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Tool and Die Maker

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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?

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

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Where Tool and Die Makers Work

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Tool and Die Makers work in the following industries:

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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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