Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Los Angeles, CA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Compare Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary & buying power
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In Los Angeles, CA, the typical worker employed as a Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender in metal and plastic earns a median annual salary of $45,950, which translates to a median hourly wage of $22.09. This salary is notably higher than the national median for this occupation at $41,230, reflecting the relatively high cost of living and competitive job market in the region. When compared to the local median household income of $93,525, it becomes evident that individuals in this role may find their earnings falling short of what many households earn, underscoring the financial challenges faced by single-earner families or workers not supplementing their income through dual-income partnerships.
For those entering the field, salaries typically start at the 10th percentile, around $36,400 annually. As experience is gained and skills are refined, earnings can rise to match or exceed the median of $45,950. Workers who reach the 90th percentile in their profession can earn upwards of $61,630 per year, highlighting a significant disparity driven by factors such as years of experience, skill level, specialization within the industry, and the ability to operate more advanced machinery. These factors contribute to the potential for experienced workers to command higher wages compared to entry-level personnel who are just beginning their careers in molding, coremaking, and casting operations.
Salary percentile breakdown
Los Angeles economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make per hour in Los Angeles?
The median hourly wage for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Los Angeles, CA is $22.09, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.27 or more per hour.
Is Los Angeles above or below average for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries?
The median Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Los Angeles, CA is 11.4% above the national median of $41,230. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Los Angeles?
Entry-level Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (10th percentile) earn around $36,400 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,970.