Post job

Mold maker vs die finisher

The differences between mold makers and die finishers 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 finisher. Additionally, a die finisher has an average salary of $51,369, which is higher than the $48,841 average annual salary of a mold maker.

The top three skills for a mold maker include grinders, plastic injection molds and cnc machines. The most important skills for a die finisher are tig welding, MIG, and stamping dies.

Mold maker vs die finisher overview

Mold MakerDie Finisher
Yearly salary$48,841$51,369
Hourly rate$23.48$24.70
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs13,8963,217
Job satisfaction3-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Mold maker vs die finisher salary

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

Mold MakerDie Finisher
Average salary$48,841$51,369
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $32,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CityMonterey, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyVicor-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between mold maker and die finisher education

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

Mold MakerDie Finisher
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingKinesiology
Most common college--

Mold maker vs die finisher demographics

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

Mold MakerDie Finisher
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6%
Race ratioBlack 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, 1.8% Unknown, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 87.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between mold maker and die finisher 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.
  • Show more

Die finisher example responsibilities.

  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.
  • Machine prepped single stage cases and heads for weld over lay, rough out, finish to OEM specifications.

Mold maker vs die finisher skills

Common mold maker skills
  • Grinders, 13%
  • Plastic Injection Molds, 8%
  • CNC Machines, 8%
  • Math, 5%
  • Jigs, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
Common die finisher skills
  • Tig Welding, 40%
  • MIG, 30%
  • Stamping Dies, 25%
  • Grinders, 4%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs