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The differences between mold setters and molder operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a mold setter has an average salary of $35,936, which is higher than the $31,707 average annual salary of a molder operator.
The top three skills for a mold setter include hand tools, mold changes and hydraulic presses. The most important skills for a molder operator are GMP, quality checks, and dexterity.
| Mold Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $35,936 | $31,707 |
| Hourly rate | $17.28 | $15.24 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 3,007 | 66,217 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A mold setter positions molds used to cast products from a variety of materials such as plastic, metals, lead and composites. In this position, they are responsible for controlling the flow of materials into a machine, monitoring the process to prevent issues, and interpreting blueprints to ensure machinery is set accordingly. They are also responsible for ensuring products are produced accurately and within set time constrictions.
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.
Mold setters and molder operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Mold Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Average salary | $35,936 | $31,707 |
| Salary range | Between $26,000 And $48,000 | Between $26,000 And $38,000 |
| Highest paying City | Salem, OR | Milford, CT |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Silgan Holdings | BD |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a mold setter and a molder operator in terms of educational background:
| Mold Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between mold setters' and molder operators' demographics:
| Mold Setter | Molder Operator | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.5% Female, 5.5% | Male, 66.6% Female, 33.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 7.9% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | 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% |