Tool and Die Makers
(NOC 7232)
in All Trades and TransportationTool and die makers make, repair, and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They work in manufacturing industries like automotive, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery, and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Tool and Die Makers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
In 2015, the median employment income for Tool and Die Makers was $49,657. In comparison, the median employment income among all occupations in Nova Scotia was $33,187
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$49,657
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Tool and die makers make, repair, and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges using various metals, alloys and plastics which require precise dimensions. They work in manufacturing industries like automotive, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery, and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers.
Job duties
Tool and die makers:
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models.
- Prepare templates and sketches and determine work processes.
- Calculate dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools.
- Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining.
- Set up, use and maintain a variety of conventional and computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind, or otherwise shape workpiece to prescribed dimensions and finish.
- Verify that machined parts meet specifications using precision measuring instruments like verniers, calipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices.
- Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools.
- Test completed tools, dies, jigs or fixtures for proper operation.
- May program CNC machine tools.
Metal patternmakers:
- Machine, fit and assemble castings and other parts to make precision models of required shape like metal patterns, core boxes and match plates.
- Lay out, shape, and assemble patterns of metal, wood, plastic and other materials from blueprints, models, or templates.
- May program CNC machine tools.
Metal mould makers:
- Machine, fit and assemble parts to make metal moulds and cores for plastic injection moulding, or other production processes.
- May program CNC machine tools.
Sample job titles
- die cutter
- die finisher
- die fitter
- die mouldmaker
- die repairer
- injection moulding tool and die maker
- jig and form maker
- precision tool maker
- tool and die maker
Skills
You should have an interest in machines, precision techniques, and processes. Good hand-eye coordination and agility are needed. You should be comfortable working with tools and able to read mechanical drawings. You must have the ability to work systematically, think analytically, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Employees in automated shops must be comfortable using computer equipment.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A four- or five-year tool and die making apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in tool and die making is usually required to be eligible for tool and die trade certification.
- Tool and die making trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified tool and die makers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
- Mould makers usually require completion of a four-year apprenticeship or college program in mould making.
- Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking.
Other considerations
Workers will have to keep up with changing technology. The use of sophisticated computer-controlled equipment has transformed the work of machinists and will continue to do so. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Halifax
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Public administration
Accommodation and food services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
N/AHigh school
N/ATrades certificate
N/AUniversity certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Machine tool technology/machinist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, moulded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.
Institutions providing this program
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Tool and die technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate machine tools used in the forming of metal components, as well as the fabrication of special tools, dies, jigs and fixtures used in cutting, working and finishing metal components.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Voluntary): This job is a designated trade in Nova Scotia. Employers may require certification, however; a certificate is not needed to legally work in this job.
Contacts
Additional resources
Related jobs
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.