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Mold maker vs tool setter apprentice

The differences between mold makers and tool setters apprentice 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 tool setter apprentice. Additionally, a mold maker has an average salary of $48,841, which is higher than the $42,732 average annual salary of a tool setter apprentice.

The top three skills for a mold maker include grinders, plastic injection molds and cnc machines. The most important skills for a tool setter apprentice are CNC, calipers, and grinders.

Mold maker vs tool setter apprentice overview

Mold MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Yearly salary$48,841$42,732
Hourly rate$23.48$20.54
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs13,89615,585
Job satisfaction3-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Mold maker vs tool setter apprentice salary

Mold makers and tool setters apprentice have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mold MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Average salary$48,841$42,732
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $68,000Between $31,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityMonterey, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyVicor-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between mold maker and tool setter apprentice education

There are a few differences between a mold maker and a tool setter apprentice in terms of educational background:

Mold MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 30%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Mold maker vs tool setter apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between mold makers' and tool setters apprentice' demographics:

Mold MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 95.6% Female, 4.4%Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8%
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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between mold maker and tool setter apprentice 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

Tool setter apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Cut metal, write programs to be able to use a CNC.
  • Learned to operate lathes, mills, and grinders.
  • Inspect all parts using calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Run the program on the CNC, run an injection mold to make a rubber cast over cables.
  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.
  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.

Mold maker vs tool setter apprentice skills

Common mold maker skills
  • Grinders, 13%
  • Plastic Injection Molds, 8%
  • CNC Machines, 8%
  • Math, 5%
  • Jigs, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
Common tool setter apprentice skills
  • CNC, 42%
  • Calipers, 24%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Die Repair, 9%
  • Injection Molds, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%

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