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Tool and die maker vs tool maker

The differences between tool and die makers and tool makers 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 maker. Additionally, a tool and die maker has an average salary of $52,956, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a tool maker.

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

Tool and die maker vs tool maker overview

Tool And Die MakerTool Maker
Yearly salary$52,956$52,443
Hourly rate$25.46$25.21
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs18,97118,166
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 37%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

What does a tool and die maker do?

A tool and die maker is responsible for operating various mechanical tools and equipment to create components, metal parts, and other tools for a wide range of industries. Tool and die makers analyze schematics and blueprints to assemble parts and verify dimensions accurately. They also perform diagnostic tests for the items and adjust specifications as needed. A tool and die maker must have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as extensive knowledge of the technological and mechanical industries.

What does a tool maker do?

The 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. In addition, you may be tasked to operate lifting equipment and forklift truck and document die history and other relevant records. You will also be responsible for conducting preventative maintenance.

Tool and die maker vs tool maker salary

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Maker
Average salary$52,956$52,443
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $68,000Between $40,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CitySyracuse, NYSterling Heights, MI
Highest paying stateNew YorkAlaska
Best paying companyAmphenolGeneral Electric
Best paying industryTechnologyAutomotive

Differences between tool and die maker and tool maker education

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Maker
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 37%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Tool and die maker vs tool maker demographics

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

Tool And Die MakerTool Maker
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 96.2% Female, 3.8%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
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, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool and die maker and tool maker 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.
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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.
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Tool and die maker vs tool maker skills

Common tool and die maker skills
  • CNC, 11%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Jigs, 11%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Machine Tools, 6%
  • Calipers, 6%
Common tool maker skills
  • Grinders, 12%
  • Jigs, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • CNC Machines, 5%

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