Foundry Mold and Coremakers Salary Guide 2025: $48,110 Median, -26% Job Decline
Foundry Mold and Coremakers earned a median annual salary of $48,110 in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The middle half of workers made between $37,160 and $62,640, with a mean wage of $49,860 — about $23 per hour. Employment in this occupation is rare: only 12,790 people hold these jobs nationwide. And the outlook is harsh: the BLS projects a -25.9% decline from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 900 openings per year from replacement needs.
How much Foundry Mold and Coremakers earn
The national median salary for Foundry Mold and Coremakers is $48,110. That means half earn more, half less. The typical range reported by the BLS runs from $37,160 at the 10th percentile to $62,640 at the 90th percentile. Experienced workers in high-paying settings can push toward the top, while learners and those in lower-cost regions start near the bottom.
Pay varies significantly by industry. Foundry workers in manufacturing of transportation equipment or fabricated metal products tend to earn above the median. But the occupation's small size means individual employer and location matter as much as anything.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically changes your paycheck. Oregon pays the most, with an annual mean wage of $67,060. Missouri follows at $61,480, then Illinois at $57,110, Minnesota at $56,840, and Massachusetts at $55,940.
The lowest reported states are Mississippi at $39,560, Florida at $38,330, and Tennessee at $37,310. That's a gap of nearly $30,000 between the highest and lowest states — bigger than the typical salary range suggests.
How to become Foundry Mold and Coremaker
Most Foundry Mold and Coremakers learn through on-the-job training. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the only educational requirement. Some employers prefer vocational training in foundry technology or metalworking from a trade school or community college, but it's not mandatory.
The path usually starts as a helper or trainee in a foundry. You learn to build and repair molds, pack sand around patterns, and operate core-making machines. Skills in math, blueprint reading, and attention to detail help. No state license is required, but voluntary certifications from the American Foundry Society can boost your resume.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Find entry-level work at a foundry as a helper or laborer.
- Complete on-the-job training — often 6–12 months to reach competency.
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in metalcasting from a technical college.
- Pursue voluntary certifications from the American Foundry Society for advancement.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 25.9 percent decline in employment for Foundry Mold and Coremakers from 2024 to 2034 — a steep drop. That means the occupation is shrinking fast, much faster than the average for all occupations. Automation, imports, and shifts in manufacturing technology are eliminating these jobs.
Despite the decline, about 900 openings per year are expected, mostly from workers leaving the field or retiring. This creates some opportunity, but competition will be tight. Foundries in high-paying states like Oregon or Missouri may offer the best prospects, though the long-term trend is downward.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Foundry Mold and Coremaker?
Entry-level workers, at the 10th percentile, earn about $37,160 per year. Starting wages vary by location and employer.
Do Foundry Mold and Coremakers need a college degree?
No. A high school diploma is usually enough. Most skills are learned on the job, though vocational training can help.
Is Foundry Mold and Coremaker a dying career?
The BLS projects a -25.9% decline over ten years, so the occupation is shrinking. But retirements still create several hundred openings annually.
What state pays Foundry Mold and Coremakers the most?
Oregon, with an annual mean wage of $67,060. Missouri ($61,480) and Illinois ($57,110) are next.
How many Foundry Mold and Coremakers are there in the U.S.?
The BLS reports about 12,790 workers nationally as of 2025.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Foundry Mold and Coremakers data.