Tool and Die Makers earn a median of $64,050 per year ($30.79/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 9.2% through 2035, with about 4,300 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
- SOC 51-4111
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Tool and Die Maker in four numbers
- Median pay
- $64,050a year, or $30.79/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $45KTop 10% $93K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -9.2%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−9.2%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −9.2% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,30056,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202556.7K
- Projected 203551.5K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 56.7K Projected 2035 51.5K - Typical education
- Certificateneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school9.7%
- High school39.6%
- Certificate40.9%
- Associate's9.9%
Highest education held by tool and die makers Segment Value Less than high school 9.7% High school 39.6% Certificate 40.9% Associate's 9.9%
Also advertised as: Die Machinist, Die Repair Laborer, Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech), Jig and Fixture Repairer, Tool and Die Machinist, Tool and Die Maker.
Pay
How much do Tool and Die Makers make?
Every tool and die maker in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$64,050
Middle half earn $51,490 to $78,770
- 10th
- $44,680
- 25th
- $51,490
- 75th
- $78,770
- 90th
- $92,680
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $44,680 |
| 25th | $51,490 |
| Median | $64,050 |
| 75th | $78,770 |
| 90th | $92,680 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $64,050
- Median hourly wage
- $30.79/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $66,860
- People employed
- 56,930
Versus all US occupations
At $64,050, Tool and Die Makers earn 26% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $13,070 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 33% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $92,680 or more while the bottom 10% earn $44,680, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 39% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $109,390, and still leads at $102,221 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Tool and Die Makers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $109,390 | $102,221 | 1,510 |
| 2Kansas | $83,890 | $93,141 | 660 |
| 3Maine | $79,910 | $82,339 | 80 |
| 4Connecticut | $77,540 | $74,838 | 1,880 |
| 5California | $77,030 | $69,572 | 1,790 |
| 6New Jersey | $74,460 | $68,434 | 540 |
| 7Oregon | $73,930 | $71,526 | 300 |
| 8North Dakota | $73,130 | $82,206 | 70 |
| 9Minnesota | $71,020 | $72,013 | 1,150 |
| 10New Hampshire | $69,910 | $67,115 | 250 |
Job outlook
Is Tool and Die Maker a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -9.2% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers | −9.2% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Tool and Die Makers to change -9.2% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 5,200 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,300 openings are projected each year, 7.6% of the 56,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of machinists and tool and die makers varies by occupation (see table).
Although machinists will be required to set up, monitor, and maintain systems, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools, autoloaders, and high-speed machining, their employment growth is expected to be limited as improvements in these technologies increase these workers’ efficiency over the projections decade.
Getting in
How to become a Tool and Die Maker
Although machinists typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation, tool and die makers also may need to complete postsecondary courses. Machinists and tool and die makers typically are trained on the job. Some learn through training or apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community and technical colleges.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Postsecondary nondegree award
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as tool and die makers.
- Post-Secondary Certificate40.9%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree9.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma9.7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 40.9% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 39.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 9.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 9.7% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Tool and Die Maker do?
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.
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Day-to-day tasks
- Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
- Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
- Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
- Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
- Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Many machinists and tool and die makers work full time during regular business hours. However, some work nights and weekends in facilities that operate around the clock. Some work more than 40 hours a week.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where tool and die makers work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Fabricated metal product manufacturing35%
- Machinery manufacturing21%
- Transportation equipment manufacturing13%
- Wholesale trade4%
- Employment services3%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabricated metal product manufacturing | 35% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 21% |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 13% |
| Wholesale trade | 4% |
| Employment services | 3% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Active Listening3.0
- Active Learning3.0
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Speaking2.9
- Mathematics2.8
- Writing2.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 3.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Mathematics | 2.8 |
| Writing | 2.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.3
- Operation and Control3.3
- Quality Control Analysis3.3
- Equipment Selection3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1
- Time Management3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Operation and Control | 3.3 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.3 |
| Equipment Selection | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Inventory management software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Tool and Die Maker?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Tool and Die Maker |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 3 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.9
- Conventional4.2
- Investigative3.0
- Artistic1.9
- Social1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Tool and Die Maker
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
- Production
Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand
$42,660median a year
Most earn $33K to $61K
−19.2%No formal credential - Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
Forging Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$49,030median a year
Most earn $37K to $69K
−17.2%High school - Production
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,330median a year
Most earn $36K to $66K
−10.5%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with tool and die makers highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$60,020
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator | $60,020 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Tool and Die Maker appears on
Questions
Tool and Die Maker: frequently asked questions
How much do Tool and Die Makers make?
Tool and Die Makers earn a median of $64,050 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 26% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $30.79/hr. The middle half earn between $51,490 and $78,770. The top 10% earn $92,680 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Tool and Die Maker?
Not a degree, but you do need credentialed training: BLS lists a postsecondary non-degree award (a certificate or license program) as the typical entry route for Tool and Die Makers. BLS also lists long-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 40.9% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Tool and Die Maker a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 9.2% over 2025–2035, a loss of 5,200 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,300 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Tool and Die Maker do?
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled equipment to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. A core O*NET task: verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Electronic mail software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software.
Which states pay Tool and Die Makers the most?
The highest state medians for Tool and Die Makers are Washington ($109,390), Kansas ($83,890), Maine ($79,910) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Tool and Die Maker?
O*NET scores Tool and Die Makers highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.