Tool and die makers build the precision tools, molds, jigs, and dies that manufacturing runs on — working to tolerances of ten-thousandths of an inch. It's the high end of the machining world: demanding, respected, and well-paid, combining manual skill with CNC and CAD.
4-year apprenticeship combining shop work and classroom. Earn while you learn precision machining.
After completion. Independent tool and die work. Strong, stable wages.
Complex molds and dies to the tightest tolerances. $80K–$95K+.
Leading a tool room or moving into manufacturing engineering support.
Your skills and interests may fit more than one trade. Compare before you commit.
Our Salary Compare tool shows Tool & Die Maker wages at every level — and stacks them against other trades and a 4-year degree.
Compare Tool & Die Maker Salaries →Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one. There is no national list of open seats — programs recruit on their own schedules. The way in is to find the programs near you and ask when they take applications.
Find programs near you → Browse Trade SchoolsThe DOL Partner Finder lists registered apprenticeship sponsors — employers and organizations that run programs. Search Tool and Die Maker and your state, then call the ones near you and ask when they accept applications. Some open once a year.y or ZIP to see what's open near you.