CareerFacts

All careers › Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Process technician: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$44,350median pay per year, or $21.32 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $34,170lowest 10% earn less
  2. $37,27025th percentile
  3. $44,350median
  4. $51,02075th percentile
  5. $61,600top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders had a median pay of $44,350 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-3.4%[2]
Openings per year
13,800[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do process technicians make?

The BLS category that covers this work is Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. "Process technician" is one of the job titles workers in it report[7].

In May 2025 the median wage was $44,350 a year, or $21.32 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $45,960 a year, or $22.10 an hour[8]. For all occupations in the US, the median was $50,980[4], so this job's median sits below it.

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][9] $34,170 $16.43
25th percentile[3][9] $37,270 $17.92
Median[1] $44,350 $21.32
75th percentile[3][9] $51,020 $24.53
90th percentile[3][9] $61,600 $29.62

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $34,170, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $61,600[3]. A percentile is a boundary line in the pay ranking, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[10].

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses outside regular production pay or the cost of benefits[11]. About 150,470 people held these jobs in May 2025[12].

Pay by state and city

Hawaii had the highest state median at $77,560, followed by Maryland at $63,460 and Maine at $59,230[13]. Those three states have small job counts: 140, 230 and 470 jobs[13].

The states with the most jobs were Michigan (13,550), Ohio (11,050), Illinois (10,680), California (9,250) and Indiana (8,810)[14]. Among them, California had the highest median at $47,240[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Urban Honolulu, HI had the highest median at $77,560[15]. Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($74,650) and Saginaw, MI ($74,130) came next[15]. The metro area with the most jobs was Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, with 7,910 jobs and a median of $45,590[16].

Show median pay in 49 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Hawaii[13]$77,560140
Maryland$63,460230
Maine$59,230470
Minnesota$49,5902,230
Nevada$49,590350
Nebraska$48,5001,000
Washington$48,2901,800
Colorado$48,2002,160
North Dakota$47,780160
New Hampshire$47,6101,080
California$47,2409,250
Kentucky$47,1104,340
Arizona$46,9301,430
Pennsylvania$46,7607,000
Utah$46,7502,400
Connecticut$46,2401,100
Oregon$46,2001,780
Oklahoma$45,6802,030
Illinois$45,50010,680
Virginia$45,3701,680
South Carolina$45,2703,240
Delaware$45,220120
Iowa$45,2203,670
Ohio$44,83011,050
Arkansas$44,7902,520
Vermont$44,530110
New York$44,5003,320
Indiana$44,2908,810
Wisconsin$44,2308,590
Missouri$44,1203,340
Montana$43,340110
Georgia$43,2502,060
Kansas$43,0501,240
Idaho$42,690520
Massachusetts$42,5703,810
West Virginia$42,500420
Rhode Island$42,020430
New Mexico$41,990250
North Carolina$41,6307,570
Texas$41,1407,460
South Dakota$40,750840
New Jersey$39,9502,450
Mississippi$39,730550
Michigan$39,49013,550
Alabama$39,0105,900
Tennessee$38,8203,730
Louisiana$38,65090
Florida$38,4403,290
Wyoming$38,16060

How to become a process technician

The path is short on paper. BLS lists the typical entry education and training as follows[6]:

The training details come from a BLS handbook profile that covers a wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, not only this occupation[19]. That profile says trainees get about 1 year of on-the-job training[20]. How long it takes depends on the equipment. Some operators learn basic machine operations in a few months, and others need up to 1 year[21].

In an O*NET survey of 36 workers, 57% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 30% said less than a high school diploma, and 11% said a post-secondary certificate[22]. Because the survey is small, treat these shares as a rough guide.

For the wider group, high school courses in programming, math and vocational technology may help[23]. Some community colleges and other schools run courses and certificates on operating metal and plastic machines[24]. Training in CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may also help[25]. Certification can show skill and help with advancement[26].

What process technicians do

O*NET describes the work as setting up, operating or tending machines that mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts[27]. Typical tasks include[28]:

Workers also report job titles such as die cast technician, mold setter and molder[7]. The work calls for comfort with machines and an understanding of how their parts work[29]. It also means standing for long periods and doing repetitive tasks[30].

Where they work

This section draws on the wider handbook profile for metal and plastic machine workers[19]. Fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer, at 25% of those workers in 2025[31].

The machines are powerful and fast, and they can be dangerous. Workers follow safety rules and usually wear protective gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[32]. Other equipment depends on the setting. Respirators are common in plastics work near fumes or dust[33].

Most of these workers are employed full time[34]. Some work more than 40 hours a week[34]. Many plants run machines for long periods, so evening and weekend work is common[34].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 150,000 jobs to 144,900[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[35]. These projection counts include self-employed workers, so they differ from the OEWS count above[2].

BLS names productivity change as a factor. More processes can be done by programmed machinery, and better software and equipment let the same labor produce more[36].

Still, about 13,800 openings a year are projected on average from 2025 to 2035[5]. Openings include jobs left by workers who retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.1% of workers leave the labor force and 6.6% move to a different occupation[37].

Is it a good fit?

The entry bar is a high school diploma and on-the-job training, with no related experience needed[6]. Pay is below the all-occupations median, with a median of $44,350 against $50,980[1][4]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $34,170, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $61,600[3]. The headcount is projected to shrink, yet openings continue each year because workers leave the job[2][5]. The work is physical and machine-based, with standing, repetition and safety gear[30][32]. Evening and weekend shifts are common in the wider group[34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a process technician make an hour?
The median wage for this BLS category was $21.32 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $22.10[1][8]. The 10th percentile was $16.43 and the 90th was $29.62[9].
What education do you need to be a process technician?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent, no related work experience, and moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
How long does it take to become a process technician?
For the wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, BLS says basic operation can be learned in a few months and some jobs need up to 1 year of training[21][19].
Is process technician work in demand?
Employment is projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, but about 13,800 openings a year are projected[2][5].
Which state pays process technicians the most?
Hawaii had the highest median at $77,560, followed by Maryland ($63,460) and Maine ($59,230)[13].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $44,350 per year and $21.32 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 3.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 150,000 to 144,900 jobs (a change of -5,200). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $34,170, 25th percentile $37,270, 75th percentile $51,020, 90th percentile $61,600. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 13,800 openings for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. O*NET 51-4072.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Core Machine Operator, Die Cast Technician, Diecast Machine Operator, Machine Operator, Mold Setter, Mold Technician, Molder, Process Technician. O*NET OnLine
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $45,960 per year and $22.10 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $16.43, 25th percentile $17.92, 75th percentile $24.53, 90th percentile $29.62. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 150,470 people were employed as Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Michigan 13,550; Ohio 11,050; Illinois 10,680; California 9,250; Indiana 8,810. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): Urban Honolulu, HI $77,560; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $74,650; Saginaw, MI $74,130; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $66,540; Portland-South Portland, ME $62,690; Evansville, IN $61,160; Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL $60,430; Peoria, IL $56,720. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 7,910 (median $45,590); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 5,280 (median $39,790); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 3,740 (median $47,960); Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 3,150 (median $37,760); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 2,490 (median $43,500); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 2,280 (median $43,970). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 51-4072.00 survey of workers (36 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 57%, Less than a High School Diploma 30%, Post-Secondary Certificate 11% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. O*NET description of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET task list for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change - share decreases as more processes can be performed by programmed machinery and improvements in software and equipment are expected to increase efficiency, allowing more output to be produced with the same amount of labor. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 3.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the 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. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.