Pourers and Casters, Metal
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
Median pay: $51,810/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -4.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms.
• Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications.
• Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners.
• Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated.
• Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis.
• Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles.
• Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment.
• Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling.
What's the median pay for Pourers and Casters, Metal?
The median pay for Pourers and Casters, Metal is $51,810 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Pourers and Casters, Metal?
Employment for Pourers and Casters, Metal is projected to change -4.7% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Pourers and Casters, Metal?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Pourers and Casters, Metal?
About 600 openings per year, on average, over the decade.