Career comparison
Metal Patternmaker vs. Metal Pourer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Metal patternmakers earn more at the median ($58,000 vs. $51,810), while metal pourers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Metal patternmakers make the patterns foundries use to form casting molds. Metal pourers pour molten metal into molds to make castings.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Metal Patternmaker | Metal Pourer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $58,000 ($27.89/hr) | $51,810 ($24.91/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $42,460 – $82,590 | $38,480 – $72,040 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -22.8% (a projected decline) | -5.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 100 | 400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | AFS training | Molten metal safety |
| Work setting | Patternmakers work in pattern shops and foundries.. | Pourers work in hot, dusty foundries.. |
What each job does
Metal Patternmaker
- Read drawings
- Add shrink and draft
- Machine patterns
- Make core boxes
- Fit match plates
Metal Pourer
- Pour molten metal
- Control pour rate
- Skim slag
- Check temperature
- Fill molds
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose metal patternmaker if…
- I like precision craft
- I like foundries
- I like machining
Choose metal pourer if…
- I like foundry work
- I’m steady-handed
- I can handle heat
Still torn? Take the Metal Patternmaker fit quiz and the Metal Pourer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, metal patternmaker or metal pourer?
Metal Patternmakers earn more at the median: $58,000 versus $51,810 for metal pourers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Metal Pourers typically train faster (A few months on the job) than metal patternmakers (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects metal pourers to grow -5.0% from 2025–35, compared with -22.8% for metal patternmakers.