What is a die maker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a die maker. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.06 an hour? That's $50,035 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 3,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDie MakerUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $50,035

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
5.4

Growth Rate 1%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 2.71%

Black or African American 2.42%

Hispanic or Latino 6.48%

Unknown 2.82%

White 84.80%

Gender

female 3.65%

male 96.35%

Age - 57
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 57
Stress Level
5.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Die Maker career paths

Key steps to become a die maker

  1. Explore die maker education requirements

    Most common die maker degrees

    High School Diploma

    32.9 %

    Associate

    26.0 %

    Bachelor's

    22.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific die maker skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Hand Tools13.52%
    Grinders12.74%
    Jigs11.72%
    CNC9.13%
    Machine Tools6.82%
  3. Complete relevant die maker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New die makers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a die maker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real die maker resumes.
  4. Research die maker duties and responsibilities

    • Operate manual lathes, large and small boring mills, drill presses, CNC machines.
    • Operate and set-up machines such as drill press, lathe, milling machines and surface grinders, etc.
    • Operate forklifts and overhead cranes.
    • Specialize in building of cam stations.
  5. Prepare your die maker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your die maker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a die maker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Die Maker Resume templates

    Build a professional Die Maker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Die Maker resume.
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
    Die Maker Resume
  6. Apply for die maker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a die maker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Die Maker Job

Zippi

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Average die maker salary

The average Die Maker salary in the United States is $50,035 per year or $24 per hour. Die maker salaries range between $36,000 and $69,000 per year.

Average Die Maker Salary
$50,035 Yearly
$24.06 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do die makers rate their job?

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Die Maker reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

I love the work. Lots of job satisfaction. Steady work. 45yrs with the same company. I love it!

Cons

Time pressure to complete jobs. Massive overtime!


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

Working with Cad softwares and seeing the final product when the tool is complete.

Cons

Sitting behind computer all day.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

Basically you are your own boss. You have a time frame to complete a extensive project and you determine the processes, and how to approach them. I get a really great sense of feeling accomplishment every day. I'm very proud to be a Jouneyman Toolmaker. All the overtime you can handle. Very very great pay.

Cons

Dont even attempt to be in this trade if you cant handle very long hours, and very little sleep at times. Be prepared to miss out on some things socially, as you need to devote serious time that can interfere with things at times.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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