Pallet builder vs tool maker

The differences between pallet builders and tool makers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a pallet builder, becoming a tool maker takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $34,351 average annual salary of a pallet builder.

The top three skills for a pallet builder include pallets, electric pallet jack and nail guns. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.

Pallet builder vs tool maker overview

	Pallet Builder	Tool Maker
Yearly salary	$34,351	$52,443
Hourly rate	$16.51	$25.21
Growth rate	2%	1%
Number of jobs	2,992	18,166
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	Associate Degree, 37%
Average age	42	54
Years of experience	12	6

Pallet builder vs tool maker salary

Pallet builders and tool makers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pallet Builder	Tool Maker
Average salary	$34,351	$52,443
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $40,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Sterling Heights, MI
Highest paying state	Oregon	Alaska
Best paying company	CVS Health	General Electric
Best paying industry	Hospitality	Automotive

Differences between pallet builder and tool maker education

There are a few differences between a pallet builder and a tool maker in terms of educational background:

	Pallet Builder	Tool Maker
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 61%	Associate Degree, 37%
Most common major	Business	Precision Metal Working
Most common college	-	-

Pallet builder vs tool maker demographics

Here are the differences between pallet builders' and tool makers' demographics:

	Pallet Builder	Tool Maker
Average age	42	54
Gender ratio	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 1.6% White, 61.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%	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%
LGBT Percentage	2%	3%

Differences between pallet builder and tool maker duties and responsibilities

Pallet builder example responsibilities.

Modify existing client websites with new HTML and CSS to achieve stakeholder requirements.
Gather parts for the door builders, build doors, run glue machine
Apply caulking compound under spray rails, windshields, using caulking gun.
Use of polyester resins, epoxy's, vinyl ester resins and gel coats.
Install zigzag and no-sag springs in backs of sofa and chair frames, using metal clips and hammer.
Attach metal parts such as fittings, plates and bulkheads to yachts using brace and bits, augers and wrenches.

Tool maker example responsibilities.

Programme setup and run cnc lathe).
Weld parts to customer prints with both MIG and TIG welders.
Used cad to machine parts to spec, construct assemblies, and fixtures.
Train and assist others with the use of the CAD/CAM software (Surfcam).
Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables using hoists.
Design and build press brake tooling, robotic weld fixtures, weld and inspection fixtures.

Pallet builder vs tool maker skills

Common pallet builder skills

Pallets, 42%
Electric Pallet Jack, 30%
Nail Guns, 7%
Build Pallets, 4%
Safety Standards, 3%
Tape Measure, 2%

Common tool maker skills

Grinders, 12%
Jigs, 12%
Hand Tools, 8%
Machine Tools, 7%
Calipers, 5%
CNC Machines, 5%