Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Median pay: $48,110/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: -25.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 900 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.
• Clean and smooth molds, cores, and core boxes, and repair surface imperfections.
• Sift and pack sand into mold sections, core boxes, and pattern contours, using hand or pneumatic ramming tools.
• Position patterns inside mold sections, and clamp sections together.
• Position cores into lower sections of molds, and reassemble molds for pouring.
• Sprinkle or spray parting agents onto patterns and mold sections to facilitate removal of patterns from molds.
• Form and assemble slab cores around patterns, and position wire in mold sections to reinforce molds, using hand tools and glue.
• Move and position workpieces, such as mold sections, patterns, and bottom boards, using cranes, or signal others to move workpieces.
• Lift upper mold sections from lower sections, and remove molded patterns.
What's the median pay for Foundry Mold and Coremakers?
The median pay for Foundry Mold and Coremakers is $48,110 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Foundry Mold and Coremakers?
Employment for Foundry Mold and Coremakers is projected to change -25.9% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Foundry Mold and Coremakers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Foundry Mold and Coremakers?
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.