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The differences between tool specialists and tool engineers 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 specialist and a tool engineer. Additionally, a tool engineer has an average salary of $101,135, which is higher than the $84,797 average annual salary of a tool specialist.
The top three skills for a tool specialist include calipers, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a tool engineer are python, java, and CAD.
A Tool Specialist designs and carries out maintenance on tools that are used on certain manufacturing equipment and machines. Your key role is to track data on fixtures on tooling and create an estimated cost for repairs, help in assembling new tools as well as carrying out other duties in a manufacturing environment. Besides, you will be responsible for giving your input in the pricing of tools, conducting product reviews, and monitoring the maintenance of tools. You will also troubleshoot parts of your samples or newer parts when they malfunction.
A tooling engineer is responsible for creating and adjusting tools or parts for cars, heavy equipment, and other products that need customized or personalized components. Your duties and responsibilities will include creating design blueprints, using computer-aided (CAD) software to develop two- and three-dimensional prints, and validating and evaluating products. As a tooling engineer, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with operational standards such as the ISO 9000. You also have to provide technical assistance to manufacturing personnel and quality assurance.
Tool specialists and tool engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tool Specialist | Tool Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,797 | $101,135 |
| Salary range | Between $62,000 And $115,000 | Between $75,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | GoPro | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tool specialist and a tool engineer in terms of educational background:
| Tool Specialist | Tool Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 34% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | - | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between tool specialists' and tool engineers' demographics:
| Tool Specialist | Tool Engineer | |
| Average age | 54 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.6% Female, 10.4% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.3% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |