Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Work Environment: Machinists and tool and die makers work in machine shops, toolrooms, and factories. Although many work full time during regular business hours, overtime may be common, as is evening and weekend work.
How to Become One: 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. Although machinists typically need just a high school diploma, tool and die makers may need to complete courses beyond high school.
Salary: The median annual wage for machinists is $47,730. The median annual wage for tool and die makers is $57,000.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a machinist with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Machinist Jobs
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Skilled - CNC Machinist
- QPS Employment Group
- Brookfield, WI
CNC Machinist Responsibilities:- Set up, program and operate complex machined components- Run the first piece to print specification- Inspect part to the inspection sheet criteria- Mentor and train ...
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CNC Machinist / Programmer
- Applied Industrial Technologies
- Shawnee, KS
As a Machinist for Spencer Fluid Power you will machine small, medium & large components for hydraulic cylinders, make drawings of components, This will involve working from damaged/broken/worn parts ...
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CNC Programmer/Machinist
- BPI Medical
- Fife, WA
Overview At BPI Medical, we are seeking a skilled CNC Programmer/ Machinist to join our dynamic team with 5+ years' programming experience along with Five ( 5) to Ten ( 10) years of precision ...
Top 3 Tool and Die Maker Jobs
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Assistant Tool Maker
- QPS Employment Group
- Madison, WI
Assistant Tool Maker Responsibilities include but are not limited to:- Assist with the fabrication, modification, maintenance, and repair of tools and mechanical components by using CNC mills, mills ...
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Senior CNC Toolmaker
- DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
- Grandview, MO
The Sr. CNC Tool Maker is a vital role within our manufacturing operations, combining the precision ... Tool and Die Fabrication: * Design, fabricate, and repair tools, fixtures, molds, gages, and dies ...
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Machining Fabricator 2 - Progression 1
- ARROWHEAD PRODUCTS CORPORATION
- Los Alamitos, CA
CNC Lathe or CNC Mill Setup Specialist, Journeyman Machinist, or Tool Maker Specialist. Essential ... or die . * Will perform all fabrication, to exacting tolerances, tools & dies such as: Class "A ...
What Machinists and Tool and Die Makers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled and mechanically controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Duties of Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Machinists typically do the following:
- Read blueprints, sketches, or computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files
- Set up, operate, and disassemble manual, automatic, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools
- Align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and workpieces
- Monitor the feed and speed of machines
- Turn, mill, drill, shape, and grind machine parts to specifications
- Measure, examine, and test completed products for defects
- Smooth the surfaces of parts or products
- Present finished workpieces to customers and make modifications if needed
Tool and die makers typically do the following:
- Read blueprints, sketches, specifications, or CAD and CAM files for making tools and dies
- Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces
- Set up, operate, and disassemble conventional, manual, and CNC machine tools
- File, grind, and adjust parts so that they fit together properly
- Test completed tools and dies to ensure that they meet specifications
- Smooth and polish the surfaces of tools and dies
Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Many machinists must be able to use both manual and CNC machinery. CNC machines control the cutting tool speed and do all necessary cuts to create a part. The machinist determines the cutting path, the speed of the cut, and the feed rate by programming instructions into the CNC machine.
Although workers may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. The parts that machinists make range from simple steel bolts to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants. Hydraulic parts, antilock brakes, and automobile pistons are other widely known products that machinists make.
Some machinists repair or make new parts for existing machinery. After an industrial machinery mechanic discovers a broken part in a machine, a machinist remanufactures the part. The machinist refers to blueprints and performs the same machining operations that were used to create the original part in order to create the replacement.
Some manufacturing processes use lasers, water jets, and electrified wires to cut the workpiece. As engineers design and build new types of machine tools, machinists must learn new machining properties and techniques.
Tool and die makers construct precision tools or metal forms, called dies, that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They produce jigs and fixtures—devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled—and gauges and other measuring devices.
Dies are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds for die casting and for molding plastics, ceramics, and composite materials.
Tool and die makers use CAD to develop products and parts. They enter designs into computer programs that produce blueprints for the required tools and dies. Computer numeric control programmers, described in the metal and plastic machine workers profile, convert CAD designs into CAM programs that contain instructions for a sequence of cutting-tool operations. Once these programs are developed, CNC machines follow the set of instructions contained in the program to produce the part. Machinists normally operate CNC machines, but tool and die makers often are trained to both operate CNC machines and write CNC programs and thus may do either task.
Work Environment for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers[About this section] [To Top]
Machinists hold about 342,600 jobs. The largest employers of machinists are as follows:
| Machine shops | 20% |
| Machinery manufacturing | 19% |
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | 13% |
| Employment services | 5% |
Tool and die makers hold about 65,100 jobs. The largest employers of tool and die makers are as follows:
| Metalworking machinery manufacturing | 22% |
| Motor vehicle parts manufacturing | 14% |
| Plastics product manufacturing | 6% |
| Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing | 5% |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 5% |
Injuries and Illnesses for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Because machinists and tool and die makers work around machine tools that may present hazards, these workers must follow precautions to avoid injuries. For example, workers must wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses, to shield against bits of flying metal, earplugs to dampen the noise produced by machinery, and masks to limit their exposure to fumes.
Machinist and Tool and Die Maker Work Schedules
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.
How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers near you!
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. Although machinists typically need just a high school diploma, tool and die makers may need to complete courses beyond high school.
Education for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Machinists typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, whereas tool and die makers may need to complete courses beyond high school. High school courses in math, blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting are considered useful.
Some community colleges and technical schools have 2-year programs that train students to become machinists or tool and die makers. These programs usually teach design and blueprint reading, the use of a variety of welding and cutting tools, and the programming and function of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines.
Machinist and Tool and Die Maker Training
There are multiple ways for workers to gain competency in the job as a machinist or tool or die maker. One common way is through long-term on-the-job training, which lasts 1 year or longer.
Trainees usually work 40 hours per week and take additional technical instruction during evenings. Trainees often begin as machine operators and gradually take on more difficult assignments. Machinists and tool and die makers must be experienced in using computers to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines. Some machinists become tool and die makers.
Some new workers may enter apprenticeship programs, which are typically sponsored by a manufacturer. Apprenticeship programs often consist of paid shop training and related technical instruction lasting several years. The technical instruction usually is provided in cooperation with local community colleges and vocational-technical schools. Workers typically enter into apprenticeships with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
A number of organizations and colleges offer certification programs. The Skills Certification System, for example, is an industry-driven program that aims to align education pathways with career pathways. In addition, journey-level certification is available from state apprenticeship boards after the completion of an apprenticeship.
Completing a certification program provides machinists and tool and die makers with better job opportunities and helps employers judge the abilities of new hires.
Important Qualities for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Analytical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand technical blueprints, models, and specifications so that they can craft precision tools and metal parts.
Manual dexterity. Machinists' and tool and die makers' work must be accurate. For example, machining parts may demand accuracy to within .0001 of an inch, a level of accuracy that requires workers' concentration and dexterity.
Math skills and computer application experience. Workers must be experienced in using computers to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.
Mechanical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water cutting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools.
Physical stamina. Machinist and tool and die makers must stand for extended periods and perform repetitious movements.
Technical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand computerized measuring machines and metalworking processes, such as stock removal, chip control, and heat treating and plating.
Machinist and Tool and Die Maker Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for machinists is $47,730. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,250.
The median annual wage for tool and die makers is $54,760. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,900, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,240.
The median annual wages for machinists in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Transportation equipment manufacturing | $49,010 |
| Machinery manufacturing | $47,700 |
| Machine shops | $47,510 |
| Employment services | $30,500 |
The median annual wages for tool and die makers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | $76,600 |
| Motor vehicle parts manufacturing | $60,390 |
| Plastics product manufacturing | $51,120 |
| Machine shops; turned product; and screw, nut, and bolt manufacturing | $49,970 |
| Metalworking machinery manufacturing | $49,190 |
The pay of apprentices is tied to their skill level. As they reach specific levels of performance and experience, their pay increases.
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.
Job Outlook for Machinists and Tool and Die Makers[About this section] [To Top]
Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is projected to show little or no change over the next ten years.
Despite limited employment growth, about 44,100 openings for machinists and tool and die makers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most 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.
See all manufacturing jobs.
Employment of Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
Projected employment of machinists and tool and die makers varies by occupation.
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.
Employment of tool and die makers is expected to decline as advances in automation, including CNC machine tools, reduce demand for certain tasks that these workers do, such as programming how parts fit together.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Machinists and tool and die makers | 407,700 | 411,600 | 1 | 3,900 |
| Machinists | 342,600 | 350,700 | 2 | 8,100 |
| Tool and die makers | 65,100 | 61,000 | -6 | -4,200 |
More Machinist and Tool and Die Maker Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information about machinists and tool and die makers, including training and certification, visit
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA)
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
For information about manufacturing careers, including machinery and tool and die makers, visit
American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.