Manufacturing

How to become a Tool & Die Maker

From CNC machinist: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–4 years

Typical pay

$58k–$82k

Starting from

CNC machinist

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from CNC machinist and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 years

   Come in as a machinist

   You need real machining skill before tool and die makes any sense.

   Course that covers thisCNC Programming for Beginners, Turning, Milling, G CodesUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   4 years

   Enter a die shop apprenticeship

   Four years, paid, and one of the deepest skill sets in manufacturing.

3. 3

   during apprenticeship

   Learn grinding, EDM and fitting

   Working to a thousandth or better, by hand as much as by machine.

4. 4

   4 years

   Journey out

   A scarce, well-paid trade — most working die makers are near retirement.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Tool & Die Maker

   Browse jobs now →

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