Tool and die makers
SOC Code: 51-4111Also known as:
Bench Tool Maker, Broach Setter, Cam Maker, Carbide Operator, Carbide Tool Maker
Median Annual Salary
$63,180
-10.8% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
55K
Current Jobs
What Tool and die makers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$63,180
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-10.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
55,200
Projected Employment (2034)
49,300
Related Careers
Forging machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$49,240 •
-18.9% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Model makers, metal and plastic
$62,700 •
-18.2% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Tool and die makers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a tool and die makers:
Tool and Die Technology/Technician
509 degrees awarded •
37 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Tool and die makers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become tool and die makers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tool and die makers make?
The median annual salary for tool and die makers is $63,180.
What education do tool and die makers need?
Most tool and die makers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Tool and Die Technology/Technician.
Is becoming tool and die makers a good career choice?
Tool and die makers is projected to see -10.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 4,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for tool and die makers?
Top colleges for aspiring tool and die makers include
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson, Alpena Community College, South Texas College, Gadsden State Community College, Des Moines Area Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to tool and die makers?
Tool and die makers may also be 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, Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech), Die Set Up Worker, Die Setter, Die Sinker, Die Trouble Shooter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.