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Occupation Description

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.

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State and National Wages

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

Location	Pay Period	2008
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$14.69	$18.00	$22.32	$27.99	$34.76
	Yearly	$30,600	$37,400	$46,400	$58,200	$72,300
South Carolina	Hourly	$13.72	$17.33	$21.22	$24.00	$26.50
	Yearly	$28,500	$36,000	$44,100	$49,900	$55,100

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information

State and National Trends

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Tool and Die Makers.

Knowledge:

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• 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.
• Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Skills:

• Equipment Selection - Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Abilities:

• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Tool and Die Makers.

Tasks and Activities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Tool and Die Makers.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

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

Generalized Work Activities:

• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities:

• adjust production equipment/machinery setup
• design tools or mechanical devices
• determine tasks needed to complete machined products
• examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• identify base metals for welding
• install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
• lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
• load or unload material or workpiece into machinery
• monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
• move or fit heavy objects
• operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
• operate metal or plastic fabricating equipment/machinery
• perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
• read blueprints
• read specifications
• read technical drawings
• recognize characteristics of alloys
• recognize characteristics of metals
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• set up computer numerical control machines
• set up production equipment or machinery
• solve machine tool problems
• understand machine setup instructions
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use arc welding equipment
• use hand or power tools
• use machining practices
• use non-destructive test equipment
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use x-ray or magnetic inspection techniques
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Tool and Die Makers.

Tools and Technology

Tool and Die Makers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Boring tools - Boring bars, Horizontal boring mills, Jig bores
• Gauges or inspection fixtures - Angle plates, Bore gauges, Compound sine bars, Dial indicators, Drill point gauges
• Power grinders - Bench grinders, Die grinders, Disc grinders, Grinding wheels, Power grinders
• Welders - Arc welders, Portable welders, Stick welders, Welders
• Workshop presses - Arbor presses, Die spotting presses, Drill presses, Magnetic drill presses, Press brakes

Technology:

• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD software, Autodesk Inventor, Bentley Microstation, CimatronE Master, Dassault Systemes CATIA software
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software - 1CadCam Unigraphics, CNC Mastercam, DP Technology ESPRIT, OPEN MIND Technologies hyperMILL, Virtual Gibbs CADD/CAM
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software - JobPack MES Scheduler
• Project management software - Microsoft Project
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word

Source: Occupational Information Network: Tool and Die Makers.

Education and Training

Occupation: Tool and Die Makers
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Long-term on-the-job training
Related Instructional Programs: Tool and Die Technology/Technician

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

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