What Tool and Die Makers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Tool and Die Makers this way: "Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies"; "Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators"; "Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications"; "Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes"; "File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is long-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Tool and Die Makers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 56,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 51,500 in 2035, a decrease of 5,200 jobs (-9.2%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,300 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $64,050, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Tool and Die Makers earn the most
Published data currently covers Michigan, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $68,652. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Tool and Die Makers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (51-4000) include Machinists, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic and Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
Frequently asked questions about Tool and Die Makers
How much do Tool and Die Makers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $64,050.
Is Tool and Die Makers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 9.2% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,300 openings a year.
What education do Tool and Die Makers need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award and long-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.