Post job

Tool planner vs tool maker

The differences between tool planners and tool 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 planner and a tool maker. Additionally, a tool planner has an average salary of $87,023, which is higher than the $52,443 average annual salary of a tool maker.

The top three skills for a tool planner include engineering drawings, MRP and engineering blueprints. The most important skills for a tool maker are grinders, jigs, and hand tools.

Tool planner vs tool maker overview

Tool PlannerTool Maker
Yearly salary$87,023$52,443
Hourly rate$41.84$25.21
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs21,66418,166
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Associate Degree, 37%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Tool planner vs tool maker salary

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

Tool PlannerTool Maker
Average salary$87,023$52,443
Salary rangeBetween $55,000 And $136,000Between $40,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City-Sterling Heights, MI
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Automotive

Differences between tool planner and tool maker education

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

Tool PlannerTool Maker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Associate Degree, 37%
Most common majorBusinessPrecision Metal Working
Most common collegeNorthwestern University-

Tool planner vs tool maker demographics

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

Tool PlannerTool Maker
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 84.1% Female, 15.9%Male, 97.3% Female, 2.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.5% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.6% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.6% 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, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool planner and tool maker duties and responsibilities

Tool planner example responsibilities.

  • Design and manage the implementation of production tooling (fixtures, jigs, gauges, cutting tools, etc . )
  • Introduce lean techniques through creation and implementation of ISO procedures.
  • Collaborate with CMM equipment in the inspection of inventory shipments, ensuring all materials comply with government quality requirements and specifications.
  • Fabricate metal parts from the machine shop for AH-64D.
  • Facilitate and moderate demand, utilizing SMED and Kaizen technologies to facilitate procurement.

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.
  • Show more

Tool planner vs tool maker skills

Common tool planner skills
  • Engineering Drawings, 56%
  • MRP, 23%
  • Engineering Blueprints, 12%
  • Aircraft Production, 9%
Common tool maker skills
  • Grinders, 12%
  • Jigs, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • CNC Machines, 5%

Browse production and manufacturing jobs