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The differences between tool engineers 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 engineer and a tool maker. Additionally, a tool engineer has an average salary of $101,135, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a tool maker.
The top three skills for a tool engineer include python, java and CAD. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.
| Tool Engineer | Tool Maker | |
| Yearly salary | $101,135 | $52,443 |
| Hourly rate | $48.62 | $25.21 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 98,936 | 18,166 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 41 | 54 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
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 engineers and tool makers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tool Engineer | Tool Maker | |
| Average salary | $101,135 | $52,443 |
| Salary range | Between $75,000 And $135,000 | Between $40,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Sterling Heights, MI |
| Highest paying state | California | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Meta | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a tool engineer and a tool maker in terms of educational background:
| Tool Engineer | Tool Maker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | - |
Here are the differences between tool engineers' and tool makers' demographics:
| Tool Engineer | Tool Maker | |
| Average age | 41 | 54 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% | Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | 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 Percentage | 5% | 3% |