What is a die mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a die mechanic. For example, did you know that they make an average of $21.76 an hour? That's $45,271 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 3,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDie MechanicUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $45,271

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 2.59%

Black or African American 1.81%

Hispanic or Latino 4.66%

Unknown 2.59%

White 87.58%

Gender

female 8.11%

male 91.89%

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

Key steps to become a die mechanic

  1. Explore die mechanic education requirements

    Most common die mechanic degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.5 %

    Associate

    31.3 %

    Diploma

    12.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific die mechanic skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Grinders57.55%
    Calipers12.38%
    Micrometers11.16%
    Hoists6.45%
    Machine Tools6.29%
  3. Complete relevant die mechanic training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New die mechanics 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 mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real die mechanic resumes.
  4. Research die mechanic duties and responsibilities

    • Position and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
    • Sharpen dull blades, using bench grinders, abrasive wheels, or lathes.
    • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
    • Deliver exceptional maintenance on extrusion lines and develop rubber extrusion dies to production standards; operate fork lift.
  5. Apply for die mechanic jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a die mechanic 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 Mechanic Job

Zippi

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Average die mechanic salary

The average Die Mechanic salary in the United States is $45,271 per year or $22 per hour. Die mechanic salaries range between $32,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average Die Mechanic Salary
$45,271 Yearly
$21.76 hourly

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How do die mechanics rate their job?

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Die Mechanic reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

just seeing myself fixing something making it work as new.


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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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