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Tool builder vs die builder

The differences between tool builders and die 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 builder and a die builder. Additionally, a die builder has an average salary of $46,550, which is higher than the $44,285 average annual salary of a tool builder.

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

Tool builder vs die builder overview

Tool BuilderDie Builder
Yearly salary$44,285$46,550
Hourly rate$21.29$22.38
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs10,8434,002
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 55%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Tool builder vs die builder salary

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

Tool BuilderDie Builder
Average salary$44,285$46,550
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $57,000Between $30,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between tool builder and die builder education

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

Tool BuilderDie Builder
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 55%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Tool builder vs die builder demographics

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

Tool BuilderDie Builder
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 96.9% Female, 3.1%Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool builder and die builder duties and responsibilities

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.

Die builder example responsibilities.

  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.
  • Jig out the pattern of mylar on flat and rotary die boards.
  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.

Tool builder vs die builder skills

Common tool builder skills
  • Jigs, 16%
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Calipers, 11%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Aerospace, 5%
  • Machine Shop, 4%
Common die builder skills
  • Grinders, 45%
  • Jigs, 15%
  • Support Production, 14%
  • CAD, 13%
  • Hoists, 13%

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