Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

Summary

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate many different machines.

Quick Facts: Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
2010 Median Pay	$39,910 per year $19.19 per hour
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	438,100
Job Outlook, 2010-20	7% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	29,900

What Machinists and Tool and Die Makers Do

Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

Work Environment

Machinists and tool and die makers work in machine shops and toolrooms and on factory floors. Most work full time during regular business hours. However, overtime, evening, and weekend work are common.

How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker

Machinists train in apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, community and technical colleges, or informally on the job. To become a fully trained tool and die maker takes a combination of 4 or 5 years of technical instruction and on-the-job training. Good math, problem-solving, and computer skills are important.

Pay

The median hourly wage of machinists and tool and die maker was $19.19 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of machinists and tool and die makers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Workers with a range of skills who can perform multiple tasks in a machine shop will have the best job opportunities.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of machinists and tool and die makers with similar occupations.

O*NET

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about machinists and tool and die makers by contacting these additional resources.

What Machinists and Tool and Die Makers Do About this section

Machinists and tool and die makers need working knowledge of different types of computerized equipment.

Machinists and tools and die makers set up and operate a variety of computer-controlled or mechanically-controlled machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.

Duties

Machinists typically do the following:

• Work from blueprints, sketches, or computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) files
• Set up, operate, and tear down manual, automatic, or computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools
• Calculate dimensions using measuring instruments
• Install, align, secure, and adjust cutting tools and workpieces
• Monitor the feed and speed of machines
• Turn, mill, drill, shape, and grind machine parts to specifications
• Measure, examine, and test completed products for defects
• Deburr all surfaces of parts or products to ensure that they conform to specifications

Tool and die makers typically do the following:

• Study blueprints, sketches, specifications, or CAD or CAM files for making tools and dies
• Compute and verify dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of workpieces
• Set up, operate, and tear down conventional, manual, or computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools
• File, grind, and adjust parts so that they fit together properly
• Test completed tools or dies to ensure that they meet specifications
• Inspect for proper dimensions and defects
• Smooth and polish surfaces of tools and dies

Machinists use machine tools that are either conventionally controlled or computer numerically controlled, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. The parts that machinists make range from simple bolts of steel or brass to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants. Hydraulic parts, anti-lock brakes and automobile pistons are other widely known products that machinists make.

Machinists may further be classified by specialty:

• Production machinists produce large quantities of one part, especially parts requiring the use of complex operations and great precision. Many modern machine tools are computer numerically controlled (CNC). CNC machines control the cutting tool speed and do all necessary cuts to create a part. The machinist determines the cutting path, the speed of the cut, and the feed rate by programming instructions into the CNC machine. Many machinists must be able to use both manual and computer-controlled machinery in their job.
• Maintenance machinists repair or make new parts for existing machinery. After an industrial machinery mechanic discovers the broken part of a machine, the machinist gets the broken part. For more information, see the profile on industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers. To replace or remanufacture broken parts, maintenance machinists refer to blueprints and do the same machining operations that were needed to create the original part.

Although production machinists are concentrated in a few industries, maintenance machinists work in many manufacturing industries.

Because the technology of machining is changing rapidly, machinists must learn to operate a wide range of machines. Some newer manufacturing processes use lasers, water jets, electrical discharge machines (EDM), or electrified wires to cut the workpiece. Although some of the computer controls are similar to those of other machine tools, machinists must understand the unique capabilities of these different machines. As engineers create new types of machine tools, machinists must constantly learn new machining properties and techniques.

Toolmakers craft precision tools and toolholders that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials. They also produce jigs and fixtures—devices that hold metal while it is bored, stamped, or drilled—and gauges and other measuring devices.

Die makers construct metal forms, called dies, that are used to shape metal in stamping and forging operations. They also make metal molds for diecasting and for molding plastics, ceramics, and composite materials.

Many tool and die makers use computer-aided design (CAD) to develop products and parts. Specifications entered into computer programs can be used to electronically develop blueprints for the required tools and dies. Computer numeric control programmers use CAD and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs to convert electronic drawings into CAM-based computer programs that contain instructions for a sequence of cutting tool operations. Once these programs are developed, CNC machines follow the set of instructions contained in the program to produce the part. Machinists normally operate CNC machines, but tool and die makers are often trained to both operate CNC machines and write CNC programs, and they may do either task.

Work Environment About this section

Machinists and tool and die makers work in a well-ventilated environment.

Machinists and tool and die makers held about 438,100 jobs in 2010. The vast majority worked in manufacturing.

Machinists and tool and die makers work in machine shops and toolrooms and on factory floors, where work areas are well lit and ventilated.

Injuries

Although the work of machinists and tool and die makers generally is not dangerous, working around machine tools presents certain hazards, and workers must follow precautions. For example, workers must wear protective equipment, such as safety glasses to shield against bits of flying metal and earplugs to dampen the noise produced by machinery.

Work Schedules

Most machinists and tool and die makers work full time during regular business hours. However, overtime is common. Because many manufacturers run the machinery for long hours, evening and weekend work is also common.

How to Become a Machinist or Tool and Die Maker About this section

Machinists and tool and die makers often learn through apprenticeships.

Machinists train in apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community or technical colleges, or informally on the job. To become a fully trained tool and die maker takes 4 or 5 years of technical instruction and on-the-job training. Good math, problem-solving, and computer skills are important.

Education

There are many different ways to become a skilled machinist or tool and die maker. In high school, students should take math courses, especially trigonometry and geometry. They should also take courses in blueprint reading, metalworking, and drafting, if available.

Some advanced positions, such as those in the aircraft manufacturing industry, require the use of advanced applied calculus and physics. The increasing use of computer controlled machinery requires machinists and tool and die makers to have basic computer skills before entering a training program.

Training

Formal apprenticeship programs, typically sponsored by a union or manufacturer, are an excellent way to become a machinist or tool and die maker, but they are often hard to get into. Apprentices usually must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and most have taken algebra and trigonometry classes.

Apprenticeship programs consist of paid shop training and related technical instruction lasting between 4 and 5 years. Apprenticeship classes are often taught in cooperation with local community colleges or vocational–technical schools.

Although apprenticeship programs may be the best way to learn the job, a growing number of machinists and tool and die makers receive their formal technical training from community and technical colleges. These employees often learn while employed by a manufacturer that supports the employee's training goals and gives the needed on-the-job training less formally.

Apprentices usually work 40 hours per week and get technical instruction at night. Trainees often begin as machine operators and gradually take on more difficult assignments. Machinists and tool and die makers must have good computer skills to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines. Many machinists become tool and die makers.

Even after completing a formal training program, tool and die makers still need years of experience to become highly skilled.

Certification

To boost the skill level of machinists and tool and die makers and to create a more uniform standard of competency, a number of training facilities, state apprenticeship boards, and colleges offer certification programs.

Completing a recognized certification program provides machinists and tool and die makers with better job opportunities and helps employers judge the abilities of new hires. Journey-level certification is available from state apprenticeship boards after completing an apprenticeship. Many employers recognize this certification, and it often leads to better job opportunities.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand highly technical electronic or written blueprints, models, and specifications so they can craft precision tools and metal parts. 

Detail oriented. The work of machinists and tool and die makers must be highly accurate. For example, tolerances may reach 50/1,000,000ths of an inch, which requires workers’ precision, concentration, and attention to detail.

Math and computer skills. These workers must have good math and computer skills to work with CAD/CAM technology, CNC machine tools, and computerized measuring machines.

Mechanical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must be mechanically inclined. They operate milling machines, lathes, grinders, laser and water cutting machines, wire electrical discharge machines, and other machine tools. They also may use a variety of hand tools and power tools.

Stamina. The ability to endure long periods of standing and doing repetitious movements is important for machinists and tool and die makers.

Technical skills. Machinists and tool and die makers must understand computerized measuring machines and metalworking processes, such as stock removal, chip control, and heat treating and plating.

Pay About this section

Wages of machinists and tool and die makers vary with their skill and with the industry and establishment in which they work.

The median hourly wage of machinists was $18.52 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.59, and the top 10 percent earned more than $27.91.

The median hourly wage of tool and die makers was $22.56 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15.34, and the top 10 percent earned more than $33.57.

The pay of apprentices is tied to their skill level. As they gain more skills and reach specific levels of performance and experience, their pay increases.

In 2010, about 17 percent of machinists and 26 percent of tool and die makers were members of a union.

Most machinists and tool and die makers work full time during regular business hours. However, overtime is common. Also, many manufacturers run the machinery for long hours, so they have shifts with evening and weekend work.

Job Outlook About this section

Overall employment of machinists and tool and die makers is expected to grow 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary by specialty.

Employment of machinists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite improvements in technologies such as CNC machine tools, autoloaders, high-speed machining, and lights-out manufacturing, machinists will still be required to set up, monitor, and maintain these automated systems.

In addition, employers are expected to continue needing machinists who have a wide range of skills and are capable of performing modern production techniques and almost any task in a machine shop. As manufacturers will continue to rely heavily on skilled machinists as they invest in new equipment, modify production techniques, and implement product design changes more rapidly.

Employment of tool and die makers is projected to experience little or no change from 2010 to 2020. Foreign competition in manufacturing and advances in automation, including CNC machine tools and computer-aided design, should improve worker productivity, requiring fewer workers. 

Job Prospects

Job opportunities for machinists and tool and die makers should be excellent as employers continue to value the wide-ranging skills of these workers. Also, many young people with the educational and personal qualifications needed to become machinists or tool and die makers prefer to attend college or may not wish to enter production occupations.

In fact, employers in certain parts of the country report difficulty attracting skilled workers and apprenticeship candidates with the abilities necessary to fill job openings.

Therefore, the number of workers learning to be machinists or tool and die makers is expected to be smaller than the number of job openings arising each year from the need to replace experienced machinists who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about machinists and tool and die makers, including training and certification, visit 

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

For general information about manufacturing careers, including machinery and tool and die makers, visit 

American Mold Builders Association (AMBA)

Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)

National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)

Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA)