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.
At a Glance
Tool and Die Makers earns a median of $63,180/yr with -10.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award. Top skills: Bentley MicroStation, Mechanical, Getting Information.
$63,180/yr
-10.8%
5
Postsecondary nondegree award
Skills & Requirements
Skills (3)
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Knowledge (4)
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Abilities (10)
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Technology (10)
Work Activities (16)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
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Mechanical Drafters
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Electrical and Electronics Drafters
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Mechanical Engineers
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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
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