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Computer and Networking Technology Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Computer and Networking Technology Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who want to work with physical IT infrastructure and networks rather than writing code. Use the tools below to see which computer and networking technology roles fit your background and goals.

This major is hands-on/infrastructure-focused (hardware, networks) rather than software-development-focused. Use the tools below to explore Computer and Networking Technology-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like IT Support Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Network Administrator or IT Manager. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ / CCNA, that can help you move up the career ladder.



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 to (1) Select from Computer and Networking Technology careers/jobs, (2) Find Computer and Networking Technology job listings, (3) Prepare for Computer and Networking Technology careers, and (4) Provide Computer and Networking Technology career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Computer and Networking Technology careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Computer and Networking Technology Careers - 2025 to 2035 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Computer and Networking Technology careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Computer and Networking Technology, so relevant Computer and Networking Technology jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Computer and Networking Technology Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Computer and Networking Technology Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Computer and Networking Technology careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 37 Computer and Networking Technology Jobs.
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 job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title 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 chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links 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. Can also assist with coffee chats.
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/Job

13 Computer and Networking Technology careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2025 to 2035 est.). Computer and Networking Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035 (% change) Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs

Forensic Science Technicians 13.3% Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Occupation: Forensic Science Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 13.3% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Computer Network Architects 7.7% Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Occupation: Computer Network Architects U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 7.7% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 5.9% CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 5.9% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Computer Network Support Specialists 1.2% Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Occupation: Computer Network Support Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 1.2% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary -0.3% Computer Repair Instructor
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.3% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Repair Instructor
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers -3% Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Occupation: Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers -3.3% Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.3% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers -3.4% Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.4% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Computer User Support Specialists -3.5% Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Occupation: Computer User Support Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -3.5% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Network and Computer Systems Administrators -4.1% Network Technician
Occupation: Network and Computer Systems Administrators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -4.1% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Technician
Dental Laboratory Technicians -5.9% CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -5.9% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators -9.4% CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -9.4% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers -15.5% Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -15.5% Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician

15 Computer and Networking Technology careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Computer and Networking Technology-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs

Computer Network Architects $ 134,050 Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Occupation: Computer Network Architects National Median Salary: $ 134,050 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists $ 134,050 Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists National Median Salary: $ 134,050 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech)
Information Technology Project Managers $ 116,580 Network Services Project Manager
Occupation: Information Technology Project Managers National Median Salary: $ 116,580 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Services Project Manager
Network and Computer Systems Administrators $ 99,130 Network Technician
Occupation: Network and Computer Systems Administrators National Median Salary: $ 99,130 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Technician
Computer Network Support Specialists $ 76,220 Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Occupation: Computer Network Support Specialists National Median Salary: $ 76,220 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $ 74,330 Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 74,330 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Forensic Science Technicians $ 72,060 Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Occupation: Forensic Science Technicians National Median Salary: $ 72,060 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $ 68,120 CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers National Median Salary: $ 68,120 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $ 63,890 Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers National Median Salary: $ 63,890 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $ 63,820 Computer Repair Instructor
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 63,820 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Repair Instructor
Computer User Support Specialists $ 61,860 Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Occupation: Computer User Support Specialists National Median Salary: $ 61,860 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers $ 52,720 Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers National Median Salary: $ 52,720 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $ 50,690 CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators National Median Salary: $ 50,690 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Dental Laboratory Technicians $ 49,610 CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians National Median Salary: $ 49,610 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $ 47,810 Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Occupation: Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers National Median Salary: $ 47,810 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)

15 Computer and Networking Technology careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Computer and Networking Technology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs

Computer Network Architects 4 Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Occupation: Computer Network Architects Education/Preparation: 4 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
Computer Network Support Specialists 4 Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Occupation: Computer Network Support Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Operations Technician; Internetworking Technician; IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician); Network Field Technician; Network Operations Technician; Network Services Specialist; Network Support Technician; Network Technician; NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician); Telecommunications Network Technician
Information Technology Project Managers 4 Network Services Project Manager
Occupation: Information Technology Project Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Services Project Manager
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers 3 Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Occupation: Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 3 Computer Repair Instructor
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Repair Instructor
Computer User Support Specialists 3 Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Occupation: Computer User Support Specialists Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech); Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician); Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician); Computer Tech (Computer Technician); Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech); PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician); PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
Forensic Science Technicians 3 Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Occupation: Forensic Science Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 3 Network Technician
Occupation: Network and Computer Systems Administrators Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Technician
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists 3 Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Engineering Specialists Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech)
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers 3 Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers Education/Preparation: 3 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech); Network Technician (Network Tech)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 2 CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators Education/Preparation: 2 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician); CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 2 CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Occupation: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Education/Preparation: 2 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers 2 Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Occupation: Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers Education/Preparation: 2 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Computer Equipment Repairer; Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech); Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech); Computer Repairer; Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech); PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician); PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician); Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Dental Laboratory Technicians 2 CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Occupation: Dental Laboratory Technicians Education/Preparation: 2 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers 2 Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Occupation: Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers Education/Preparation: 2 Computer and Networking Technology-Related Jobs: Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 37 specific Computer and Networking Technology job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

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



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)
CNC Tech (Computer Numerical Control Technician)
CNC Tech (Computer Numerically Controlled Technician)
Computer Equipment Repairer
Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Computer Hardware Technician (Computer Hardware Tech)
Computer Operations Technician
Computer Operations Technician (Computer Operations Tech)
Computer Repair Instructor
Computer Repair Technician (Computer Repair Tech)
Computer Repairer
Computer Service Technician (Computer Service Tech)
Computer Support Tech (Computer Support Technician)
Computer System Tech (Computer Systems Technician)
Computer Tech (Computer Technician)
Computerized Photofinishing Equipment Service Technician
Internetworking Technician
Internetworking Technician (Internetworking Tech)
IT Network Technician (Information Technology Network Technician)
Micro Computer Technician (Micro Computer Tech)
Network Cable Technician (Network Cable Tech)
Network Field Technician
Network Operations Center Technician (Network Operations Center Tech)
Network Operations Technician
Network Services Project Manager
Network Services Specialist
Network Support Technician
Network Technician
Network Technician (Network Tech)
NOC Technician (Network Operations Center Technician)
PC Repair Tech (Personal Computer Repair Technician)
PC Support Tech (Personal Computer Support Technician)
PC Tech (Personal Computer Technician)
PC Technician (Personal Computer Technician)
Personal Computer Maintenance Technician (PC Maintenance Tech)
Telecommunications Network Technician
Telecommunications Network Technician (Telecom Network Tech)


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

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


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





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
Local Salary Information
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
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

This section contains detailed external 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.






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