What You Need to Know About 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.
Daily Life Of a Tool & Die Maker
- Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
- 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.
- Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
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Things a Tool & Die Maker Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Tool and Die Makers say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Equipment Selection: Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Related Job Titles
- Tool Maker Apprentice
- Tool Repairer
- Toolsmith
- Die Maintenance
- Jig Bore Tool Maker
Tool & Die Maker Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 72,500 jobs in the United States for Tool and Die Maker. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Tool and Die Maker. There will be an estimated 6,000 positions for Tool & Die Maker per 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.
Tool & Die Maker Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Tool & Die Maker ranges between $32,660 and $76,900.

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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Tool and Die Makers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
How do I Become a Tool & Die Maker?
What education is needed to be a Tool and Die Maker?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Tool & Die Maker?

Where Tool and Die Makers Work

Tool and Die Makers work in the following industries:

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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