Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL), the median pay for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $21.92 an hour ($45,590 a year). About 7,910 people work in this job there.

$21.92Median hourly pay
$38,940–$50,080Middle half of workers, yearly
7,910People in this job in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

That is 3% higher than the U.S. median ($44,350). It is about the same as the Illinois median ($45,500).

Pay range for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.35$36,090
25% of workers$18.72$38,940
Half of workers (median)$21.92$45,590
75% of workers$24.08$50,080
90% of workers$29.99$62,370

Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Illinois metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Peoria$56,720330
Champaign-Urbana$46,600200
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (this page)$45,5907,910
Rockford$44,880320

Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 6 months to 1 year (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -3.4% over ten years, declining · about 13,800 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (IL)

JobMedian yearly pay
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$50,770
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,030
Tool and Die Makers$61,180
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,630
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49,850
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,150
Machinists$59,520
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$52,650

Other job titles for this job

Process TechnicianProduction TechnicianComposite TechnicianPlastic Process TechnicianCaster OperatorDie Maintenance TechPig Machine OperatorCore Machine OperatorPattern MolderAluminum MolderAluminum Molding Machine OperatorAutomatic Casting Machine Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.