Tool maker vs jig builder

The differences between tool makers and jig 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 maker and a jig builder. Additionally, a jig builder has an average salary of $62,348, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a tool maker.

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

Tool maker vs jig builder overview

	Tool Maker	Jig Builder
Yearly salary	$52,443	$62,348
Hourly rate	$25.21	$29.98
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	18,166	2,853
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	6	6

Tool maker vs jig builder salary

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

	Tool Maker	Jig Builder
Average salary	$52,443	$62,348
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $68,000	Between $40,000 And $96,000
Highest paying City	Sterling Heights, MI	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	General Electric	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between tool maker and jig builder education

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

	Tool Maker	Jig Builder
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tool maker vs jig builder demographics

Here are the differences between tool makers' and jig builders' demographics:

	Tool Maker	Jig Builder
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 2.5% Unknown, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tool maker and jig builder 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.

Jig builder example responsibilities.

Measure and keep tolerance making components for dies and molds, on CNC machines or surface grinders.
Fabricate and build assembly jigs and fixtures for agricultural equipment and accessories.
Inspect parts coming off machines with calipers and micrometers.
Design and improve processes on assembly jigs and tools on the shop floor.
Use of radial drills, lathes, mills, grinders, and relate precision measuring equipment.
Detail fabrication require use of various close tolerance measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, and height gauges.

Tool maker vs jig builder skills

Common tool maker skills

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

Common jig builder skills

Jigs, 56%
Hand Tools, 23%
Calipers, 9%
Laser Tracker, 6%
Machine Shop, 4%
Drill Presses, 2%