Tool and Die Maker

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: Tool and Die Makers, Die Machinist, Die Repair Laborer, Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech), Jig and Fixture Repairer, Tool and Die Machinist, Tool and Fixture Specialist, Tool Maker, Tool Repairer, Trim Die Maker, Bench Tool Maker, Broach Setter, Cam Maker, Carbide Operator, Carbide Tool Maker, Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker, Die Assembler, Die Baker, Die Cutter, Die Designer, Die Finisher, Die Maker, Die Mechanic, Die Set Up Worker, Die Setter, Die Sinker, Die Trouble Shooter, Die Try Out Worker, Die-Casting and Plastic Molding Mold Maker, Diecast and Plastic Mold Maker, Electronic Die Maker, Fixture Maker, Forcer Maker, Gage Maker, Hub Cutter, Jig Bore Tool Maker, Jig Maker, Jigman, Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, Keller Machine Operator, Metal Die Finisher, Metal Gauge Maker, Paper Goods Die Maker, Plastic Fixture Builder, Plastic Tool Maker, Saw Maker, Sawsmith, Silver Jewelry Die Maker, Stamping Bench Die Maker, Stamping Die Maker, Stamping Die Try-Out Worker, Tap and Die Maker Technician, Template Layout Worker, Tool and Die Assembler, Tool and Die Technician, Tool Liaison, Tool Mechanic, Tool Room Technician (Tool Room Tech), Tool Salvage Worker, Tool Trouble Shooter, Tooling Technician (Tooling Tech), Toolsmith, Wire Drawing Die Maker

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Equipment Selection
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management
Active Listening
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Equipment Maintenance

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.85% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

51,490–78,770 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-4111.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Explore setup, CNC programming, precision tooling, or process-improvement responsibilities after demonstrating safe, accurate machining.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate (40.85% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Tool and Die Makers