Tool Maker

Your Fit

Income

$70K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

-8.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Tool and Die Maker?

Tool Makers are highly skilled craftsmen who design, create, and repair precision tools and machines used in various manufacturing processes. They combine their knowledge of mechanics, metallurgy, and engineering to produce tools that meet exact specifications.

Sample job titles:

Tool and Die Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Tool and Fixture Specialist, Tool Maker

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Tool Maker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Tool and Die Maker earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Tool Maker.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$55K per year	$70K per year	$79K per year	$93K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $5.51K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Tool and Die Maker do?

Work environment

Tool makers typically work in manufacturing facilities, machine shops, or tool rooms. Their work environment is workshop-based, involving the use of various machines and tools, and requires a strong emphasis on precision and safety.

Quick task list

Designs and fabricates tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures.
Operates machines like lathes, milling machines, and grinders to produce precision parts.
Inspects and tests completed tools to ensure functionality.
Repairs and modifies tools and dies.
Reads and interprets engineering drawings and specifications.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Die Making: Specializing in creating dies for stamping and forging operations in manufacturing.
Jig and Fixture Making: Focusing on designing and creating jigs and fixtures that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled.
Precision Tool Making: Concentrating on the creation of highly accurate tools for specialized manufacturing processes.

Description

Tool making is an intricate field that blends art and science, requiring both creative problem-solving and technical proficiency. Tool makers must understand complex mechanical systems and be able to visualize the end product from blueprints and sketches. They work with a variety of materials, including metals and alloys, and use precision equipment to shape these materials into tools or components.

Attention to detail is paramount in tool making. The tools and dies created must be accurate to fractions of a millimeter, as they are essential for the production of consistent, high-quality products in manufacturing. Tool makers must also be adept at troubleshooting, as they often modify and repair existing tools and equipment to improve functionality or adapt to new manufacturing needs.

The work of a tool maker requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of materials and mechanics. It often involves working independently on complex tasks, though collaboration with engineers and other technicians is also common. Stays up to date with advancements in technology, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery, is also important in this field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The craftsmanship and precision involved in creating and repairing tools.
The challenge of solving complex mechanical problems.
Seeing the direct impact of one's work on manufacturing processes and outcomes.

You might make a good Tool and Die Maker if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a passion for precision and craftsmanship.
Interested in mechanics and how things work.
Skilled with your hands and enjoy working with tools and machinery.
Able to read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints.

Pros:

High level of craftsmanship and precision offers a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Essential role in manufacturing industries, contributing to the production of a wide range of products.
Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, especially with advancements in technology.
Good prospects for job stability and advancement, given the specialized skills required.

Cons:

Physically demanding work that often requires long hours in standing positions and handling heavy materials.
Work environment can be noisy and requires strict adherence to safety protocols.
Requires a high level of precision and attention to detail, which can be mentally taxing.
As technology advances, there may be a need for ongoing training to keep skills current.

How to become a Tool and Die Maker

Typical education

Most tool makers have a high school diploma, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in tool making, which can take several years. Some may pursue additional education in mechanical engineering or a related field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in metalworking and machining to develop foundational skills.
Mathematics, particularly geometry and algebra, for precise measurements and calculations.
Physics to understand the principles of force, motion, and materials.
Computer science or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) courses to gain skills in modern design and manufacturing technologies.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in robotics clubs or mechanics clubs to gain experience with tools and machinery.
Engaging in DIY projects or workshops that involve metalworking or machining.
Competing in science fairs or engineering competitions with projects that include design and fabrication.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a technical or vocational school with programs in tool and die making, machining, or precision manufacturing.
Seeking apprenticeships in manufacturing or machining to gain hands-on experience.
Obtaining certifications in specialized areas like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing).
Staying informed about the latest technologies and methods in tool and die making through workshops and continuous education.

More resources

National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) - Offers training programs, networking opportunities, and industry information.
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) - Provides educational and training resources for metalforming professionals.
American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA) - Offers resources and support for those in the metalworking industry.
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Provides skills standards and credentials for precision manufacturing trades.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.