Thousands of verified Tool & Die Maker professionals across North America -- onsite, hybrid, or remote. Marketplace and automation service company. Direct contracting.
Reviewed by Automate America Editorial Team -- updated 2026-05-26 -- citing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics + O*NET SOC 51-4111.00.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth outlook through 2034
10+
Top skills tracked on AutomateAmerica
Updated on page load
Actual hourly rate depends on location, contract duration, scope of work, vendor stack, and contractor experience. The range above reflects active hourly contracts on Automate America.
What does a Tool & Die Maker do?
Tool & die makers design, build, repair, and modify precision tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and metal molds used to mass-produce parts in stamping, forging, drawing, and casting operations. They work from engineering prints, machine components on manual and CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and EDM equipment, then hand-fit, polish, and tryout the assembled die to hit tolerances often in the tenths of a thousandth of an inch.
Die design and buildProgressive die workSurface grinding and jig grindingWire EDM and sinker EDMHand fitting and polishingHeat treatment knowledgeGD&T and blueprint readingPrecision measurement (CMM, optical comparator)Mastercam programmingDie tryout and troubleshooting
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook: -2% employment growth projected through 2034 (median annual wage $62,110). See the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
BLS projects modest decline but practical labor market is severely undersupplied -- master-level toolmakers retiring 3-5x faster than trained. Shops finding experienced toolmakers pay $80K-$120K+ in the Midwest. Complex progressive die work, transfer dies, tight-tolerance EV battery tooling are growth pockets.
Related Occupations & Specializations
This occupation has no listed sub-specialties.
Top Hiring Locations for Tool & Die Maker Contractors
Onboard & manage. Use built-in time sheets, expense reports, and approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hire Tool & Die Maker contractors on Automate America?
Post your contract on the Post Your Opportunity page. Verified Tool & Die Maker contractors will respond with availability and rates within hours. You select the best match and contract directly -- marketplace and automation service company.
What does a Tool & Die Maker contractor cost per hour?
Hourly rates on Automate America are set by the Tool & Die Maker contractor based on experience, geography, and project scope. The platform stat block above shows the live average from recent contracts. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median annual wage near $62,110 for this occupation (see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most recent year). Specialized work commands 25-50% premium over the median.
Are Tool & Die Maker contractors available for onsite, hybrid, or remote work?
Yes. Automate America connects Tool & Die Maker contractors for onsite (any U.S. or Canada location), hybrid, and fully remote work. Specify your preference when you post the contract.
How fast can I find a Tool & Die Maker contractor?
Two paths -- both fast. (1)Post your contract and qualified Tool & Die Maker contractors will apply within hours. (2) Skip the wait entirely -- Search and Request Professionals directly from the Tool & Die Maker directory and message the people whose profiles match your need. Most urgent contracts ship within 48 hours.
Does Automate America vet Tool & Die Maker contractors before they apply?
All Tool & Die Maker contractors on Automate America have verified profiles, documented work history, validated skill sets, and reviews from prior customers. You can also request references, prior-work samples, and certification proof directly before signing.
Can I browse Tool & Die Maker contractors before posting a contract?
Yes. Search and Request Professionals shows the full Tool & Die Maker directory. You can filter by location, skills, and availability and message contractors directly -- no contract post required.
What types of Tool & Die Maker contracts can I post?