Updated 2025 · Metalwork
How to Become a Tool and Die Maker
Tool and die makers design and build precision tools, jigs, fixtures, dies, and molds used to manufacture metal and plastic parts in mass production.
Steps to Become a Tool and Die Maker
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Tool and Die Maker apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: NIMS Tool and Die Making certification, CNC programming certification, Blueprint reading certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Tool and Die Maker Do?
Tool and die makers design and build precision tools, jigs, fixtures, dies, and molds used to manufacture metal and plastic parts in mass production.
Daily Duties
- Design and build custom tools, dies, and fixtures
- Read engineering drawings and specifications
- Operate CNC and manual machine tools to tight tolerances
- Heat-treat and harden tool steel
- Test and debug tools and dies in production
Skills Needed
- Die design
- CNC and manual machining
- Heat treatment
- Precision measurement (0.0001 inch)
- CAD/CAM software
Required Certifications
- NIMS Tool and Die Making certification
- CNC programming certification
- Blueprint reading certification
Tool and Die Maker Salary (2025)
The national median tool and die maker salary is $61,514 per year. Pay ranges from $51,309 in the lowest-paying metro to $80,173 in the highest-paying metro. See the full tool and die maker salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Tool and Die Maker apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $24,606 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $35,063 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $44,905 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $55,363 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $61,514 |
Union vs Non-Union Tool and Die Maker Pay
Union tool and die makers earn 17% more than non-union workers — $31.20/hour union vs $26.67/hour non-union. Approximately 12.8% of tool and die makers are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Tool and die makers work in tool rooms within manufacturing plants. Cleaner and more controlled environment than production floors. Work requires extreme precision and attention to detail.
Career Outlook
Demand driven by reshoring of manufacturing and medical device production. Aging workforce creating openings — average age of tool and die makers is over 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a tool and die maker is $61,514 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $51,309 to $80,173 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a tool and die maker apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a tool and die maker. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: NIMS Tool and Die Making certification and CNC programming certification.
Tool and Die Maker earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Demand driven by reshoring of manufacturing and medical device production. Aging workforce creating openings — average age of tool and die makers is over 50.
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