# Tool and Die Makers

> 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/tool-and-die-makers
- SOC code: 51-4111.00
- Career family: Production
- Median annual pay: $64,050 (10th percentile $44,680, 90th percentile $92,680)
- Projected growth: Decline, -9.2%
- Openings a year: 4,300
- Typical entry education: Postsecondary certificate
- Bright outlook: no
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code RCI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 99 |
| Investigative (I) | 33 |
| Artistic (A) | 15 |
| Social (S) | 0 |
| Enterprising (E) | 0 |
| Conventional (C) | 53 |

## What you'd do

- Getting Information (importance 87/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 78/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 70/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 69/100)
- Controlling Machines and Processes (importance 69/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 69/100)
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (importance 68/100)
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (importance 67/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 66/100)
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (importance 64/100)

## Skills

Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Critical Thinking, Equipment Selection, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Time Management, Active Learning, Active Listening

## Knowledge

Mechanical, Mathematics, Production and Processing, Design, English Language, Engineering and Technology, Education and Training, Computers and Electronics, Customer and Personal Service, Administration and Management

## Also called

Bench Tool Maker, Broach Setter, Cam Maker, Carbide Operator, Carbide Tool Maker, Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker, Die Assembler, Die Baker, Die Cutter, Die Designer

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Precision Metal Working](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/4805) (CIP 4805, 746 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Ferris State University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/ferris-state-university-949) | Precision Metal Working | not reported | $86,941 | $12,000 |
| [Del Mar College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/del-mar-college-782) | Precision Metal Working | $41,304 | $79,303 | not reported |
| [Hennepin Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/hennepin-technical-college-1182) | Precision Metal Working | $68,632 | $76,020 | $11,033 |
| [Des Moines Area Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/des-moines-area-community-college-797) | Precision Metal Working | $65,355 | $75,145 | not reported |
| [Ivy Tech Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/ivy-tech-community-college-1314) | Precision Metal Working | $69,427 | $75,002 | $5,900 |
| [Dunwoody College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/dunwoody-college-of-technology-838) | Precision Metal Working | $60,388 | $70,886 | $12,000 |
| [Pennsylvania College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/pennsylvania-college-of-technology-2096) | Precision Metal Working | $63,054 | $70,298 | $19,500 |
| [Austin Community College District](https://www.collegesref.com/college/austin-community-college-district-152) | Precision Metal Working | $46,036 | $69,185 | not reported |

## Related careers

- [Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/tool-grinders-filers-and-sharpeners): $50,060 median pay
- [Model Makers, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/model-makers-metal-and-plastic): $63,340 median pay
- [Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/grinding-and-polishing-workers-hand): $42,660 median pay
- [Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/milling-and-planing-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic): $52,800 median pay
- [Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/forging-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic): $49,030 median pay
- [Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/cutting-punching-and-press-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic): $46,330 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.