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Tool and Die Makers make and repair instruments, gages, dies, and fixtures that, when attached to machines, cut, shape, or stamp out parts made of metal, plastic, glass, or other materials. Tool Makers make jigs and fixtures that hold the metal being machined. They also make gages and other precision measuring devices.  

Die Makers make metal forms (dies) to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds for die-casting and molding plastics.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Tool & Die Makers may:

Study blueprints, sketches, models, or written specifications in order to picture the final product  

Plan type of stock, layout, machining, and assembly operations needed to complete the job  

Measure and mark the proper stock for machining  

Set up and operate machine tools to shape the stock  

Use hand tools to smooth and finish the workpiece  

Use precision measuring instruments to check for proper dimensions of the workpiece  

Fit and fasten parts together with bolts, dowels, or screws  

Connect any piping, wiring, or hydraulic parts on some jobs  

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Tool & Die Makers may specialize in these areas:

601.260-010 TOOL-AND-DIE MAKERS construct and repair instruments, gages, dies, and fixtures that, when attached to machines, cut, shape, or stamp out parts made of metal, plastic, glass, or other materials.  

601.280-042 TOOL MAKERS make the jigs and fixtures that hold the metal being machined. They also make gages and other measuring devices.  

601.280-030 DIE-CASTING AND PLASTIC MOLDING MOLD MAKERS lay out, fit, assemble, and finish metal parts to make and repair dies.  

601.280-010 STAMPING-DIE MAKERS lay out, machine, fit, assemble, and finish steel details and metal castings to make and repair stamping dies.  

601.281-010 BENCH STAMPING-DIE MAKERS specialize in layout, fitting, and assembly.  

601.381-010 DIE FINISHERS grind, file, sand, and polish surfaces of metalworking die members to specified shapes and smoothness and inspect dies to see if they can form to the model.  

600.281-018 LAY-OUT WORKERS lay out metal stock to indicate location and dimensions necessary for further processing.  

601.381-042 ELECTRONIC DIE MAKERS lay out, machine, fit, and assemble metal parts to make electronic (heat-sealing) dies used to form plastic products.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Tool and Die Makers may work in independent (job) shops or captive shops (those which are owned and operated by and serve a manufacturing company).  

Tool and Die Makers may supervise apprentices. Tool and Die Makers generally work in shops that are heated, ventilated, and well lighted. Although efforts are usually made to keep the shop area clean, greasy machines and parts may soil hands and clothing. The work area may be somewhat noisy because of the operation of machines. Some of the work is done at a bench and some is done on machine tools while the worker stands or sits. Attention to safety procedures is needed to prevent injury and accidents that can result from operating machines and performing other job duties.  

Many Tool and Die Makers work 40 hours or more each week. Most work on day shifts, but some work on afternoon or night shifts. Tool and Die Makers may work overtime if there is enough work available. Tool and Die Makers usually need to buy their own set of hand tools and measuring devices. The cost of these tools may total $3000. More than half of all Tool and Die Makers belong to unions, such as the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Union members must pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects  

• Activities involving the use of machines, processes, or methods  

• Activities resulting in personal satisfaction from producing things  

You Should Be Able To:

• Follow instructions carefully  

• Understand shop math  

• Work skillfully with tools  

• Picture 3-dimensional objects from drawings and diagrams  

• See detailed shapes of parts with accuracy  

• Work patiently to achieve the precision demanded by the work  

• Make decisions based on information that can be measured or checked  

• Adapt to performing a variety of duties which may change often  

• Coordinate eyes and hands or fingers to make precise movements  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Compute the die clearance of a Group 1 material, 0.125 thick; Group 2, 0.250 thick; and Group 3, 0.065 thick.  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

A great deal of pressure is exerted on die blocks and must be considered in their design. The die block should be made of more than one piece of tool-steel. This is necessary to eliminate the possibility of cracking the die block if the operator should feed a double blank or if metal of a thicker gauge is used.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a plan of operation necessary to complete a specific job.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills and be detail-oriented in assessing blueprints and setting up and operating machine tools.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.  

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2300 METALS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

049 MACHINE TOOL OPERATION/SHOP

Approved vocational education programs in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Shop prepare students to shape metal parts on machines such as lathes, grinders, drill presses, milling machines, and shapers. Programs may also train individuals in the use of one machine. Instruction is given in calculating dimensions; using precision measuring instruments such as layout tools, micrometers, and gages; machining and heat-treating various metals; and in laying out machine parts. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAM***

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program    

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

048 TOOL & DIE MAKER

Most people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include:  

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

063 TOOLMAKER

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include:  

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Most Tool and Die Makers are trained through a formal apprenticeship program. To become an apprentice, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED certificate, good health, and pass a written examination.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Tool and Die Maker employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Tool and Die Maker employer  

community service work with an agency  

You may gain experience in this job through secondary vocational education machine tool operation/shop programs, through postsecondary mechanical technology programs, or through approved apprenticeship programs.  

Ways to become a Tool and Die Maker may include direct application to employers, completion of a vocational program in trade and industry, or completion of an apprenticeship. Assistance in finding a job may be available from the Tool & Die Makers union, newspaper want ads, or a Michigan Works! office. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal      

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage )

America's Job Bank ( http://www.ajb.dni.us )

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )

MONSTER.COM  ( http://www.monster.com )  

Michigan Department of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )  

JobOptions ( http://ww1.joboptions.com/jo_main/index.jsp )  

Michigan Works! ( http://www.michiganworks.org )  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Tool and Die Makers depend on geographic area, union affiliation, size of employer, training, experience, and skills.  

Nationally, the median weekly wage rate for Tool & Die Makers was $811 or $20.27 per hour in 2001. The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.  

According to one Michigan survey, the average hourly wage of  Toolmakers was $20.06 per hour in early 2002.  

The average wage (early 2002) for tool and die makers varied depending on locality in Michigan:  

In Michigan, union hourly earnings (in early 2002) for most Tool & Die Makers in the automotive industry ranged from $26.60 to $27.03. These workers also received a cost-of-living allowance.  

Apprentice Tool & Die Makers start at a rate of pay that is about 65% to 76% of what a qualified Tool & Die Maker earns.  

Some employers provide cost-of-living allowances and extra pay for late shift or overtime work.  

Unionized Tool & Die Makers generally receive vacation and holiday pay; life, health, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and pension plans. Some may also receive dental or optical benefits. Employers are generally required to contribute to a union trust fund used to pay for certain benefits. Non-unionized Tool and Die Makers may receive some or all of these benefits, depending on the employer.  

Tool & Die Makers may advance to supervisor and superintendent positions. They may also advance to tool inspector, tool or die designer, tool process engineer, or shop owner. Ability and training are important factors in the advancement of Tool and Die Makers. A small number begin their trade as helpers or trainees. However, it usually takes many years of training to become a qualified Tool and Die Maker. An employee may advance to the level of journeyperson by way of an "Upgrader" program which requires 8 years of experience and related schooling.  

EMPLOYM ENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, there were about 127,500 Tool & Die Makers employed in 2000. Little or no change in the employment of these workers is expected through the year 2010. About 1.6% of Tool and Die Makers were self-employed. The industry distribution for Tool and Die Makers looked like this:    

The growing use of electrical-discharge machines is changing tool-making processes. Numerically controlled machining work requires fewer special tools, jigs, and fixtures. These machines increase worker productivity. In addition, imported machined products have a negative effect on the employment of tool and die makers.  

Tool & Die Makers serve industry, not consumers. They require long lead time to make tools and dies for production workers use and are less subject to layoff due to economic downturns.  

There are about 25,300  Tool & Die Makers employed in Michigan. Most were employed in the manufacturing industry.    

The employment of Tool and Die Makers in Michigan is expected to show little or no change through the year 2008. An average of 500 annual openings for Tool & Die Makers is expected with 30 due to growth and 370 due to replacement of those who retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. In late 2001, there were approximately 1,741 apprentices in training for this occupation with 255 completing the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.    

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008    

  EMPLOYMENT                      NUMBER            PERCENT              PROJECTED YEARLY  

  REGION                                  EMPLOYED       GROWTH               JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                        780                       -7.8                        14  

  Battle Creek Area                     340                       10.3                        10  

  Benton Harbor Area                  830                       4.1                         18  

  Central Michigan                       310                        1.6                         7  

  Detroit MSA                            13,600                   -2.6                        252  

  East Central Michigan               175                        12.6                       5  

  Flint Area                                 1,415                    -19.7                      26  

  Grand Rapids Area                   2,740                     18.8                      103  

  Jackson Area                            495                        3.0                        11  

  Kalamazoo Area                       785                       -2.4                       15  

  Lansing MSA                            420                       -9.5                       8  

  Muskegon Area                        395                         8.3                       10  

  Northeast Lower Peninsula       150                         24.2                      7  

  Northwest Lower Peninsula      380                         17.1                      14  

  Saginaw MSA                          745                        -5.2                       14  

  Thumb Area                              460                       10.0                       14  

  Upper Peninsula                         110                       27.7                      5  

  West Central Michigan               130                       10.9                      3    

MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area   

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below: