Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,000 | $41,230 | +9.1% vs US |
| State Rank | #15 of 50 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 4,740 jobs | 154,820 jobs | 3.1% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,060 | $17.34 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,280 | $19.36 |
| Median | $45,000 | $21.64 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| 90th Percentile | $66,570 | $32.00 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $45,000 in Kentucky and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +42.4%, molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic are still in strong and growing demand.
How can molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic increase their salary in Kentucky?
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Kentucky currently ranks #15 out of 50 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $69,450 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $69,450 |
| Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers | $64,930 |
How are Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic paid in Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Kentucky is $45,000, which is 9.1% above the national median of $41,230.