Tool and Die Maker Career

tool-die-maker-500Tool and die makers use computerized machine tools as well as ones that are mechanically controlled to make metal parts, tools and instruments. If you are considering this as a career option, you will need to use blueprints, drawings, or computer-aided design files to make tools and dies. This may involve computing and verifying dimensions, shapes, sizes, and tolerances of work pieces.

Toolmakers make precision tools that are used to cut and form metal and other materials. They also create jigs that hold metal while it is being bored or drilled. Die makers create metal forms that are used to shape metal in forging and stamping operations.

Tool and Die Maker Career Snapshot

Tool and die makers typically work in manufacturing settings such as machine shops, or factories. Fabricated metals, machinery, and transportation manufacturing are frequent employers. Although the work of tool and die makers is not dangerous, you should still follow safety precautions if this is your field. Be sure to wear protective equipment like safety glasses, masks and earplugs. Most tool and die makers work full time, sometimes during unusual hours if facilities are running shifts around the clock. You may also have to work overtime hours.

Further details on a career as a tool and die maker are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$50,290

is the estimated yearly salary for machinists and tool and die makers.

-13%

decrease in employment between 2014 and 2024.

68%

have a Post-secondary certificate while 17% have an Associate’s degree.

Tool and Die Maker Education

Most tool and die makers have earned a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree from a community technical college or a vocational school.

Tool and Die Maker Job Duties

If you’re a tool and die maker, you may set up, operate, and disassemble manual, conventional, and CNC machine tools. Daily duties may include filing, grinding, and adjusting parts so that they fit together properly. You may learn to test completed tools and dies to make sure they meet specifications.

Tool and Die Maker Salaries

According to May 2015 BLS.gov reports, the average salary is $50,290 per year for people employed as tool and die makers with top earners making $73,530. Newcomers to the field can expect to earn around $32,010.

Tool and Die Maker Job Outlook

Due to competition from foreign manufacturing companies and increased automation such as CNC machine tools and CAD technology, the employment of tool and die makers is expected to decrease by 13 percent between 2014 and 2024.

Tool and Die Maker Career

Tool and Die Maker Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Tool and Die Makers:Typical Work Activities:
• Operation and Control
• Critical Thinking
• Operation Monitoring
• Quality Control Analysis
• Active Listening
• Near Vision
• Visualization
• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Calipers
• Drill press or radial drill
• Gage block set
• Power grinders
• Squares
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions
• Processing Information

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