How much does a molder make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical molder in the United States makes $46,170 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read an order, coat a mold so material will not stick, then pour or press in clay, plaster, concrete, or another material. After it sets or is heated, they remove the piece, trim extra material, and check its size and finish.
Did you know? Molders can make food products and candles as well as figurines, tile, and pipes—an unusually wide mix of things to shape.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,850 and $61,530How do you become one?
In the U.S., most start after high school or a GED, though some jobs accept less education. New molders often need little experience and learn on the job over days to a year; related registered apprenticeships are also available.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, skill, the kind of employer or industry, and location; more specialized work or a certification an employer values may pay more. Working extra hours can raise total earnings, while fame usually matters little in this production job.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($51,780), lowest in Alabama ($36,730).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,850 | $46,170 | $61,530 | about 33,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $51,780 | about 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $50,550 | about 1,000 |
| California | $49,190 | about 4,000 |
| Wisconsin | $48,030 | about 550 |
| Kansas | $47,360 | about 680 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes519195.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9195.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/print/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY