Tool and Die Makers
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.
Also called: Die Machinist · Die Repair Laborer · Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech) · Jig and Fixture Repairer · Tool and Die Machinist · Tool and Die Maker
Median pay (national)
$63,180
$44,200–$87,660 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
55,130
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-10.8%
~4,700 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for tool and die makers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $87,660 versus $44,200 at the bottom 10% — 2.0x. The median of $63,180 leaves roughly 39% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -10.8% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 4,700 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 45 states with released data, Kansas pays the most for this role (median $81,230, +29% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $36,410 — a 123% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- 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.
- Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
- Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
- Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
- Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
- Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.
- Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- SAP software
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- Autodesk Inventor
- Cimatron CimatronE Master
- CNC Mastercam
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- data M Software COPRA MetalBender
- DP Technology ESPRIT
- JobPack MES Scheduler
- Kubotek USA KeyCreator
- Logopress
- MAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKER
- Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics