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What is a Tool and Die Technician?

Tool and Die Technician is a field of study in the focused on creating, maintaining, and repairing tools used in the manufacturing process.  A Tool and Die Technician may also be known as a toolmaker, diemaker, tool fitter, or mold maker in various organizations.

Toolmakers will utilize a variety of  jigs, dies, molds, fixtures, cutting tools, machine tools, and gauges used in the manufacturing process.  Tool and Die Technicians of the past would often create forms and tools by hand by first designing then cutting the layout with machine tools, hand tools, or power tools.  Today, however, most tool and die work is done with computerized design and control technologies such as CAM, CAD, CNC, and PLC.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$51,610

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

28.17%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

72,210

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Tool and Die Technician Degree

Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI) is a public research university offering a wide variety of educational opportunities. Ferris is the 9th largest university in the state. Associate’s and bachelor’s programs are offered in the school across eight colleges. The school is also offering professional doctorate degrees. Some of the popular programs are business, visual arts, and sciences. The university also offers several technical and career focused programs. Tooling and Die technology programs including Mechanical and Manufacturing, and in-demand vocational courses are offered to interested students and adults. 

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Jackson (Jackson, MN) aims to provide opportunities for students to reach higher education and plan a better career path. TTC-Jackson provides programs that will teach students important knowledge and allow them to learn through real-life experiences. The school allows students to choose from a wide range of programs some of these programs are automotive technology, business systems technology, and practical nursing. A top ranked tool and die training program is offered to students who already took a Machine Tool course. Students will be trained with the fundamentals, as well as blueprint reading, mathematics, precision inspection. Exposure to the latest laboratory equipment is part of the training. Studying at TCT-Jackson is also flexible because they offer online courses for certification programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Renton Technical College (Renton, WA) is a public community college focused on providing undergraduate programs including certificates of completion. Most of the programs are on the professional-technical fields. RTC offers technology, trade, and automotive courses. It has a two-year Machining Technologies program that provides hands-on training to students. The program trains students to be skilled working across machine shops or manufacturing facilities. RTC is dedicated in providing education and career path programs that allow students to achieve their career goals. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Moraine Park Technical College (Fond du Lac, WI) is a public technical college that extends its programs to multiple locations across the state. The college awards associate of applied science degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The college offers accessible education through classroom setting, online, and blended formats. CNC Tool and Die Technologies is a diploma program that prepares students to meet the demands across the manufacturing industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton, WI) is a public technical college. With more than 200 courses in FVTC - agriculture, aviation, business, information technology, healthcare, electronics, etc., students have the freedom to choose what is best for them. The college aims to provide quality education and training programs to make students workforce-ready. Aside from training students to be skilled and competent, FVTC also gives training courses to local employers across the state. The college has several programs in Tool and Die Manufacturing from management training to technical skills. Students use state-of-the-art facilities for more hands-on training and real-world experience. Courses from FVTC are designed to allow students to further their education through transfer programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Western Technical College (La Crosse, WI) is a public community college that extends its programs to six campuses across western Wisconsin. The college is focused on providing technical programs in business, health, public safety, industrial technology and general studies. The college awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Tool and Die is an apprenticeship program open to high school graduates who are interested in this career. Classroom instructions include mathematics, mechanical drawing, tool designing, tool programming, and blueprint reading. The program allows students to get hands-on training and have an advantage within the workforce. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (Rome, GA) is a technical college that focuses on providing occupational education, skills training, and workforce development. This is a way of addressing the educational, economic, and community development needs. Programs take a year or two to finish. Die Maintenance Technician Certificate is offered at the Floyd County Campus. Students learn professional knowledge and technical skills before assuming roles in the die stamping field. The program focuses on providing instructions on machine tool theory and practical application. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Rich Mountain Community College (Mena, AR) also known as University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. The university has a wide range of academic program offers. The university covers from history to drama, engineering to geosciences, and accounting to animal science. The University of Arkansas has an active research program. Students are encouraged to participate in research, development and inventions. The university also offers several technical and career-focused degrees. Associates of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing with Machine Tool Emphasis prepares students with knowledge and skills before joining the workforce. Interested students can continue this program leading to a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

North Iowa Area Community College (Mason, IA) is a public community college that focuses on providing two-year programs. The college also offers academic transfer credits, career training, or adult and continuing education. Tool and Die Technology is a five-semester program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Students will be exposed to a wide range of instructions that will enhance their skills and broaden their knowledge about the career. Graduates of this program can assume a variety of roles across the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Itawamba Community College (Fulton, MS) is a public community college that awards several associate's degrees. It offers career and technical education programs that are designed to address the demands of the workforce. Students are equipped with academic and vocational skills allowing them to be globally competitive in the job market. ICC extends its programs to two  other campuses located at Tupelo and Belden. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Northeast Alabama Community College (Rainsville, AL) is a public community college that offers two-year programs. The college grants associate’s degrees in arts, sciences, and applied sciences. The Machine Tool Program can lead to an Associate’s degree, a certificate, a short-term certificate in MTT, or a short-term certificate in Tool & Die. Students under this program will gain professional knowledge and skills through hands-on experience using Advanced Manufacturing techniques. Graduates can immediately assume roles across the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Lakeshore Technical College (Cleveland, WI) is considered the institution that provides technical education and training programs. The school offers 100 career programs helping students to easily land jobs in their chosen specific industry. The college aims to address the demand for local manpower in the area. Students can opt for a degree program or further their skills through certificate programs. Aside from these, LCT provides more opportunities for growth to individuals through apprenticeship programs and courses that focus on highly skilled jobs. Aside from academic programs and certifications on machining and tools, the college offers a Tool and Die Apprenticeship program. It is a program for individuals who aim to have a career in mechanical technology/manufacturing. Applicants will gain real-life hands-on experience through this program. Successful apprentices can pursue an Associate degree upon completion. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Chippewa Valley Technical College (Eau Claire, WI) is a public two-year institution providing service and education to the surrounding community. CVTC offers associate degree and technical diploma programs. It also houses several adult continuing education programs. Machine Tooling Technics is a program fit for individuals who are interested in crafting and developing their mechanical skills. It is a technical diploma program and transfer credits are available. Students can choose to admit to a year or two-year program. The program will train students to be equipped before assuming roles like Tool and Die Maker, Machinist, Programmer, and others across the industry. Transfer credits are available for interested students. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Wallace State Community College (Hanceville, AL) is a public community college focused on awarding associate’s degrees and certificates particularly to high school students. The college offers technical education and academic programs. Interested students can apply transfer credits to affiliated four-year learning institutions - University of Alabama, Athens State University, and Troy University. Students who are interested to admit to Tool and Die Technology are required to take the MTT course. The two-year program provides comprehensive education and hands-on training. Students are expected to be skilled workers in manufacturing. Successful students will earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Waukesha County Technical College (Fond du Lac, WI) is a public community college focused on providing students the essential technical and vocational skills. WCTC prepares students before joining the workforce. Programs are delivered through a mixture of hands-on training experience and a traditional classroom education. Tool and Die Making awards technical diploma to successful students. Courses are taught on-campus and students train with state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates of this two-year program satisfy the requirements of the State of Wisconsin for machinist and tool and die. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Ridgewater College (Willmar, MN) is a public community college focused on providing technical education to students. The college allows academic transfer to students who are interested to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a four-year university. The Machine Tool Tech course trains students to be skilled machine and manufacturing technicians. The program offers training using different tools and equipment and develops students technical skills. The program is delivered through online-blended. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Alpena Community College (Alpena, MI) is a public two-year college. It grants associate’s degrees in arts, general studies, science, and applied science. The college also awards certificates. It also allows several transferable programs. Machine Tool Technology grants an Associate’s degree, a basic and an advanced certificate. The associate degree program exposes students to machine tools and manufacturing processes. It also provides courses that develop computer skills. The associate degree offers combined courses from the two certificate programs with additional advanced courses. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Kishwaukee College (Malta, IL) is a public community college that offers academic and career training programs. Career programs take two years to complete and lead to either a certificate or an associate degree. Transfer programs are also offered to interested students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college also offers a 2 Degrees in 3 Years allowing students earn an associate’s and bachelor’s degrees within three years. The Tool tech degree offers a variety of career options after graduation from manufacturing to possible management tracks in the sector.  The selection of programs are offering instructions on computer numerical control (CNC), precision welding, computer-aided mechanical design, and 3D printing. Graduates are skilled to assume roles across the manufacturing industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Elgin Community College (Elgin, IL) is a public community college that offers academic programs in liberal arts and sciences and general education. It also has courses for adult education and technical and career-focused programs. Tool & Die Technology is a certificate program that can be complete within a year or less. The program trains students with skills fit for a Basic Vocational Specialist. Interested students can take additional credits to be eligible for transfer program. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Marshalltown Community College (Marshalltown, IA) is a public community college that offers transfer programs and career-focused education. The college awards degrees and diplomas. The Machine Tool Technology (Tool & Die) offers a 10-month diploma program and a two-year program leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree. Interested students can pursue a General Industry & Technology program in a four-year college for a bachelor’s degree. Students are trained to become skilled manufacturing machining specialists. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

North Georgia Technical College (Clarksville, GA) is a public technical college that awards associate degrees. The college offers its programs in campuses located at Blairsville, Clarksville, and Currahee. NGTC's Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Technology program offers several academic options for interested individuals. Students can pursue an associate degree or choose to earn a diploma or certificate. The Tool and Die Specialist Certificate is designed for professionals who want to specialize in the discipline. It can also be taken as a refresher course. Advanced training is provided. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, IA) is a public community college that awards associate degrees and certificates. The college also has several pre-professional programs that allows students to pursue careers in medicine, law, engineering, business or education. Tool & Diemaking program leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Students who already earn a machinist technology diploma can pursue this AAS degree program with an additional three more semesters. There is a separate diploma program dedicated for Diemaking. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Rock Valley College (Rockford, IL) is a public community college that grants certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. It is considered as an innovator among community colleges. It uses modern tools and maximizes resources to deliver education to students. Students can choose between transfer programs or career educational programs. Tool & Die/Precision Machinist Apprenticeship is a certificate program allowing students to get more hands-on training through real-world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Gateway Technical College (Kenosha, WI) is a public technical college that offers a long list of academic programs. The college grants associate degrees, and certificates. It has campuses at Elkhorn, Kenosha, and Racine, and six other educational centers across the region. It offers a wide range of educational and technical programs. It also offers a Tool and Die Apprenticeship program to address the employment needs of the community. The program allows students to learn while earning money. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Alamance Community College (Graham, NC) is a public community college that provides academic and career training programs to address the needs of the community.  Academic transfer programs are also available for students who are interested to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college offers an associate degree, a diploma, or certification programs for tool die tech and computer integratetd machines (CIM). It trains students to be skilled and equipped with knowledge when they join the technology-driven manufacturing industry of today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top Tool and Die Degrees

Formal education programs in tool and die tech will lead students to enroll in either a certificate program or an associates degree. Certificate programs are a clustering of focused classrooms intended on teaching core skills to students in advance of a career in the field. A certificate in this trade will typically take around a year to complete based on full-time enrollment.

An associates degree, on the other hand is a two-year program for full-time students. It combines general education classes such as philosophy, sociology, history, economics, and English composition with core trade classes. Core courses may include the following areas of study:

Employment in Tooling and Die Tech

For students that earn a college degree in Tool and Die Technician, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from safety engineer, machinist, systems engineer, operation design, manufacturing engineer, management science, production engineer, ergonomics, management engineer, and lean manufacturing in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Tool & Die Tech Work Overview

Work in the machine trade and machine tool trade requires a high degree of patience and precision to create fixtures, parts, pieces, and products.  Historically, this trade was only associated with metalworking but in the last decade it has expanded to include plastics and wood.

Tech are trained to create product specs, create drawings, and create products utilizing an array of hand tools, power tools, and computer aided machinery to produce specific products to exact specifications.

What Tools Are Used in a Tool & Die Shop?

The exact tools you will use will wholly depend on the type of shop you end up working at and the products manufactured.  Tools you will generally find in a die and tool shop include the following:

Hand tools Steel Rulers
Depth Gauges Scribes
Dial Indicators Calibers
Box-End Wrenches Milling Machines
Scales Lathes
Surface Gauges Punches
Allen Wrenches Micrometers
What Die and Tool Jobs Exist?

After successfully completing a degree or certificate program from an accredited college, students will be ready to launch a career in a variety of industries.  These industries can range from manufacturing automobile parts to aerospace parts and everything in between.

Likewise, the job duties will vary from shop to shop given the size and scope of the company.  The job titles you may see when look for jobs include the following list of possibilities:

  • Programmer
  • Tool Maker
  • Machinist
  • EDM Machinist
  • Die Maker
  • Tool and Die Maker
  • Designer
  • CNC Machinist
  • Mold Maker

Tool & Die Technology Careers

Toolmakers can expect jobs to be robust in the coming ten year span. In fact, the employment outlook for and industrial machinery mechanic and machinist are forecast to jump by 16% and 6% respectively. In real terms, these two job titles alone will account for an additional 75,000 job opening in the coming decade.

The annual income for industrial machinery mechanics is $51,360 and $42,600 a year for machinists. Total compensation will depend on the scope of the job, education, work experience, and industry type. The largest employers of tool and die technicians are plastic mold manufacturers, automotive parts manufacturers, and metal manufacturing plants.

Additional Resources for Tool & Die Majors

For those seeking additional resources outside academia, it may be useful to start with associations such as TDM Associations like the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and state-based associations. More resources that you may find beneficial include:

  • American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)
  • Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
  • American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA)
  • Association for Rotational Molders (ARM)
  • International Special Tooling & Machining Association (ISTMA)
  • North American Die Casting Association (NADCA)
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • The Tooling & Manufacturing Association (TMTA)

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