What is a mold maker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

Mold makers work with metals, although they may also work with rubber and plastic. Their job involves fabricating molds using casting, blueprints, and design. They may be required to construct new tools for molding and metal stamping using plans provided by the design team. Mold makers usually work in manufacturing companies, and they often have to liaise with members of other teams and the clients.

A day in the life of a mold maker involves him spending several hours on his/her feet twisting, turning, and creating molds. Mold makers may also need to maintain and repair existing molds, create prototype products, and create new designs. They need proficiency in mathematics, problem-solving, and communication, technical reasoning, and, maybe most importantly, manual dexterity.

A mold maker also requires knowledge of CSS design and CNC matching. The minimal education requirement for a mold maker is a high school diploma, even though employers prefer a vocational school certificate.

ScoreMold MakerUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,841

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.4

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 2.71%

Black or African American 2.45%

Hispanic or Latino 6.55%

Unknown 2.83%

White 84.69%

Gender

female 4.39%

male 95.61%

Age - 57
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 57
Stress Level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Mold Maker career paths

Key steps to become a mold maker

  1. Explore mold maker education requirements

    Most common mold maker degrees

    High School Diploma

    30.1 %

    Associate

    29.9 %

    Bachelor's

    18.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific mold maker skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Grinders12.71%
    Plastic Injection Molds7.79%
    CNC Machines7.67%
    Math5.46%
    Jigs5.06%
  3. Complete relevant mold maker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mold makers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mold maker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mold maker resumes.
  4. Research mold maker duties and responsibilities

    • Utilize Creo to create accurate part models including mold splits, BOM's and assemblies.
    • Have experience repairing molds including mig welding aluminum.
    • Convert part drawings to AutoCad.
    • Train engineers on use of SolidWorks.
  5. Prepare your mold maker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mold maker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mold maker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Mold Maker Resume templates

    Build a professional Mold Maker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Mold Maker resume.
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    Mold Maker Resume
  6. Apply for mold maker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a mold maker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Mold Maker Job

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Average mold maker salary

The average Mold Maker salary in the United States is $48,841 per year or $23 per hour. Mold maker salaries range between $34,000 and $68,000 per year.

Average Mold Maker Salary
$48,841 Yearly
$23.48 hourly

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How do mold makers rate their job?

3/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Mold Maker reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

I love the work. Lots of job satisfaction. Steady work. 45yrs with the same company. I love it!

Cons

Time pressure to complete jobs. Massive overtime!


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Basically you are your own boss. You have a time frame to complete a extensive project and you determine the processes, and how to approach them. I get a really great sense of feeling accomplishment every day. I'm very proud to be a Jouneyman Toolmaker. All the overtime you can handle. Very very great pay.

Cons

Dont even attempt to be in this trade if you cant handle very long hours, and very little sleep at times. Be prepared to miss out on some things socially, as you need to devote serious time that can interfere with things at times.


profile
3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

My mission is in mechanical creativity, trouble shooting, and finding the root cause of any problems. Automotive restoration and performance has been a passion since before I could drive. If I didn't have the part for improvement I'd fabricate it. Creativity is a passion.

Cons

Tools are made to be run a particular way although they wear out but whe proper pm is followed and workers are properly trained and communicated downtime is limited. Lack of communication is greatest problem I've found in this field.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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