BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasTool and Die Makers

O*NET · 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.

Also called Bench Tool Maker · Broach Setter · Cam Maker · Carbide Operator · Carbide Tool Maker · Cutlery and Tools Saw Maker · Die Assembler · Die Baker
58 more

Die Cutter · Die Designer · Die Finisher · Die Machinist · Die Maker · Die Mechanic · Die Repair Laborer · Die Repair Tech · Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech) · Die Set Up Worker · Die Setter · Die Sinker · Die Trouble Shooter · Die Try Out Worker · Die-Casting and Plastic Molding Mold Maker · Diecast and Plastic Mold Maker · Electronic Die Maker · Fixture Maker · Forcer Maker · Gage Maker · Hub Cutter · Jig and Fixture Repairer · Jig Bore Tool Maker · Jig Maker · Jigman · Journeyman Tool and Die Maker · Keller Machine Operator · Metal Die Finisher · Metal Gauge Maker · Paper Goods Die Maker · Plastic Fixture Builder · Plastic Tool Maker · Saw Maker · Sawsmith · Silver Jewelry Die Maker · Stamping Bench Die Maker · Stamping Die Maker · Stamping Die Try-Out Worker · Tap and Die Maker Technician · Template Layout Worker · Tool and Die Assembler · Tool and Die Machinist · Tool and Die Maker · Tool and Die Technician · Tool and Fixture Specialist · Tool Liaison · Tool Maker · Tool Mechanic · Tool Repairer · Tool Room Tech · Tool Room Technician (Tool Room Tech) · Tool Salvage Worker · Tool Trouble Shooter · Tooling Tech · Tooling Technician (Tooling Tech) · Toolsmith · Trim Die Maker · Wire Drawing Die Maker

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.94
  • C Conventional4.19
  • I Investigative2.98
  • A Artistic1.90
  • S Social1.00
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma10%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent40%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate41%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (25%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operation and Control3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Equipment Selection3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Time Management3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Maintenance3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
Show the other 23
  • Troubleshooting3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Operations Analysis2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Repairing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Speakingbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Technology Design2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Service Orientation1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Installation1.60.8
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.6
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Management of Financial Resources1.40.4

Tasks

15 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.4.6
  2. 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.4.4
  3. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.4.2
  4. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.4.2
  5. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.4.1
  6. Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.4.1
  7. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.4.1
  8. File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.4.0
  9. Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.4.0
  10. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.4.0
  11. Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.3.9
  12. Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.3.9
Show the other 5
  1. Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.3.8
  2. Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.3.7
  3. Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.3.7
  4. Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.3.7
  5. Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.55.2Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Production and Processing3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Design3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • English Language3.02.9
  • Engineering and Technology2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Education and Training2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Computers and Electronics2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Administration and Management2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Administrative2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Physics2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Public Safety and Security2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Economics and Accounting1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Communications and Media1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Telecommunications1.4—
  • Law and Government1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Psychology1.2—
  • Sales and Marketing1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.83.8
  • Visualization3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Control Precision3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Category Flexibility3.34.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.33.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.02.6
  • Speech Clarity3.02.9
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Far Vision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Written Expression2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Depth Perception2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Originality2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Rate Control2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Trunk Strength2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Flexibility of Closure2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Response Orientation2.42.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory Attention2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Number Facility2.32.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Static Strength2.32.9
  • Time Sharing2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Speed of Closure2.12.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare Sensitivity1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Night Vision1.60.6
  • Peripheral Vision1.60.8
  • Sound Localization1.60.9
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.50.5
  • Explosive Strength1.50.6

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.53.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.85.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Thinking Creatively3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.55.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Working with Computers3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing Information3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.92.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.92.7
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.82.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.72.6
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.52.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Assisting and Caring for Others1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.4—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.0—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.4
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.3
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3
  • Time Pressure4.3
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.1

Technology

32 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (10)

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (22)
  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Cimatron CimatronE Master
  • CNC Mastercam
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • data M Software COPRA MetalBender
  • DP Technology ESPRIT
  • JobPack MES Scheduler
  • Kubotek USA KeyCreator
  • Logopress
  • MAKER CAD/CAM Services DIEMAKER
  • Mastercam computer-aided design and manufacturing software
  • NC verification software
  • OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Seco Tools Seco Point
  • Striker Systems SS-Die Design
  • Striker Systems SS-Draw Form
  • Striker Systems SS-Strip Design
  • Vero International VISI-Mould
  • Virtual Gibbs CADD/CAM
  • VX Corporation VX Mold & Die

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  2. Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
  3. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
  4. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  5. Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  9. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
  10. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.