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Tool and die maker vs tool builder

The differences between tool and die makers and tool 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 tool builder. Additionally, a tool and die maker has an average salary of $52,956, which is higher than the $44,285 average annual salary of a tool builder.

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

Tool and die maker vs tool builder overview

Tool And Die MakerTool Builder
Yearly salary$52,956$44,285
Hourly rate$25.46$21.29
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs18,97110,843
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Tool and die maker vs tool builder salary

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Builder
Average salary$52,956$44,285
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $68,000Between $33,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySyracuse, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companyAmphenol-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between tool and die maker and tool builder education

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Builder
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Tool and die maker vs tool builder demographics

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Builder
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool and die maker and tool 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.
  • Show more

Tool builder example responsibilities.

  • Contract machinist Fanuc lathes machining large turbines for use in power generation for Mitsubishi-Hitachi in Savannah Ga.
  • Fabricate composite and aluminum full validating fixtures for interior and exterior vehicle build.

Tool and die maker vs tool builder skills

Common tool and die maker skills
  • CNC, 11%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Jigs, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Machine Tools, 6%
  • Calipers, 6%
Common tool builder skills
  • Jigs, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Calipers, 11%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Aerospace, 5%
  • Machine Shop, 4%

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