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The differences between tooling managers and tool engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a tooling manager, becoming a tool engineer takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a tooling manager has an average salary of $118,897, which is higher than the $101,135 average annual salary of a tool engineer.
The top three skills for a tooling manager include project management, continuous improvement and CNC. The most important skills for a tool engineer are python, java, and CAD.
| Tooling Manager | Tool Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $118,897 | $101,135 |
| Hourly rate | $57.16 | $48.62 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 6,020 | 98,936 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 46 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
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.
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.
Tooling managers and tool engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Tooling Manager | Tool Engineer | |
| Average salary | $118,897 | $101,135 |
| Salary range | Between $89,000 And $158,000 | Between $75,000 And $135,000 |
| Highest paying City | Cheyenne, WY | Novato, CA |
| Highest paying state | Wyoming | California |
| Best paying company | Meta | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Technology |
There are a few differences between a tooling manager and a tool engineer in terms of educational background:
| Tooling Manager | Tool Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 43% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between tooling managers' and tool engineers' demographics:
| Tooling Manager | Tool Engineer | |
| Average age | 46 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 89.5% Female, 10.5% | Male, 95.3% Female, 4.7% |
| 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, 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 | 6% | 5% |