Career comparison
Metal Layout Worker vs. Tool and Die Maker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tool and die makers earn more at the median ($64,050 vs. $63,870), while metal layout workers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Metal layout workers mark precise lines and reference points on metal for machinists and fabricators. Tool and die makers build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Metal Layout Worker | Tool and Die Maker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,870 ($30.71/hr) | $64,050 ($30.79/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $39,980 – $93,860 | $44,680 – $92,680 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.4% (a projected decline) | -9.2% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 500 | 4,300 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | A few months on the job | 4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | NIMS Measurement | NIMS credentials |
| Work setting | Layout workers work in fab and machine shops.. | Toolmakers work in tool rooms and machine shops in factories and job shops. |
What each job does
Metal Layout Worker
- Read blueprints
- Apply layout dye
- Mark reference lines
- Locate hole centers
- Check castings
Tool and Die Maker
- 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
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, indoor work, working independently, and steady routines. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose metal layout worker if…
- I like geometry
- I’m precise
- I read drawings well
Choose tool and die maker if…
- I love precise, detailed work
- I like machines and metal
- I’m patient with complex problems
Still torn? Take the Metal Layout Worker fit quiz and the Tool and Die Maker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, metal layout worker or tool and die maker?
Tool and Die Makers earn more at the median: $64,050 versus $63,870 for metal layout workers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Metal Layout Workers typically train faster (A few months on the job) than tool and die makers (4 years (apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects metal layout workers to grow -3.4% from 2025–35, compared with -9.2% for tool and die makers.