Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career

Tool and Die Maker

Also called: Toolmaker · Die Maker · Mold Maker · Precision Toolmaker

What tool and die makers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a tool and die maker do?

Tool and die makers design, machine and assemble the dies, molds, jigs and fixtures that manufacturers use to cut, form and mold metal and plastic parts, working to extremely tight tolerances. The median pay is $64,050 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years (apprenticeship), and employment is projected to grow -9.2% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $64,050
    $30.79/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -9.2%
    2025–35, a projected decline
  • Openings per year
    4,300
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years (apprenticeship)
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    56,700
    Employment, 2025

What tool and die makers do

Tool and die makers are among the most skilled people in manufacturing. They read engineering drawings, plan machining steps, cut and grind tool steel on manual and CNC machines, use wire EDM and heat treating, then fit and assemble dies and molds that produce thousands or millions of identical parts. They also repair and maintain tooling in production.

Most toolmakers complete a four-year apprenticeship or a technical program plus years of experience. Employment is shrinking as tooling is made more efficiently, but many experienced toolmakers are retiring, so skilled newcomers are still sought after, especially in automotive, aerospace and plastics.

Typical duties

  • Read blueprints, CAD models and specifications
  • Plan machining sequences for tools and dies
  • Machine components on mills, lathes, grinders and EDMs
  • Heat treat and finish tool steel
  • Fit, assemble and test dies and molds
  • Inspect parts to tight tolerances
  • Repair and maintain production tooling

Work environment and schedule

Toolmakers work in tool rooms and machine shops in factories and job shops. Shops are cleaner than many production floors but involve machinery, coolant, noise and lifting heavy components.

Schedule: Most work full-time on day shifts, with overtime when production tooling breaks down or new programs launch.

A day in the life

  1. Review the drawings for a progressive die repair and check tooling notes.
  2. Program the wire EDM to cut a new punch from hardened steel.
  3. Surface grind die sections to within 0.0002 inch.
  4. Fit and assemble the die components and check clearances.

See a full day in the life of a tool and die maker →

Tool and Die Maker salary

Half of tool and die makers earned more than $64,050 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,680 for the lowest 10% to $92,680 for the top 10%.

Full tool and die maker pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a tool and die maker

  1. Take machining classes
  2. Complete a machining program
  3. Enter an apprenticeship
  4. Earn NIMS credentials
  5. Advance

Many toolmakers complete a postsecondary machining program and a four-year apprenticeship that combines paid work with classes in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy and CNC programming.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a tool and die maker →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Precision machining
  • Wire and sinker EDM
  • Surface and cylindrical grinding
  • Blueprint and GD&T reading
  • Die and mold design basics

People skills

  • Patience
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving
  • Mechanical creativity

All tool and die maker skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Highly respected, skilled trade
  • Precision, creative problem solving
  • Paid apprenticeships
  • Skilled workers are hard to replace

Cons

  • Employment is declining overall
  • Long training period
  • Work can be stressful when production is down
  • Exposure to noise and coolant

Certifications and licenses

  • NIMS credentials: National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications in machining and tool and die.
  • Apprenticeship completion: Journeyworker status from a registered apprenticeship.
  • GD&T certification: Credentials in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, such as from ASME.
  • CAM software certifications: Training in Mastercam, Fusion or similar tools.

Career path

  1. Machinist or Apprentice: Learn machining and shop practices.
  2. Tool and Die Maker: Build and repair tooling.
  3. Lead Toolmaker or Mold Designer: Lead complex builds and design tooling.
  4. Tool Room Supervisor or Tooling Engineer: Manage tool rooms or engineering.

Learn the job before day one

Our Tool and Die Maker training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as surface grind a die section to size and set up a wire EDM cut, safety and how to land your first job.

View Tool and Die Maker trainingIs this career right for me?

CNC Machinist

Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.

  • $58,750
  • 6–24 months

CNC Programmer

Write the programs that tell CNC machines how to cut precision parts.

  • $68,120
  • 1–2 years plus shop experience

Welder

Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.

  • $53,750
  • 3–18 months

Quality Control Inspector

Measure, test and inspect products to make sure they meet specifications.

  • $48,570
  • 3–12 months on the job

Compare: Tool and Die Maker vs. CNC Machinist · Tool and Die Maker vs. CNC Programmer · Tool and Die Maker vs. Welder · Tool and Die Maker vs. QC Inspector

Tool and Die Maker FAQ

How long does it take to become a tool and die maker?

Usually about four years through an apprenticeship, plus experience.

Is tool and die making declining?

Employment is projected to shrink, but retirements create openings for skilled newcomers.

What’s the difference between a machinist and a toolmaker?

Toolmakers usually work to tighter tolerances and build complete dies, molds and fixtures.

How much does a tool and die maker make?

The median annual wage for tool and die makers was $64,050 ($30.79 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $92,680.

How long does it take to become a tool and die maker?

Most people need about 4 years (apprenticeship) of training. Many toolmakers complete a postsecondary machining program and a four-year apprenticeship that combines paid work with classes in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy and CNC programming.

Do you need a degree to be a tool and die maker?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.

More tool and die maker questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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