 - Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
12 - Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
13 - Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
14 - Industrial Machinery Mechanics
15 - Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
16 - Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
17 - Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
18 - Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
19 - Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
20 - Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)

This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page