Occupations/51-4111.00
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.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
53%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
34%
Fewer uniquely human demands
Task orientation
47%
Mixed exposure
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- Mostly routine
Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
- Mostly routine
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
- 02Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
- 03Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
- 04Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
- 05Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.
- 06Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks2.87
- Degree of automation1.80
- Time sitting1.78
- Originality (ability)2.75
- Conflict situations2.31
- Hands-on objects/tools4.31
- Outdoors / weather1.32
- Disease exposure1.00
- Decision freedom4.76
Top abilities
- Visualization3.75
- Near Vision3.75
- Problem Sensitivity3.62
- Manual Dexterity3.38
- Finger Dexterity3.38
- Control Precision3.38
- Selective Attention3.25
- Information Ordering3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension2.88
- Active Listening3.00
- Writing2.25
- Speaking2.88
- Mathematics2.75
- Science1.75
- Critical Thinking3.12
- Active Learning3.00
- Learning Strategies2.12
- Monitoring3.12
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
11 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $5,900 | 100% | 28% | 1 yr $54,035 2 yr $55,512 Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Century College White Bear Lake, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $6,000 | 100% | 31% | 1 yr $53,358 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Saint Paul College St. Paul, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $6,100 | 100% | 29% | 1 yr $40,551 2 yr $42,363 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $9,800 | 71% | 61% | 1 yr $38,289 2 yr $34,704 Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
University of Minnesota-Rochester Rochester, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $14,200 | 72% | 73% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Associate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka-Ramsey Community College Coon Rapids, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $5,800 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $6,200 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Miami Dade College Miami, FL · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $2,900 | 100% | 41% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $5,700 | 100% | 35% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Certificate · CIP 48.05 |
Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $6,300 | 100% | 48% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public | Tool and Die Technology/Technician 48.0507 | $4,200 | 100% | 22% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |