Tool and Die Maker

Explore This Path

Perfect for those who love precision and hands-on work with metal and machines.
Craft essential tools and parts that drive innovation in manufacturing industries.
Combine creativity and technical skills to shape intricate, custom metal components.

💰 Earn $51K-$86K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -9.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Vocational Training

Career Prospects

Risky (Decreasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

5,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$66,090 in California

$61,490 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

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$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Time Management

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Tool and Die Maker

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years