Searching

Career Exploration

  1. Home

Tool and Die Makers

Also called: Tool and Die Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool and Fixture Specialist, Tool Maker

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • design

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • group things in different ways

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Persistence
  • Cooperation
  • Independence
  • Initiative

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $59,800

Education

Certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.