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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.
Other titles employers use
Die Machinist · Die Repair Laborer · Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech) · Jig and Fixture Repairer · Tool and Die Machinist · Tool and Die Maker · Tool and Fixture Specialist · Tool Maker
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
- Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Equipment Selection
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Design
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Visualization
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.7 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 4.1 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 49%
- A certificate or some college 41%
- A two-year degree 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Project management software
- Word processing software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 8,530
- Job openings each year
- 820
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −11.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 8,530 | 820 | −11.7% |
| Ohio | 5,750 | 560 | −9.9% |
| Illinois | 4,760 | 480 | −3.3% |
| Wisconsin | 3,710 | 390 | 2.5% |
| Pennsylvania | 3,500 | 350 | −5.1% |
| Indiana | 3,470 | 340 | −7.0% |
| Tennessee | 3,310 | 350 | 3.8% |
| Connecticut | 2,020 | 210 | −1.9% |
| Missouri | 2,020 | 200 | −2.9% |
| New York | 1,900 | 0 | −12.0% |
| Kentucky | 1,810 | 180 | −1.1% |
| California | 1,700 | 180 | −5.6% |
| Washington | 1,640 | 190 | 7.2% |
| North Carolina | 1,350 | 140 | 1.5% |
| Texas | 1,350 | 140 | 3.1% |
| Minnesota | 1,220 | 130 | 2.5% |
| Alabama | 1,010 | 110 | 3.1% |
| Iowa | 920 | 90 | −2.1% |
| New Jersey | 810 | 80 | −1.2% |
| South Carolina | 770 | 80 | 5.5% |
| Georgia | 750 | 80 | 11.9% |
| Kansas | 740 | 70 | −5.1% |
| Florida | 690 | 70 | 3.0% |
| Arkansas | 560 | 60 | −3.4% |
| Virginia | 510 | 50 | −8.9% |
| Nebraska | 490 | 50 | — |
| Utah | 430 | 50 | 10.3% |
| Mississippi | 410 | 40 | — |
| New Hampshire | 360 | 40 | — |
| Puerto Rico | 340 | 40 | 9.7% |
| Oregon | 330 | 30 | 3.1% |
| Massachusetts | 320 | 30 | −5.9% |
| Arizona | 290 | 30 | 3.6% |
| Rhode Island | 260 | 30 | −3.7% |
| Colorado | 220 | 20 | — |
| Oklahoma | 210 | 20 | −4.5% |
| South Dakota | 150 | 20 | — |
| Vermont | 130 | 10 | −7.1% |
| Idaho | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| North Dakota | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Louisiana | 80 | 10 | — |
| Nevada | 80 | 10 | — |
| Maine | 50 | 10 | — |
| Delaware | 30 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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Where to study
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