Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in Iowa (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Iowa is $45,220 per year (gross, before tax) — 2.0% above the US national median of $44,350 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 4,000 people work in this occupation in Iowa. Negotiating an offer in Iowa? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
Iowa Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,650 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $37,230 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $45,220 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $55,550 | Experienced |
| 90th | $66,280 | Senior / highest decile |
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Start $1 Trial →How Iowa Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $77,560 | +74.9% |
| Maryland | $63,460 | +43.1% |
| Maine | $59,230 | +33.6% |
| Minnesota | $49,590 | +11.8% |
| Nevada | $49,590 | +11.8% |
| Nebraska | $48,500 | +9.4% |
| Washington | $48,290 | +8.9% |
| Colorado | $48,200 | +8.7% |
| North Dakota | $47,780 | +7.7% |
| New Hampshire | $47,610 | +7.4% |
| Iowa | $45,220 | +2.0% |
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in Iowa? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Iowa?
The median salary in Iowa is $45,220 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $47,170.
How does Iowa pay compare to the US national average?
Iowa is 2.0% above the US national median of $44,350 for this occupation.
Which US state pays molding, coremaking, and casting machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic the most?
Hawaii has the highest median pay for this occupation at $77,560 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25