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Career

Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

Typical education: High school diplomaModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $46,170 Median per year · $22.20/hr Most earn $35,850–$61,530

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
  • Operate and adjust controls of heating equipment to melt material or to cure, dry, or bake filled molds.
  • Bore holes or cut grates, risers, or pouring spouts in molds, using power tools.
  • Withdraw cores or other loose mold members after castings solidify.
  • Brush or spray mold surfaces with parting agents or insert paper into molds to ensure smoothness and prevent sticking or seepage.
  • Measure ingredients and mix molding, casting material, or sealing compounds to prescribed consistencies, according to formulas.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
6% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 5,100 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing51.7%
  • Self-employed (their own business)22.7%
  • Plastics product manufacturing2.3%
  • Temporary help services2.2%
  • Rubber product manufacturing2.0%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diploma

Molders, shapers, and casters often start with a high school diploma and learn the work on the job, so you don't need a college degree to begin. Our data doesn't list how much prior experience people usually have, so the timing below is a general guide.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Build a base in math, shop, art, and science, and get comfortable working with your hands and following safety rules.

  2. Hand Grinding and Polishing Worker

    3-6 months

    Start with hands-on finishing work on shaped products, which teaches you how materials behave and how to use basic tools.

  3. Molder, Shaper, and Caster (Except Metal and Plastic)

    Varies; not listed in our data

    Learn to mold, cast, and carve clay, glass, plaster, concrete, or stone products, usually through on-the-job training at a plant, studio, or workshop.

Where it can lead

  1. Potter

    2-4 years of experience first

    Many potters in manufacturing have a certificate or apprenticeship, which builds deeper skill with clay forming, glazing, and firing.

  2. Glass Blower, Molder, Bender, or Finisher

    2-4 years of experience first

    This specialty focuses on shaping and finishing glass products, which takes more time to master the heat and timing involved.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take art, ceramics, or woodworking classesThese classes teach you how to shape materials and use tools safely, which is the core of this work.
  • Take math and chemistryMeasuring mixes, understanding materials, and following exact recipes for clay, glass, or concrete all use these skills.
  • Join an art or design clubWorking on group projects helps you practice making things from start to finish and sharing ideas with others.
  • Get a part-time job at a hardware store, lumber yard, or craft shopWorking around materials and customers builds comfort with products and basic job skills.
  • Volunteer at a community pottery studio or makerspaceYou can try molding and casting under supervision, and see if you enjoy the process.

In college

  • Take materials science or ceramics coursesUnderstanding how clay, glass, and concrete behave under heat and pressure helps you work faster and make fewer mistakes.
  • Get a summer job at a manufacturing plant or stone and tile shopA job in production gives you real experience with molds, machines, and quality checks that employers look for.
  • Join a studio arts or craft clubRegular hands-on practice builds skill and gives you contacts in the making community.
  • Learn workplace safety basicsMany employers value knowledge of dust, heat, and tool safety, and some offer short safety certificates you can complete.
  • Ask about apprenticeship programs at a local pottery, glass, or stone studioAn apprenticeship lets you learn from experienced makers while you earn experience toward higher-level roles.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for shop, art, or ceramics classes, since hands-on experience with clay, plaster, or wood makes entry-level applications stronger.
  • When you apply for jobs at factories, studios, or stone and tile shops, mention any experience with tools, safety training, or careful measuring.
  • Ask a local maker or plant worker what their day looks like and how they learned, so you can see whether this work fits you.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

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