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Tool maker vs die maker

The differences between tool makers and die 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 maker and a die maker. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $50,035 average annual salary of a die maker.

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

Tool maker vs die maker overview

Tool MakerDie Maker
Yearly salary$52,443$50,035
Hourly rate$25.21$24.06
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs18,1667,600
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Tool maker vs die maker salary

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

Tool MakerDie Maker
Average salary$52,443$50,035
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $68,000Between $36,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySterling Heights, MI-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyGeneral Electric-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between tool maker and die maker education

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

Tool MakerDie Maker
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingPrecision Metal Working
Most common college--

Tool maker vs die maker demographics

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

Tool MakerDie Maker
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool maker and die maker duties and responsibilities

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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Die maker example responsibilities.

  • Operate manual lathes, large and small boring mills, drill presses, CNC machines.
  • Operate and set-up machines such as drill press, lathe, milling machines and surface grinders, etc.
  • Operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
  • Specialize in building of cam stations.
  • Read micrometers, calipers, scales, indicators etc.
  • Maintain proficiency standard in MIG welding and acquire fresh proficiency in TIG procedures.
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Tool maker vs die maker skills

Common tool maker skills
  • Grinders, 12%
  • Jigs, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • CNC Machines, 5%
Common die maker skills
  • Hand Tools, 14%
  • Grinders, 13%
  • Jigs, 12%
  • CNC, 9%
  • Machine Tools, 7%
  • CAD, 7%

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