Tool and die maker vs jig builder

The differences between tool and die makers and jig builders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a tool and die maker and a jig builder. Additionally, a jig builder has an average salary of $62,348, which is higher than the $52,956 average annual salary of a tool and die maker.

The top three skills for a tool and die maker include CNC, grinders and jigs. The most important skills for a jig builder are jigs, hand tools, and calipers.

Tool and die maker vs jig builder overview

	Tool And Die Maker	Jig Builder
Yearly salary	$52,956	$62,348
Hourly rate	$25.46	$29.98
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	18,971	2,853
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	6	6

Tool and die maker vs jig builder salary

Tool and die makers and jig builders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tool And Die Maker	Jig Builder
Average salary	$52,956	$62,348
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $68,000	Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	Syracuse, NY	-
Highest paying state	New York	-
Best paying company	Amphenol	-
Best paying industry	Technology	-

Differences between tool and die maker and jig builder education

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

	Tool And Die Maker	Jig Builder
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 36%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tool and die maker vs jig builder demographics

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

	Tool And Die Maker	Jig Builder
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tool and die maker and jig builder duties and responsibilities

Tool and die maker example 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.
Comply with ISO management system quality.
Utilize CAD/CAM software; AutoCad and MasterCam.

Jig builder example responsibilities.

Measure and keep tolerance making components for dies and molds, on CNC machines or surface grinders.
Fabricate and build assembly jigs and fixtures for agricultural equipment and accessories.
Inspect parts coming off machines with calipers and micrometers.
Design and improve processes on assembly jigs and tools on the shop floor.
Use of radial drills, lathes, mills, grinders, and relate precision measuring equipment.
Detail fabrication require use of various close tolerance measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.

Tool and die maker vs jig builder skills

Common tool and die maker skills

CNC, 11%
Grinders, 11%
Jigs, 11%
Hand Tools, 9%
Machine Tools, 6%
Calipers, 6%

Common jig builder skills

Jigs, 56%
Hand Tools, 23%
Calipers, 9%
Laser Tracker, 6%
Machine Shop, 4%
Drill Presses, 2%