Machinists and Tool and Die Makers

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Machinists and Tool and Die Makers set up and operate machines to create precision metal parts, tools, and instruments. Their work spans industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, and they play a critical role in prototyping, maintenance, and production. These roles require strong mechanical skills and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes including manual machining, CNC operations, and CAD/CAM programming.

  • 2024 Median Pay: • Machinists: $56,150/year
    • Tool and Die Makers: $63,180/year

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): 0% (little or no change)

  • Typical Education: High school diploma or certificate + apprenticeship or technical training

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

Job Titles:
Apprentice Machinist, Junior CNC Operator, Toolmaking Trainee

Education:
High school diploma or GED + enrollment in apprenticeship or trade school

Experience:
0–2 years

Certifications (Recommended):

  • OSHA Safety Certification

  • Basic CAD/CAM coursework

  • NIMS Level 1 Machining Certification (optional)

Core Duties:

  • Read blueprints and technical drawings

  • Operate basic manual machines (lathes, mills)

  • Assist in tool setup and measurements

  • Follow safety and maintenance procedures

  • Inspect parts using micrometers and calipers

Salary Range: $38,000–$50,000

MID LEVEL

Job Titles:
CNC Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, CNC Programmer, Manufacturing Technician

Education:
Certificate or associate degree in machining/manufacturing technology

Experience:
3–5+ years in machining or toolmaking

Certifications (Preferred):

  • NIMS Certifications (CNC Mill/Lathe, Measurement)

  • Advanced CAD/CAM coursework (Mastercam, SolidWorks)

  • Tooling U-SME or AMT Certifications

Core Duties:

  • Program, operate, and maintain CNC machines

  • Fabricate dies, tools, and molds from CAD specs

  • Train junior machinists/apprentices

  • Execute quality checks using CMM and gauges

  • Troubleshoot and correct manufacturing errors

Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000

SENIOR LEVEL

Job Titles:
Lead Tool and Die Maker, Machining Supervisor, CNC Department Manager, Process Engineer (Machining)

Education:
Associate or bachelor’s degree + 7–10+ years experience

Certifications (Valued):

  • Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT – SME)

  • CNC Master Certification (FANUC, Haas)

  • Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Core Duties:

  • Oversee production, scheduling, and toolroom operations

  • Lead process optimization and cost-reduction initiatives

  • Supervise and mentor teams of machinists and toolmakers

  • Coordinate with engineering, R&D, and QA

  • Implement new tooling technologies and safety protocols

Salary Range: $70,000–$95,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED

  • Preferred Path: Apprenticeship + vocational training or associate degree

  • Training: 3–4 year apprenticeship (paid), or hands-on vocational program

  • Certifications: NIMS, OSHA 10/30, Tooling U-SME credentials

  • Soft Skills: Problem-solving, precision, focus, teamwork, safety awareness

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills:

  • Blueprint reading and CAD interpretation

  • CNC programming and operation

  • Manual machining (milling, turning, grinding)

  • Tolerancing and inspection techniques

  • Metal properties and heat treatment

Tools:

  • CNC Machines (mills, lathes, EDMs)

  • CAD/CAM Software (Mastercam, SolidWorks)

  • Manual lathes and mills

  • Digital micrometers, calipers, CMMs

  • ERP systems (JobBOSS, SAP)

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Industries: Aerospace, Automotive, Tool & Die, Defense, Manufacturing

  • Schedules: Full-time; may include evenings/weekends depending on facility

  • Hazards: High noise, sharp tools, machinery; requires PPE and safety training

  • Team Structure: Collaborates with machinists, engineers, QA inspectors

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Annual Openings: ~35,400 through 2033

  • Growth Drivers: Retirement of current workers, custom part manufacturing

  • Challenges: Automation reducing some roles; ongoing need for technical upskilling

  • Opportunities: Robotics, 3D printing, precision aerospace/medical parts

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Industrial Machinery Mechanics | Salary: $63,510 | Education Level: High school + Training

  • Role: Boilermakers | Salary: $73,340 | Education Level: High school + Apprenticeship

  • Role: Metal & Plastic Machine Workers | Salary: $46,800 | Education Level: High school or certificate

  • Role: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | Salary: $51,000 | Education Level: High school + Certification

  • Role: CNC Programmers | Salary: $63,500 | Education Level: Associate or certificate

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Associations:

Books:

  • Machinery’s Handbook by Industrial Press

  • Fundamentals of Modern Manufacturing by Mikell Groover

  • CNC Programming Handbook by Peter Smid

  • Blueprint Reading for Machinists by David L. Taylor

Videos & Courses:

  • YouTube: NYC CNC, Titans of CNC, Haas Automation Tip of the Day

  • Coursera: CAD/CAM for Manufacturing (Autodesk)

  • LinkedIn Learning: Mastercam, Blueprint Reading, CNC Programming

  • Khan Academy: Applied Math for Manufacturing

Communities:

  • Reddit: r/Machinists, r/SkilledTrades

  • Facebook: "CNC Machinists Network", "Tool and Die Makers Group"

  • LinkedIn: "Manufacturing Professionals", "CNC Machining Careers"

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

 

Keandra Wilson
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