Tool And Die Maker

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Work Tasks

• Make tools and molds which are used to cut, shape, and form metal
• Work from blueprints to plan the steps needed to make the tool or die
• Measure, mark, and cut metal to make parts for the final product
• Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems to design products and parts
• Work for industries that make tools and dies, metalworking machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft, electrical machinery, farm machinery, and metal and plastic products
• Work with almost every type of machine tool (both cutting and forming), dies, jigs, hand tools, power tools, measuring instruments, testing equipment, engineer's drawings, original models, specifications, computers, many types of metals and alloys, protective clothing, and safety equipment

Salary, Size & Growth

• $53,500 average per year ($25.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (66,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 2-year degree in machine technology or an apprenticeship in tool and die making plus several years of experience
• Skills/Courses: Courses in mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, blueprint reading, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics; able to use CAD and CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.