Career Overview
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 Known As
- Tool and Die Machinist
- Tool and Die Maker
- Tool and Fixture Specialist
- Tool Maker
Alternate Job Titles
- 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 Machinist
- Die Maker
- Die Mechanic
- Die Repair Laborer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Troubleshoot malfunctions in manufacturing equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Visualization
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Achievement Orientation
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- 1-2-3 blocks
- Abrasive cutoff saws
- Acetylene torches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air compressors
- Air grinders
- Air-powered sandblasters
- Allen wrenches
- Angle gauge blocks
- Angle plates
- Arbor presses
- Band saws
- Bearing pullers
- Bench grinders
- Bore gauges
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Freedom to Make Decisions
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $44,200 |
| Median | $63,180 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $87,660 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 55,130
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,970
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,700
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,690
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,310
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,240
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.