Occupation · SOC 51-4111
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 wage
$63,180
$44,200–$87,660
Projected growth
-10.7%
Declining
Annual openings
-600
per year
Employed (US)
55,130
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
105 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisEquipment SelectionCritical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management
Knowledge areas
MechanicalMathematicsProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish Language
Technology & tools
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareMaterials requirements planning logistics and supply chain softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software
Representative 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.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.Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.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.Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Blueprint and sketch interpretation — read and identify basic dimensions, tolerances, and material callouts under direct supervision in a vocational or apprenticeship shop setting.Measuring instruments — select and apply calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators to verify basic part dimensions under close technician guidance on the shop floor.Conventional machine tools — operate a lathe or milling machine to perform simple cutting and boring tasks following step-by-step instructions from a journeyman tool and die maker.Workpiece setup — lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates using vises and v-blocks with supervisor assistance in a production machine shop.Material identification — recognize common metals and alloys by basic physical properties such as hardness and color under direct guidance during material selection exercises.Sequence planning — follow prescribed operation sequences for simple die or jig fabrication tasks as outlined by a lead machinist or supervisor.Hand tool use — fit and assemble basic tool components using hand tools under direct instruction on entry-level repair or modification tasks.Surface and contour inspection — perform visual checks of finished die surfaces for obvious defects and smoothness anomalies using reference samples and inspection checklists.Mathematical computation — apply basic geometry and arithmetic to calculate simple dimensions and tolerances from provided specifications in a classroom or shop environment.CAM and CAD software — navigate user interfaces and open existing files in computer-aided manufacturing and design software under instructor or senior machinist direction.
developing
Dimensional verification — apply gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators independently to verify alignment and clearances of finished parts against engineering specifications in a production shop.CNC machine operation — set up and operate computer numerically controlled lathes and milling machines with reduced oversight to cut and grind parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.Tolerance visualization — compute dimensions, shapes, and tolerances for moderately complex assemblies from engineering drawings without step-by-step guidance on the shop floor.Operation sequence planning — study blueprints and sketches to plan multi-step fabrication sequences for standard dies, jigs, and gauges with periodic review from a senior maker.Part fitting and assembly — fit, assemble, and modify die and jig components using machine tools and hand tools to meet functional requirements on routine production tooling tasks.Metal selection — evaluate and select appropriate metals and alloys based on hardness, heat tolerance, and application requirements for mid-complexity tooling projects.Finished die inspection — inspect completed dies for contour conformity, surface smoothness, and dimensional defects using calibrated instruments and standard quality criteria.Equipment monitoring — monitor machine performance indicators and process variables during machining operations, identifying deviations and making minor adjustments in a production environment.Troubleshooting — diagnose and resolve common machining and tooling problems such as dimensional drift or surface finish issues using logical analysis and prior experience.CAM programming — create and edit basic CNC tool paths in CAM software to support fabrication of standard tool and die components in a job-shop or manufacturing facility.
proficient
Complex part verification — autonomously verify dimensional conformance, alignment, and clearance of intricate finished parts using a full range of precision instruments including gauge blocks and optical comparators in a high-tolerance production environment.Advanced CNC and conventional machining — set up and operate multiple machine tool types, including multi-axis CNC equipment, to produce complex die components to tight tolerances without supervisory oversight.Assembly visualization and computation — independently visualize and compute dimensions, fits, and tolerances for complex multi-component assemblies, anticipating interference issues before physical fabrication begins.Full fabrication sequence planning — analyze detailed blueprints, models, and customer specifications to develop complete, optimized operation sequences for fabricating intricate dies, jigs, and specialized gauges.Precision fitting and modification — fit, assemble, and repair complex progressive dies, compound dies, and precision jigs using advanced machine tools and welding techniques to restore or enhance tooling performance.Non-routine defect resolution — identify and correct subtle surface, contour, and structural defects in finished dies through advanced inspection methods and corrective machining or polishing in a production setting.Materials engineering judgment — select metals and heat-treatment processes for high-demand tooling applications, balancing cost, performance, and machinability across a broad range of alloy options.Process quality analysis — apply statistical quality control analysis and root-cause methods to evaluate machining processes and drive measurable reductions in part rejection rates.ERP and production software — use enterprise resource planning and materials requirements planning software to track tooling inventories, schedule work orders, and coordinate material procurement independently.Complex problem solving — resolve non-standard tooling failures and design incompatibilities through critical thinking and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and production teams in a manufacturing facility.
advanced
Tooling strategy and standards — establish shop-wide fabrication standards, tolerance protocols, and quality inspection criteria that define best practices for all tool and die operations across the facility.Workforce development — mentor and train apprentices and developing machinists in blueprint reading, precision measurement, and machine operation, accelerating their progression through structured on-the-job instruction.Complex die system design — lead the design and specification of advanced progressive, transfer, and compound die systems by integrating CAD and CAM tools with deep materials and manufacturing knowledge.Process optimization leadership — direct continuous improvement initiatives for machining and tooling processes, applying lean manufacturing principles and quantitative analysis to reduce cycle times and scrap rates at an organizational level.Capital equipment selection — evaluate, recommend, and oversee procurement of CNC machine tools, inspection equipment, and CAM systems aligned with production capacity and strategic tooling goals.Cross-functional technical authority — serve as the authoritative resource for resolving the most complex tooling, materials, and machining challenges escalated from engineering, quality, and production departments.Quality system governance — develop and maintain quality management procedures for tool and die fabrication, ensuring conformance to industry standards such as ISO and customer-specific requirements across the department.Project management — plan, schedule, and control large-scale tooling projects from concept through delivery, managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder communications using project management software.Innovation and technology adoption — evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies including multi-axis machining, additive manufacturing, and advanced metrology systems, and champion their integration into shop operations.Organizational performance accountability — set performance targets for tooling quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency, and report results to senior leadership using data-driven analysis and ERP-generated metrics.
Also known as
85 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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