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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