Tooling manager vs production leader

The differences between tooling managers and production leaders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a tooling manager and a production leader. Additionally, a tooling manager has an average salary of $118,897, which is higher than the $44,563 average annual salary of a production leader.

The top three skills for a tooling manager include project management, continuous improvement and CNC. The most important skills for a production leader are customer service, continuous improvement, and safety procedures.

Tooling manager vs production leader overview

	Tooling Manager	Production Leader
Yearly salary	$118,897	$44,563
Hourly rate	$57.16	$21.42
Growth rate	10%	-
Number of jobs	6,020	107,578
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

What does a tooling manager do?

A tooling manager is primarily responsible for overseeing information and data regarding tool systems. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their industry or place of employment, it typically includes setting objectives and guidelines, coordinating with staff to gather and analyze data, liaising with internal and external parties, tracking tool locations, and maintaining records. Moreover, a tooling manager typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a production leader do?

A production leader usually works at a manufacturing plant or a similar setting. They are primarily responsible for overseeing all processing operations and workforce performance, ensuring efficiency and timeliness. They are also responsible for coordinating with personnel, producing progress reports, processing paperwork, delegating tasks, setting the budget and goals, evaluating performances, and even training new members of the workforce. Furthermore, as a leader, it is essential to implement all policies and regulations set by the company to maintain a productive and safe work environment for everyone.

Tooling manager vs production leader salary

Tooling managers and production leaders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Tooling Manager	Production Leader
Average salary	$118,897	$44,563
Salary range	Between $89,000 And $158,000	Between $31,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Cheyenne, WY	New York, NY
Highest paying state	Wyoming	New York
Best paying company	Meta	Meta
Best paying industry	Automotive	Technology

Differences between tooling manager and production leader education

There are a few differences between a tooling manager and a production leader in terms of educational background:

	Tooling Manager	Production Leader
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Tooling manager vs production leader demographics

Here are the differences between tooling managers' and production leaders' demographics:

	Tooling Manager	Production Leader
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5%	Male, 70.6% Female, 29.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.5% White, 62.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.1% White, 59.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between tooling manager and production leader duties and responsibilities

Tooling manager example responsibilities.

Manage fastener development and prototyping, and work to reduce cost across large part of fastener commodities.
Lead JSA prior to picking up tools to run in wellbore and to pulling out wellbore and laying down tools.
Supervise fishing operations and manage rig controls and risk analyses.
Manage daily operations of precision machining facility that produces components for the medical and aerospace industry.
Manage workflow and oversee strict cleanroom operations, assuring compliance with FDA specifications including labeling and packaging traceability.
Perform many duties including, manual machining, operation of CNC mills, lathes, sinker and wire EDM's.

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Production leader example responsibilities.

Manage PC production line personnel.
Manage the operation of three alkalize systems from a PLC.
Manage employee's schedules, time off requests, vacation and payroll with the KRONOS time management software.
Maintain maximum yields in accordance with company policies and USDA food and safety guidelines.
Maintain the facilities organization, appearance, and cleanliness.
Operate and maintain general manufacturing equipment and perform production in accordance with QSR, ISO and establish written procedures.

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Tooling manager vs production leader skills

Common tooling manager skills

Project Management, 21%
Continuous Improvement, 9%
CNC, 5%
CAD, 5%
Preventative Maintenance, 5%
Process Improvement, 5%

Common production leader skills

Customer Service, 11%
Continuous Improvement, 7%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%
Customer Orders, 5%
Production Process, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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