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Tool and Die Makers in Massachusetts

Thinking about a career as a Tool and Die Makers in Massachusetts? Below are the key facts. 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.

What do Tool and Die Makers Make in Massachusetts?

The tool and die makers working in Massachusetts, the median annual wage is $65,840 per year (or about $31.65/hour).Annual wages span from $47,280 at the 10th percentile to $87,040 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$47,280	$22.73
25th percentile	$58,700	$28.22
Median (50th)	$65,840	$31.65
75th percentile	$77,880	$37.44
90th percentile	$87,040	$41.85

The job concentration index in Massachusetts relative to the national average — is 0.73, suggesting fewer tool and die makers per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, tool and die makers earn a median of $46,356 per year ($22.29/hour), exceeding the Massachusetts median.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 499,911 tool and die makers in the U.S.. In Massachusetts alone, approximately 950 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 720 tool and die makers.

Top Massachusetts Metros for Tool and Die Makers

These are the Massachusetts metros with the most tool and die makers in Massachusetts.

Metro Area	Number Employed	Annual Median Salary
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	350	$75,730
Worcester, MA	220	$62,900
Springfield, MA	180	$60,920
Pittsfield, MA	50	$65,480

Top States for Tool and Die Makers Employment

These states have the highest employment of tool and die makers work.

State	Number Employed
Michigan	9,190
Ohio	5,460
Illinois	4,590
Indiana	3,580
Wisconsin	2,970
Pennsylvania	2,910
Tennessee	2,180
Kentucky	2,100
Connecticut	1,800
Missouri	1,680
Texas	1,550
North Carolina	1,480
New York	1,460
California	1,380
Washington	1,200
Minnesota	1,060
Massachusetts	950
Alabama	870
Georgia	760
Kansas	750

Highest-Paying States for Tool and Die Makers

Where tool and die makers earn the most: tool and die makers.

State	Annual Median Salary
Kansas	$81,230
Washington	$78,310
California	$77,800
Maine	$76,500
Connecticut	$76,310
New Jersey	$75,920
Oregon	$69,580
New Hampshire	$68,210
New York	$67,790
Arizona	$67,580

Skills

Top tool and die makers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for tool and die makers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Tool and Die Makers typically:

• Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
• Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
• Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
• Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
• Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
• Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
• Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
• Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
• File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
• 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.
• Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.

Work Activities

• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Thinking Creatively
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Handling and Moving Objects

Tools & Technology

Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Related college programs include:

• Precision Metal Working

Related Careers

Other careers like tool and die makers include:

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Also Known As

Bench Tool Maker, Broach Setter, Cam Maker, Carbide Operator, Carbide Tool Maker, Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker, Die Assembler, Die Baker, Die Cutter, Die Designer, Die Finisher, Die Machinist, Die Maker, Die Mechanic, Die Repair Laborer.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-4111.00