What You Need to Know About Tool and Die Makers
Career 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.
Life As a Tool & Die Maker
- Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
- Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.
- Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.
- 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.
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
Tool & Die Maker Needed Skills
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.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Tool Liaison
- Die Trouble Shooter
- Die Cutter
- Gauge Maker Apprentice
- Toolmaker
Tool & Die Maker Employment Estimates
There were about 72,500 jobs for Tool and Die Makers in 2016 (in the United States).
Tool and Die Maker jobs are decreasing by a rate of -7.2%. This means the total job opportunities are shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a loss of -5,200 jobs for Tool and Die Makers by 2026. The BLS estimates 6,000 yearly job openings in this field per year.
The states with the most job growth for Tool and Die Makers are Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Watch out if you plan on working in Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Tool & Die Maker Average Salary
Tool and Die Makers Make between $32,660 and $76,900 a year. A Tool and Die Maker median salary is $52,750.
How much do Tool and Die Makers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
Connecticut |
$63,660 |
|
Kansas |
$62,240 |
|
Oregon |
$61,890 |
|
Minnesota |
$58,380 |
|
Oklahoma |
$57,860 |
|
Nevada |
$57,790 |
|
California |
$57,190 |
|
Maryland |
$56,770 |
|
Kentucky |
$56,600 |
|
Maine |
$56,360 |
|
New Jersey |
$55,680 |
|
North Dakota |
$55,680 |
|
West Virginia |
$55,580 |
|
Utah |
$55,510 |
|
Vermont |
$54,840 |
|
Missouri |
$54,420 |
|
Massachusetts |
$54,360 |
|
New Hampshire |
$54,160 |
|
Virginia |
$53,770 |
|
Illinois |
$53,730 |
|
New York |
$53,290 |
|
Arizona |
$53,270 |
|
Michigan |
$53,220 |
|
Indiana |
$52,740 |
|
South Carolina |
$52,440 |
|
Alabama |
$52,400 |
|
Rhode Island |
$52,340 |
|
Ohio |
$51,560 |
|
Nebraska |
$51,250 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$50,690 |
|
Georgia |
$50,680 |
|
Texas |
$50,340 |
|
Wisconsin |
$50,050 |
|
North Carolina |
$49,780 |
|
Iowa |
$49,690 |
|
Colorado |
$49,140 |
|
Florida |
$49,030 |
|
Idaho |
$48,360 |
|
Tennessee |
$46,490 |
|
Mississippi |
$46,480 |
|
Arkansas |
$44,000 |
|
Louisiana |
$42,970 |
|
South Dakota |
$42,460 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Tool and Die Makers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Tool and Die Makers may use on a daily basis:
- Kubotek USA KeyCreator
- Microsoft Word
- VX Corporation VX Mold & Die
- MAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKER
- Vero International VISI-Mould
- Microsoft Office
- Striker Systems SS-Strip Design
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- SAP
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
How do I Become a Tool & Die Maker?
Are there Tool and Die Maker education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Tool and Die Makers Work?
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.