tool and die maker

Work context

Tool and die makers work in manufacturing workshops with metal stock, dies, jigs, machine tools, hand tools and CNC equipment. The job follows drawings and tolerances, then uses test runs and product checks to confirm the tool works.

Skills and specialization

Useful depth includes dies, machine tools, precision metalworking, deburring, grinding, polishing, joining metals, measuring equipment and quality standards. Specialization may focus on CNC programming, tool repair, fixture making, precious metals or cycle-time improvement.

Salary context

Salary context depends on precision requirements, material value, CNC responsibility, setup complexity, product testing and whether the role includes design decisions. Tool repair and prototype work are different from repetitive machine tending.

Career paths

Career paths can move from bench fitting and machine operation toward CNC setup, die making, tool design, quality control, maintenance of production tools or leading complex builds from drawing to test run.

Good to know

Check whether adverts name the tool type, materials, tolerances, machines, CAD or CNC work, measuring equipment and test duties. A clear advert separates toolmaking from general metal fabrication or simple machine operation.

Editorial note

This guide is editorial career context. It is not official labour-market statistics or role-specific salary data.

Alternative labels

Occupation group

Toolmakers and related workers (7222)

Source facts