Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a tool technician and how to become one
A tool technician is responsible for the evaluation and repair of small engines, electrical devices, and outdoor power equipment. They also manage tool inventory for a business or a retailer and are responsible for repairing a variety of pneumatic and hand tools. In a retail setting, tool technicians provide customer service to store customers who rent tools, write up customer contracts, and make sure tools operate as expected. These individuals also coordinate with upper management and vendors to schedule and perform necessary maintenance and work to ensure that all tools adhere to company and safety regulations.
Most tool technicians are not required to have an advanced degree, but most employers require at least a High School Diploma or a GED and documented experience in tool management and electronics. Some employers even offer training in specific areas such as pneumatic tools and hand-held electrical tools. These individuals should possess strong mechanical, analytical, and engineering skills, as well as be comfortable working with other team members or customers.
Tool technicians can make up $43,000 per year, and the job market is expected to grow 1% by 2028. If you enjoy working with tools and have a knack for mechanics and engineering, this could be a rewarding vocation.
Avg. Salary $42,908
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 1%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%
Asian 2.71%
Black or African American 2.42%
Hispanic or Latino 6.46%
Unknown 2.81%
White 84.82%
Genderfemale 7.98%
male 92.02%
Age - 57American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 57Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Tool technician career paths
Key steps to become a tool technician
Explore tool technician education requirements
Start to develop specific tool technician skills
Skills Percentages Grinders 11.11% Hand Tools 10.20% CNC 8.52% Calipers 6.75% Micrometers 5.81% Complete relevant tool technician training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tool technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tool technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tool technician resumes.Research tool technician duties and responsibilities
- Use specialize tools and machinery (CNC milling machine, manual lathe, manual milling machine and surface grinders . )
- Program and operate wire EDM machine, milling machines, drill presses, surface grinders, lathes and jig grinders.
- Perform mig, tig, and stick welds.
- Skil welder utilizing TIG, MIG and stick welding processes.
Prepare your tool technician resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tool technician resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tool technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable tool technician resume templates
Build a professional tool technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tool technician resume.
Apply for tool technician jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a tool technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first tool technician job
Are you a tool technician?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average tool technician salary
The average tool technician salary in the United States is $42,908 per year or $21 per hour. Tool technician salaries range between $29,000 and $61,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do tool technicians rate their job?
Tool technician reviews
I love the work. Lots of job satisfaction. Steady work. 45yrs with the same company. I love it!
Time pressure to complete jobs. Massive overtime!
Basically you are your own boss. You have a time frame to complete a extensive project and you determine the processes, and how to approach them. I get a really great sense of feeling accomplishment every day. I'm very proud to be a Jouneyman Toolmaker. All the overtime you can handle. Very very great pay.
Dont even attempt to be in this trade if you cant handle very long hours, and very little sleep at times. Be prepared to miss out on some things socially, as you need to devote serious time that can interfere with things at times.
Piping,tanks ,vessels ,structure
All types of fabricator technician jobs like & Because i like my job .
Updated January 8, 2025
