Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between die setters and molder operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a die setter has an average salary of $37,673, which is higher than the $31,707 average annual salary of a molder operator.
The top three skills for a die setter include die-setter, calipers and overhead cranes. The most important skills for a molder operator are GMP, quality checks, and dexterity.
| Die Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $37,673 | $31,707 |
| Hourly rate | $18.11 | $15.24 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 3,399 | 66,217 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
In manufacturing facilities, a die setter is primarily in charge of setting up machines and equipment, selecting and utilizing various tools, preparing molds, gathering measurements and analyzing data, keeping records, monitoring the operations of machinery, and processing products according to protocols. They may also conduct regular maintenance checks, troubleshoot errors, perform basic repairs or adjustments, and produce regular reports for managers. Moreover, a die setter usually works in a team setting, which requires an open and transparent communication line for an efficient workflow.
A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.
Die setters and molder operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Die Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Average salary | $37,673 | $31,707 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $47,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Woodbury, MN | Milford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Alaska |
| Best paying company | German American Chamber of Commerce | BD |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a die setter and a molder operator in terms of educational background:
| Die Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 54% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between die setters' and molder operators' demographics:
| Die Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.8% Female, 5.2% | Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 7.2% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 7.3% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 3% |