How to hire a tool maker

How to hire a tool maker, step by step

Here's a step-by-step tool maker hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a tool maker job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new tool maker
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a tool maker do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your tool maker job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a tool maker for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect tool maker also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents tool maker salaries for various positions.

   Type of Tool Maker	Description	Hourly rate
   Tool Maker	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	$19-32
   Maintenance Machinist	A Maintenance Machinist is responsible for implementing and maintaining industrial machinery. Their primary duties include investigating and diagnosing equipment failures and performing corrective actions.	$17-35
   Tool And Die Designer	A tool and die designer is responsible for creating technical and mechanical components using various computer-aided machines and equipment. Tool and die designers should have an excellent comprehension of schematics and blueprints to verify dimensions and design accurate workpieces... Show more	$15-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Grinders
   • Jigs
   • Hand Tools
   • Machine Tools
   • Calipers
   • CNC Machines
   • Manual Lathes
   • Math
   • CAD
   • Assembly Fixtures
   • Cam
   • Cad Cam
   • Drill Presses
   • Wire EDM

   Check all skills

   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.

   More tool maker duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your tool maker job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A tool maker can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, tool makers' average salary in new mexico is 31% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level tool makers 41% less than senior-level tool makers.
   • Certifications. A tool maker with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a tool maker's salary.

   Average tool maker salary

   $52,443yearly

   $25.21 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level tool maker salary

   $40,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average tool maker salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Michigan	$58,002	$28
   2	Minnesota	$57,782	$28
   3	Colorado	$56,617	$27
   4	Nebraska	$56,563	$27
   5	Massachusetts	$55,305	$27
   6	Wisconsin	$54,867	$26
   7	South Carolina	$54,501	$26
   8	Connecticut	$53,334	$26
   9	Washington	$53,274	$26
   10	Missouri	$52,888	$25
   11	New York	$52,494	$25
   12	Georgia	$52,458	$25
   13	Virginia	$52,362	$25
   14	Ohio	$51,609	$25
   15	Tennessee	$51,084	$25
   16	Illinois	$51,048	$25
   17	California	$50,802	$24
   18	Pennsylvania	$50,609	$24
   19	Florida	$50,439	$24
   20	Arkansas	$47,783	$23

   Average tool maker salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	General Electric	$61,469	$29.55	27
   2	Sloan Valve	$61,123	$29.39	2
   3	Corning Incorporated	$60,901	$29.28	6
   4	Silgan Holdings	$59,408	$28.56	2
   5	ESPO	$59,054	$28.39
   6	Hopkins Manufacturing	$59,010	$28.37
   7	Tiffany & Co.	$58,637	$28.19
   8	West Pharmaceutical Services	$58,630	$28.19	4
   9	Teledyne Technologies Incorporated	$58,400	$28.08	1
   10	Cummins	$57,958	$27.86	2
   11	ITW	$57,825	$27.80	13
   12	Crane Co.	$57,695	$27.74
   13	Cyient	$57,681	$27.73	2
   14	Silgan Containers	$57,511	$27.65	6
   15	Cardone Industries	$57,492	$27.64
   16	A-dec	$57,434	$27.61
   17	Tenneco	$57,316	$27.56	2
   18	Lockheed Martin	$57,221	$27.51	43
   19	Jabil	$57,135	$27.47	2
   20	L3Harris	$57,121	$27.46	8

4. Writing a tool maker job description

   A tool maker job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a tool maker job description:

   Tool maker job description example

   Hoover & Strong is a 110-year-old, family-owned Jewelry manufacturer and refiner. We cater to the jewelry industry by producing over 30,000 eco-friendly and responsible Harmony jewelry products, all made in the USA. Our products and services include jewelry, contract castings, findings, mill products, diamond services, and eco-friendly metal refining.
   
   Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Paid Holidays and Full Benefits. A team of over 120 enthusiastic and dedicated coworkers have created a progressive, family-oriented work environment that encourages personal growth, the sharing of creative ideas and responsible practices. Our work ethic is strong and we strive for excellence and innovation in everything that we do. Providing high-quality products and professional services is our passion and we do it all in a casual, non-corporate atmosphere with respect and appreciation for one another.
   
   Enthusiasm and excitement circulate throughout the facility and inspires our work every day. Innovation and creativeness are hard to escape in an environment where we are passionate about excelling and sharing ideas! Hoover and Strong, Inc. is simply a great place to work!
   
   The operator will be responsible for developing and designing tooling and fixturing to be used in new product development as well as improvement of existing tooling and processes. They will also be responsible for developing CAD to accompany any new tooling or designs they develop or for existing designs that are modified. This role requires the practical application of good manufacturing practices and organizational skills. The ideal candidate possesses excellent interpersonal skills and an aptitude for hands-on problem solving.
   Salary Starting At: 60k-65k, based on experience
   Responsibilities: Toolmaker: 50% Forecast upcoming workload and ensure proper material and workforce on-hand to manage the needed output so that the team can meet and exceed timelines while maintaining high quality production. Read CAD drawing, prints and job orders to determine dimensions and machine set-up; certify work against blueprints Set up and operate various machining and grinding equipment such as Mills, Lathes, and surface grinders in order to machine or grind components to precise specifications. Performs inspection of machined products and documents results along with completing and maintaining paperwork for parts. Repair and maintain press tools and die repairs; attend press breakdowns, identify fault and problem solve at the press with minimal downtime to aid production. Build/Modify various prototypes/production molds, dies and misc. tooling EDM experience a plus
   CAD: 30% Using skills in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, with an emphasis in Rhinoceros. Performs progressive machining operations for making tooling and equipment with close tolerances Work with the tool designers, programmers, and tool assemblers to produce necessary components Plan, machine, assemble and measure tooling detailed on work orders to fabricate jigs, fixtures and custom tooling to support manufacturing the production floor. Inspect all work performed and detect unusual conditions, defective materials, and defective parts as well as recognize errors in blueprints and operation sheets. Demonstrated ability to use shop math, work from charts, tables, drawings, and verbal instructions. Capable of continuous mental and visual attention on typically repetitive work or diversified operations requiring constant alertness or activity. Experience in manipulating and converting CAD files across programs and platforms Experience manipulating and editing different types of CAD models (wire frame, mesh, solid body, parametric solids, parts with and without histories)
   Documentation, 5S Implementation: 20% Intermediate computer skills in Windows, Office, directory navigation, and file management Able to develop, implement, and document file naming conventions that are easy to navigate Write quality SOP and work instructions that are easy to read and understand
   Qualifications Minimum 3 years of CAD/CAM experience in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhinoceros Minimum 5 years of tool & die experience Ability to use inspection tools such as micrometers, indicators, vernier calipers, etc. Knowledge and understanding of tooling design, stamping dies, and die construction Ability to read and understand SOPs and OP cards Ability to multitask and meet deadlines and keep a positive attitude while under pressure. Must be able to work in a team environment. High attention to detail and self-motivated Must have good communication skills and experience using Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel. Must be available to work overtime as needed
   Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 14 days of Paid Time Off, plus 1 week of Excused Unpaid Time Off (pro-rated the first year) Nine paid holidays, plus 1 week off at the end of December Eligibility for 401k, with Company Profit Sharing contributions Company contribution to your Medical and Dental plans Company paid Life Insurance Voluntary Vision and Supplemental Insurance Available Company paid Tuition Reimbursement for qualified courses 1 College or Trade School Scholarship awarded to a dependent child each year, for up to 4 years Performance bonuses and Spot Awards Monthly luncheons, cookouts and other fun activities
   All applicants must complete the online application at careers.hooverandstrong.com or find us on Indeed.com. We cannot accept resumes without the online application. Candidates must pass an extensive background check, credit, criminal and drug screen; in addition, all candidates must be willing to adhere to a metal-free dress code policy. Hoover & Strong, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Candidates should apply online at career.hooverandstrong.com We are an EEO M/F/D/V.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right tool maker for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your tool maker job on Zippia to find and recruit tool maker candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit tool makers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new tool maker

   Once you have selected a candidate for the tool maker position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new tool maker. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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