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How to hire a tool and die designer

Tool and die designer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring tool and die designers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a tool and die designer is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new tool and die designer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a tool and die designer, step by step

To hire a tool and die designer, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a tool and die designer, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step tool and die designer hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a tool and die designer job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tool and die designer
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    The tool and die designer hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a tool and die designer to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a tool and die designer that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of tool and die designers.

    Type of Tool And Die DesignerDescriptionHourly rate
    Tool And Die DesignerMachinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.$15-30
    Mold MakerA Mold Maker creates, adjusts, inspects, maintains, and repairs molds and production equipment. They use various machines, such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and jig borders.$16-32
    Tool MakerThe job of a toolmaker is to make precision tools, holding devices, and special guides that are used in the manufacturing process. You will be responsible for repairing, maintaining, and improving jigs, fixtures, and fittings for press tools and all tooling dies, conducting routine regrinding and servicing of tools, and ensuring compliance with all quality standard regulations... Show more$19-32
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Jigs
    • Machine Tools
    • Hand Tools
    • CNC
    • Solidworks
    • Grinders
    • Stamping Dies
    • Machine Shop
    • Auto CAD
    • Prototype
    • Assembly Fixtures
    • Drill Press
    • Engineering Changes
    • Assembly Drawings
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Operate drill press, CNC, metal saws, grinding wheels and learned many valuable shop skills.
    • Utilize Solidworks for prototype development, parts and manufacturing.
    • Create BOM for die checker, purchase and die building.
    • Design and machine extrusion dies and tools.
    • Provide a BOM for the purchasing personal.
    • Train new employees in die design and extrusion technology.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your tool and die designer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A tool and die designer salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, tool and die designers' average salary in texas is 36% less than in california.
    • Seniority. Entry-level tool and die designers earn 48% less than senior-level tool and die designers.
    • Certifications. A tool and die designer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a tool and die designer's salary.

    Average tool and die designer salary

    $45,993yearly

    $22.11 hourly rate

    Entry-level tool and die designer salary
    $33,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 20, 2025
  4. Writing a tool and die designer job description

    A tool and die designer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a tool and die designer job description:

    Tool and die designer job description example

    Choice Fabricators has been in business over 35 years in the greater Gadsden area as a Precision Stamping, Fabrication and Finishing facility. We pride ourselves in being one of the largest contract value added metal component companies in the Southeastern U.S. Our press capabilities range from 125 to 1100 ton, with manual, progressive, transfer and robotic technology.
    We offer our employees a full benefit package including paid vacation, holidays, medical, dental, vision. disability, critical care, accident, life insurance and 401k.

    Job Summary
    • This position will report directly to the Tool & Die Manager.
    • Supports production by repairing dies; machining parts and assisting with set-ups.
    • The perfect candidate for our Tool & Die shop must be familiar with every aspect of the Tool & Die Practices including but not limited to: the use of saws, lathes, mills, grinders and both manual and CNC,.
    • The individual must be willing to fill any vacant position in the department as well as showing improvement in our focus on Safety, Quality, 5S, and other performance driven systems.
    Skills And Abilities
    • Develops die function and structure by studying blueprints of die, product, and prototypes; applying knowledge of material under stress, machining and assembly methods, and mathematics.
    • Machines parts by measuring, marking, and scribing stock; setting up and operating lathe, mill, radial drill, shaper, grinder, etc.
    • Confirms parts by comparing measurements to specifications.
    • Assembles die by shaping, smoothing, and fitting parts with grinders, files, stones, etc.
    • Confirms assembly by verifying dimensions, clearances, and alignment of parts and components with micrometers, thickness gauges, gauge blocks, dial indicators, etc.
    • Completes assembly by bolting and doweling parts and components together with hammers, wrenches, etc.; connecting wiring and hydraulic lines.
    • Confirms performance of die by installing die; inspecting operation of die; making adjustments; comparing finished product to specifications.
    • Maintains continuity among work teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.

    EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
    • Candidate should possess a high school diploma or GED, Machinist 1 and Tool & Die certification or journeyman card. The incumbent must have at least 5 years' experience or more in the machining field.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right tool and die designer for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your tool and die designer job on Zippia to find and recruit tool and die designer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting tool and die designers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tool and die designer

    Once you've decided on a perfect tool and die designer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a tool and die designer?

Hiring a tool and die designer comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting tool and die designers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of tool and die designer recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

You can expect to pay around $45,993 per year for a tool and die designer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for tool and die designers in the US typically range between $15 and $30 an hour.

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