Tool and Die Makers
Description OES Code: 89102
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 machinist's hand tools. Include Paper Die Maker and Die Sinker. Exclude Die Setters.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.15
25th Percentile $16.75
50th Percentile $21.40
75th Percentile $26.04

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $9.57
25th Percentile $10.62
50th Percentile $17.84
75th Percentile $23.60

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The standard workweek is Monday through Friday. Overtime, if required, is compensated at one and one-half times the basic rate; Sunday and holiday work is paid at twice the basic rate.

Fringe benefits vary by firm, but generally include health care, retirement, and sick leave benefits, as well as paid holidays and vacations.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 7,400
Projected Employment 2008 8,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 13.5%
Separations 1998-2008 1,500

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Tool and Die Maker training does not necessarily end with the attainment of journey-level status. They must constantly refine their techniques to keep pace with changing designs, materials, and technologies. The more skilled and knowledgeable they become, the more valuable they are to their company, and the higher the salary they can earn. Some specialized tasks are quite complicated and may take several years to learn.

There are many advancement opportunities for skilled Tool and Die Makers. They may become tool inspectors, lead persons, or supervisors. Tool design and programming are also possibilities, as are management positions with the company. Some tool and die workers start their own businesses.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Candidates for training or apprenticeship programs should apply directly to employers who employ Tool and Die Makers. Most community colleges offer assistance in finding jobs to graduates of degree or certificate programs in tool and die making or machine shop. They should also register with the nearest Job Services Office of the Employment Development Department. Unions representing Tool and Die Makers also have information concerning apprenticeships and related matters.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Tool and Die Makers must undergo extensive training in order to perform the complex tasks necessary in the trade. They may acquire these skills in one or a combination of three ways: a formal apprenticeship, vocational school, or on-the job training. Training in the four-year apprenticeship program is spent mostly in the shop and on the job. Apprentices learn to operate hand and power tools, and other mechanical equipment. They also study heat treating and other metal working processes. In addition to shop work, apprentices receive on an average of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction in mathematics, mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, and blueprint reading.

Vocational education programs are available through many community colleges. At the present time, about 50 colleges offer programs leading to a certificate or degree in machines shop. Some community colleges offer tool design technology courses. On-the-job training is also a common way Tool and Die Makers learn the trade. However, because there is no formally planned schedule of work experience and related training, on-the-job training is generally not as thorough and may take longer than an apprenticeship program.

Skills & Other Requirements
Since the work involves intricate manipulation of tools and instruments, tool and die makers need superior mechanical aptitudes, the ability to understand and analyze the workings of machinery, knowledge of shop mathematics, and the capacity to visualize mechanical and physical relationships between objects. The work of Tool and Die Makers requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail. Adequate mobility and manual dexterity are required. As with any use of hand or power tools, injury is possible, but with reasonable care adhering to safety rules and use of protective equipment, the work is generally safe.

References
California Occupational Guide #15

Related Occupations: Machinists, Machine Tool Operators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)