What is a Tool and Die Maker?
Occupation Description Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools.
Tool & Die Maker Responsibilities
- Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
- Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
- Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
- Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
- Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
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What a Tool & Die Maker Should Know
Tool and Die Makers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Types of Tool & Die Maker Jobs
- Toolmaker Grade Three
- Tap and Die Maker Technician
- Die Mechanic
- Cam Maker
- Die Finisher
Job Demand for Tool and Die Makers
In the United States, there were 72,500 jobs for Tool and Die Maker in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Tool and Die Maker. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 6,000 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Tool & Die Maker are North Dakota, Idaho, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Tool & Die Maker
Tool and Die Makers make between $32,660 and $76,900 a year.
Tool and Die Makers who work in Connecticut, Kansas, or Oregon, make the highest salaries.
How much do Tool and Die Makers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,400 |
| Arizona | $53,270 |
| Arkansas | $44,000 |
| California | $57,190 |
| Colorado | $49,140 |
| Connecticut | $63,660 |
| Florida | $49,030 |
| Georgia | $50,680 |
| Idaho | $48,360 |
| Illinois | $53,730 |
| Indiana | $52,740 |
| Iowa | $49,690 |
| Kansas | $62,240 |
| Kentucky | $56,600 |
| Louisiana | $42,970 |
| Maine | $56,360 |
| Maryland | $56,770 |
| Massachusetts | $54,360 |
| Michigan | $53,220 |
| Minnesota | $58,380 |
| Mississippi | $46,480 |
| Missouri | $54,420 |
| Nebraska | $51,250 |
| Nevada | $57,790 |
| New Hampshire | $54,160 |
| New Jersey | $55,680 |
| New York | $53,290 |
| North Carolina | $49,780 |
| North Dakota | $55,680 |
| Ohio | $51,560 |
| Oklahoma | $57,860 |
| Oregon | $61,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,690 |
| Rhode Island | $52,340 |
| South Carolina | $52,440 |
| South Dakota | $42,460 |
| Tennessee | $46,490 |
| Texas | $50,340 |
| Utah | $55,510 |
| Vermont | $54,840 |
| Virginia | $53,770 |
| West Virginia | $55,580 |
| Wisconsin | $50,050 |
What Tools & Technology do Tool and Die Makers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tool and Die Makers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Bentley Microstation
- PTC Creo Parametric
- Autodesk Inventor
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- CNC Mastercam
- DP Technology ESPRIT
- Virtual Gibbs CADD/CAM
Becoming a Tool & Die Maker
What kind of Tool and Die Maker requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Tool & Die Maker?
Where Tool and Die Makers Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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