Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Production
Clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, and mixed materials are molded, shaped, formed, cast, or carved into goods such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles. Work orders are read, or existing parts are examined, to decide which sections of a product to produce next. Extra material is trimmed off with scrapers, knives, or band saws so the piece matches the intended form. People who like hands-on forming of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, or stone, and finishing a shape by cutting away excess, tend to fit this work.
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$46'170
Median Wage Market Position
$46'170
What you might do
- Mold clay, glass, plaster, or concrete into shape
- Cast tile, pipes, candles, or similar products
- Carve or form figurines and other goods
- Shape food products or mixed-material pieces
- Read work orders to decide which parts to make
- Trim leftover material with scrapers, knives, or saws
Skills that matter
- Reading work orders for the next part
- Guiding molds as products take form
- Listening to spoken specs for a piece
- Watching casts as they take shape
- Trimming excess with knives or scrapers
- Written notes on finished pieces
AI & the future of this role
Hands-on forming of clay, glass, and concrete tends to resist full automation because materials behave unpredictably and need tactile judgment at the bench. Software may assist with patterns and scheduling, yet skilled shaping and casting remain central where quality and craft still matter.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details