Tool maker vs tool builder

The differences between tool makers and tool 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 tool builder. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $44,285 average annual salary of a tool builder.

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

Tool maker vs tool builder overview

	Tool Maker	Tool Builder
Yearly salary	$52,443	$44,285
Hourly rate	$25.21	$21.29
Growth rate	1%	1%
Number of jobs	18,166	10,843
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 33%
Average age	54	54
Years of experience	6	6

Tool maker vs tool builder salary

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

	Tool Maker	Tool Builder
Average salary	$52,443	$44,285
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $68,000	Between $33,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City	Sterling Heights, MI	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	General Electric	-
Best paying industry	Automotive	-

Differences between tool maker and tool builder education

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

	Tool Maker	Tool Builder
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 33%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	Business
Most common college	-	-

Tool maker vs tool builder demographics

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

	Tool Maker	Tool Builder
Average age	54	54
Gender ratio	Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
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, 2.5% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between tool maker and tool 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.

Tool builder example responsibilities.

Contract machinist Fanuc lathes machining large turbines for use in power generation for Mitsubishi-Hitachi in Savannah Ga.
Fabricate composite and aluminum full validating fixtures for interior and exterior vehicle build.

Tool maker vs tool builder skills

Common tool maker skills

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

Common tool builder skills

Jigs, 16%
Hand Tools, 12%
Calipers, 11%
Grinders, 11%
Aerospace, 5%
Machine Shop, 4%