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
Quality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTime ManagementMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment SelectionCritical ThinkingTroubleshootingEquipment MaintenanceComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningActive LearningSpeakingRepairingReading ComprehensionOperations AnalysisCoordinationTechnology DesignSystems AnalysisMathematicsSocial PerceptivenessSystems EvaluationWritingLearning StrategiesInstructingPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesService OrientationScienceProgrammingManagement of Material ResourcesInstallationManagement of Financial Resources
Knowledge areas
MechanicalMathematicsProduction and ProcessingDesignEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementAdministrativePublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsEconomics and AccountingTransportationPersonnel and Human ResourcesChemistryTelecommunicationsBuilding and ConstructionCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentSales and MarketingPsychologyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyGeographyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryBiologyPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionFine Arts
Technology & tools
1CadCam UnigraphicsAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk InventorBentley MicroStationCNC MastercamCimatron CimatronE MasterDP Technology ESPRITDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksJobPack MES SchedulerKubotek USA KeyCreatorLogopressMAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKERMastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordNC verification softwareOPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILLPTC Creo ParametricSAP softwareSeco Tools Seco PointStriker Systems SS-Die DesignStriker Systems SS-Draw FormStriker Systems SS-Strip DesignVX Corporation VX Mold & DieVero International VISI-MouldVirtual Gibbs CADD/CAMdata M Software COPRA MetalBender
Representative tasks
Getting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesThinking CreativelyMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsWorking with ComputersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersProcessing InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesAnalyzing Data or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping and Building TeamsGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationStaffing Organizational Units
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
63 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bench Tool MakerBroach SetterCam MakerCarbide OperatorCarbide Tool MakerCutlery and Tools Saw MakerDie AssemblerDie BakerDie CutterDie DesignerDie FinisherDie MachinistDie MakerDie MechanicDie Repair LaborerDie Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech)Die Set Up WorkerDie SetterDie SinkerDie Trouble ShooterDie Try Out WorkerDie-Casting and Plastic Molding Mold MakerDiecast and Plastic Mold MakerElectronic Die MakerFixture MakerForcer MakerGage MakerHub CutterJig and Fixture RepairerJig Bore Tool MakerJig MakerJigmanJourneyman Tool and Die MakerKeller Machine OperatorMetal Die FinisherMetal Gauge MakerPaper Goods Die MakerPlastic Fixture BuilderPlastic Tool MakerSaw Maker