Production
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.
Median pay
$64,050
Growth to 2035
−9%
declining
Openings a year
4,300
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Tool and die makers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Tool and die makers: 46% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- 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.
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 · Tool and Fixture Specialist · Tool Maker
Outlook and AI
Tool and die makers held 56,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 51,500 by 2035 (−9%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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- Tool and die makers vs. Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
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- Tool and die makers vs. Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Tool and die makers vs. Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Tool and die makers vs. Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
- Tool and die makers vs. Patternmakers, metal and plastic
- Tool and die makers vs. Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic