Mold maker vs die builder

The differences between mold makers and die builders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a mold maker and a die builder. Additionally, a mold maker has an average salary of $48,841, which is higher than the $46,550 average annual salary of a die builder.

The top three skills for a mold maker include grinders, plastic injection molds and cnc machines. The most important skills for a die builder are grinders, jigs, and support production.

Mold maker vs die builder overview

	Mold Maker	Die Builder
Yearly salary	$48,841	$46,550
Hourly rate	$23.48	$22.38
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	13,896	4,002
Job satisfaction	3	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 55%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	6	6

Mold maker vs die builder salary

Mold makers and die builders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Mold Maker	Die Builder
Average salary	$48,841	$46,550
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $68,000	Between $30,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	Monterey, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Vicor	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between mold maker and die builder education

There are a few differences between a mold maker and a die builder in terms of educational background:

	Mold Maker	Die Builder
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 30%	High School Diploma, 55%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Mold maker vs die builder demographics

Here are the differences between mold makers' and die builders' demographics:

	Mold Maker	Die Builder
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between mold maker and die builder duties and responsibilities

Mold maker example responsibilities.

Utilize Creo to create accurate part models including mold splits, BOM's and assemblies.
Have experience repairing molds including mig welding aluminum.
Convert part drawings to AutoCad.
Train engineers on use of SolidWorks.
Adher to safety standards and ISO requirements.
Lead mold machinist utilizing Haas vertical milling machines.

Die builder example responsibilities.

Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.
Jig out the pattern of mylar on flat and rotary die boards.
Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.

Mold maker vs die builder skills

Common mold maker skills

Grinders, 13%
Plastic Injection Molds, 8%
CNC Machines, 8%
Math, 5%
Jigs, 5%
Hand Tools, 5%

Common die builder skills

Grinders, 45%
Jigs, 15%
Support Production, 14%
CAD, 13%
Hoists, 13%