# Pourers and Casters, Metal

> Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-4052.00
- **Summary:** Operate hand-controlled mechanisms to pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds to produce castings or ingots.

## Aliases

- Caster
- Melter
- Metal Handler
- Pourer
- Casting Machine Operator
- Casting Operator
- DC Caster (Direct Chill Caster)
- Die Cast Machine Operator
- Die Casting Machine Operator
- Iron Pourer
- Aluminum Pourer
- Billet Header

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pour and regulate the flow of molten metal into molds and forms to produce ingots or other castings, using ladles or hand-controlled mechanisms. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Read temperature gauges and observe color changes, adjusting furnace flames, torches, or electrical heating units as necessary to melt metal to specifications. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Remove solidified steel or slag from pouring nozzles, using long bars or oxygen burners. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Assemble and embed cores in casting frames, using hand tools and equipment. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Examine molds to ensure they are clean, smooth, and properly coated. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Collect samples, or signal workers to sample metal for analysis. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Turn valves to circulate water through cores, or spray water on filled molds to cool and solidify metal. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Load specified amounts of metal and flux into furnaces or clay crucibles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Pull levers to lift ladle stoppers and to allow molten steel to flow into ingot molds to specified heights. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Position equipment such as ladles, grinding wheels, pouring nozzles, or crucibles, or signal other workers to position equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Skim slag or remove excess metal from ingots or equipment, using hand tools, strainers, rakes, or burners, collecting scrap for recycling. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Remove metal ingots or cores from molds, using hand tools, cranes, and chain hoists. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.an |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Collect samples of materials or products for testing. | 4.A.3.a.2.b |
| Signal others to coordinate work activities. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Place materials into molds. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of production materials or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Inspect production equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Skim impurities from molten metal. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. | 4.A.3.a.2.i |
| Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Assemble mechanical components or machine parts. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Remove workpieces from molds. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Operate forklifts or other loaders. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products. | 4.A.3.a.2.y |
| Repair templates, patterns, or molds. | 4.A.3.b.4.b |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.5 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.5 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.12 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.12 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.12 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.12 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.11 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 2.88 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 2.88 |
| Static Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.88 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 2.88 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 2.88 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 2.75 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 2.75 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 2.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Visualization | ability | 2.75 |
| Rate Control | ability | 2.75 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.75 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Husky Injection Molding Systems Shotscope NX | Industrial control software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 4.96 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.56 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.41 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 4.23 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.93 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.86 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.78 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.62 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.51 |
| Time Pressure | 3.48 |
| Contact With Others | 3.44 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.32 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.3 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.24 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.23 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.21 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.21 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.15 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.07 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.03 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.98 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.81 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.76 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.71 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 2.67 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 2.48 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.48 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.43 |
| Level of Competition | 2.29 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.22 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 2.1 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.09 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 2 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 1.94 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.93 |
| Telephone Conversations | 1.86 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 1.84 |
| Exposed to High Places | 1.83 |
| E-Mail | 1.73 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 79.96 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 20.04 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.97 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.76 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.46 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.45 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.43 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.3 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.87 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.86 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.75 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.51 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.46 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 1.4 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.19 |
| Accounting | specific_interest_area | 1.17 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.15 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4023.00 | role-51-4023-00 | Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4022.00 | role-51-4022-00 | Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-4072.00 | role-51-4072-00 | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4051.00 | role-51-4051-00 | Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4193.00 | role-51-4193-00 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4191.00 | role-51-4191-00 | Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 53-7063.00 | role-53-7063-00 | Machine Feeders and Offbearers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4071.00 | role-51-4071-00 | Foundry Mold and Coremakers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4194.00 | role-51-4194-00 | Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | Supplemental |
| 49-9045.00 | role-49-9045-00 | Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 48940
- **Mean Wage:** 51320
- **Pct10Wage:** 37250
- **Pct25Wage:** 41410
- **Pct75Wage:** 59850
- **Pct90Wage:** 68030
- **Employment:** 5830
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5720 | 48990 | 11.85 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 70 | 37300 |  |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 40 | 35740 |  |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector |  | 37630 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 5720 | 11.85 |
- **Count:** 4

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.87 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.00914 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.5392559 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.143326 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 12
- **Percentile:** 8
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 17 | felten_aioe |
| 3 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 16 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.00914 | 17 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0 | 3 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.06351850226168242 | 16 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.87
- **Percentile:** 74
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0
- **Gamma:** 0

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -4.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 13
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.6
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 9
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 5.9
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 5.7

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 16
- **Skills:** 37
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** cc946f61d27818f4