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What is a tool and die maker and how to become one
Every manufacturing industry holds the position of Tool and Die Maker, which make working hands of any production. With variation in the name, they are also referred to as toolmaker, diemaker, mold maker, tool jig, or most commonly called fitter. Their key job is to operate certain tools or equipment to craft products.
Tool and die makers are skilled craftsmen who combine academic knowledge with their hands-on experience and skills to accomplish their trade. Now, how much education is required for doing so? Well, the answer is High school graduation or above.
As they got to craft real products by analyzing blueprints and modeling them as per design, one with higher education will be preferred. They are also offered various job training to get along with changing working practices and tool techniques.
Although the working environment is different for every industry, they are supposed to work in a toolroom environment. Like the working environment, their salaries also vary between $43,000 and $67,000 annually.
Avg. Salary $52,956
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 2.71%
Black or African American 2.42%
Hispanic or Latino 6.45%
Unknown 2.81%
White 84.83%
Genderfemale 3.76%
male 96.24%
Age - 57American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 57Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Tool and die maker career paths
Key steps to become a tool and die maker
Explore tool and die maker education requirements
Start to develop specific tool and die maker skills
Skills Percentages CNC 10.75% Grinders 10.68% Jigs 10.50% Hand Tools 8.69% Machine Tools 6.03% Complete relevant tool and die maker training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tool and die makers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tool and die maker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tool and die maker resumes.Research tool and die maker duties and responsibilities
- Perform proficient & frequent weld repair work using both MIG and TIG welding.
- Generate complex programs utilizing cad- cam software for unattend operation of precise CNC FANUC wire EDM machines.
- Smooth and polish flat and contour surfaces of parts or tools, using files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
- Interpret specifications and blueprints, set up/operated precision surface grinders.
Prepare your tool and die maker resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tool and die maker resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tool and die maker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable tool and die maker resume templates
Build a professional tool and die maker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tool and die maker resume.
Apply for tool and die maker jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a tool and die maker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first tool and die maker job
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Average tool and die maker salary
The average tool and die maker salary in the United States is $52,956 per year or $25 per hour. Tool and die maker salaries range between $41,000 and $68,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do tool and die makers rate their job?
Tool and die maker reviews
I love the work. Lots of job satisfaction. Steady work. 45yrs with the same company. I love it!
Time pressure to complete jobs. Massive overtime!
Some places are straight production shops and there will be limited opportunities to grow in them. When you make a mistake it can be huge and cost 10s of thousands of dollars to fix so you are often on edge.
Working with Cad softwares and seeing the final product when the tool is complete.
Sitting behind computer all day.
Updated January 8, 2025
