Trades
Drilling & Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, & Tenders, Metal & Plastic
Manufacturing

Tool and Die Maker

Set up, operate, or tend machines that drill, bore, ream, mill, grind, or broach metal or plastic work pieces
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Tool and Die Maker
tool maker making molds
tool and die maker running
tool and die maker in action
making tools in 20 minutes
Do you love the details? Are you fascinated by creating a variety of products using the latest technology?
Why Should You Consider This Career?
TYPICAL SALARY
$80k
That's $3,300 per bi-weekly paycheck
CAREER OUTLOOK
Growing
That's 2000 new jobs in Utah per year (30% growth)
Less Physical                                         More Physical
—————|————
Less Training                                          More Training
—————|————
More Structure                                     Less Structure
—————|————
ALTERNATIVE JOB TITLES:
Bore Mill Operator, Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator (CNC Drilling Operator), Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Driller, Machine Operator, Machinist, Punch Operator, Radial Drill Operator

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

At A Glance in US
2028 JOB GROWTH
Wage loader
398,000 (35%)
SALARY RANGE
This is some text inside of a div block.
AVG. JOBS / YEAR
398,000 (35%)
TIME TO JOURNEYMAN
398,000 (35%)
ALTERNATIVE JOB TITLES:
Bore Mill Operator, Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator (CNC Drilling Operator), Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Driller, Machine Operator, Machinist, Punch Operator, Radial Drill Operator
A Typical Day Icon

Your Typical Day:

  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Install tools in spindles.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
wage icon

Wages in the US:

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$
30.44
Per Hour Base Income
$TBD
Total Compensation
Your Responsibilities Icon

Your Responsibilities

  • Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
  • Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
  • Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
  • Replace worn equipment components.
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
  • Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Your Knowledge Icon

Knowledge You Will Learn

  • Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 68/100

  • Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 68/100

  • Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. 53/100

  • Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 45/100

  • Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 45/100

  • English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 45/100

  • Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 43/100

  • Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. 40/100

  • Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. 39/100

  • Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 37/100

Tools of the Trade Icon

Tools of the Trade

  • Drill press or radial drill
  • Boring machines
  • Gage block set
  • Mainframe console or dumb terminals
  • Double ended stud
  • Micrometers
  • Horizontal boring machine
  • Calipers
  • Bench vises
  • Hoists
  • Acoustic ear muffs or defenders
  • Surface gauge
  • Hold down clamps
  • Scribers
  • Tapping machine
  • Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
  • Rulers
  • Power grinders
  • Loupes
  • Precision file
  • Punches or nail sets or drifts
  • Ball peen hammer
  • Deburring tool
  • Telescoping gauge
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Scales
  • Positioning jig
  • Go or no go gauge
  • Safety glasses
  • Utility knives
  • Height gauges
  • Personal computers
No items found.
Related Careers Icon

Helpful Career Links

Association for Manufacturing Technology
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
National Tooling and Machining Association
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Metal and plastic machine workers
Precision Machined Products Association
Precision Metalforming Association

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