Tool maker vs die mechanic

The differences between tool makers and die mechanics 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 mechanic. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $45,271 average annual salary of a die mechanic.

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

Tool maker vs die mechanic overview

	Tool Maker	Die Mechanic
Yearly salary	$52,443	$45,271
Hourly rate	$25.21	$21.76
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	18,166	34,815
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 38%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	6	6

Tool maker vs die mechanic salary

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

	Tool Maker	Die Mechanic
Average salary	$52,443	$45,271
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $68,000	Between $32,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City	Sterling Heights, MI	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	General Electric	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between tool maker and die mechanic education

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

	Tool Maker	Die Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 38%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tool maker vs die mechanic demographics

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

	Tool Maker	Die Mechanic
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 91.9% Female, 8.1%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 87.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tool maker and die mechanic 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.

Die mechanic example responsibilities.

Position and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
Sharpen dull blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Deliver exceptional maintenance on extrusion lines and develop rubber extrusion dies to production standards; operate fork lift.

Tool maker vs die mechanic skills

Common tool maker skills

Grinders, 12%
Jigs, 12%
Hand Tools, 8%
Machine Tools, 7%
Calipers, 5%
CNC Machines, 5%

Common die mechanic skills

Grinders, 58%
Calipers, 12%
Micrometers, 11%
Hoists, 6%
Machine Tools, 6%
CNC, 6%