Pourers and Casters, Metal Salary Guide 2025: $51,810 Median, Declining Outlook
Pourers and casters, metal earned a median $51,810 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $38,480 at the 10th percentile to $72,040 at the 90th. The mean hourly wage works out to about $25.
About 4,560 people hold these jobs nationally. Most work in foundries, casting molten metal into molds. The work is hot, physical, and skills-based — not a desk job.
How much Pourers and Casters, Metal earn
National median pay is $51,810, with a mean of $54,290. The bottom 10% earn $38,480 or less; top earners pull in $72,040 or more. Wages vary significantly by industry and location.
- 10th percentile: $38,480
- Median: $51,810
- Mean: $54,290
- 90th percentile: $72,040
Pay by state
Tennessee pays the most — $71,880 average. Massachusetts ($62,820), Florida ($62,090), Indiana ($61,430), and Ohio ($60,770) round out the top five. The lowest-paying states include Mississippi ($43,370), Virginia ($39,420), and Kentucky ($38,800). That's a spread of more than $33,000 between the highest and lowest.
How to become a Pourers and Casters, Metal
Most workers learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry requirement. Formal education beyond that is rare, though vocational programs in metalcasting can give you a head start.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Find an entry-level position at a foundry or metal shop.
- Complete on-the-job training — often a few months to a year.
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in foundry technology (optional).
- Some employers require physical stamina and the ability to handle heat and heavy equipment.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 4.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a loss of about 200 jobs. That's a shrinking field, not a growing one. The total number of openings is estimated at about 600 per year, mostly replacing workers who retire or leave. Automation and offshoring are the main pressures. Still, foundries that produce specialized or complex cast parts will keep hiring experienced pourers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for pourers and casters, metal in 2025?
The latest BLS data shows a median of $51,810. The typical range is $38,480 to $72,040. Most figures are from the May 2024 survey, which serves as the 2025 reference.
How do I become a pourer or caster?
You typically need a high school diploma. Then you start as a trainee in a foundry and learn on the job. A vocational certificate in metalcasting can help but is not required.
Is pouring and casting metal a growing career?
No — the BLS projects a 4.7% decline from 2024 to 2034. About 600 openings per year will exist, mostly due to workers leaving the occupation, not new job creation.
Which states pay the best for this job?
Tennessee pays the most at $71,880, followed by Massachusetts ($62,820), Florida ($62,090), Indiana ($61,430), and Ohio ($60,770). The lowest is Kentucky at $38,800.
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 Pourers and Casters, Metal data.