How to become a tool and die maker
Official title: Tool and die makers
Also called: Die maker, Jig maker, Die cutter, Die fitter, Die reamer, Die sinker, Tool fitter, Die finisher, Die repairer, Tool repairer, Die mouldmaker, Bench jig maker
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 are employed primarily in manufacturing industries such as automobile, aircraft, metal fabrication, electrical machinery and plastics, and in tool and die, mould making and machine shops. This unit group also includes metal patternmakers and metal mould makers. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
- Compute dimensions and tolerances and set up machine tools
- Position, secure, measure and work metal stock or castings to lay out for machining
- Set up, operate 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 machined parts for conformance to specifications using precision measuring instruments such as verniers, callipers, micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and electronic measuring devices
- Fit and assemble or disassemble parts using hand tools
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of 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 maker trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement 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. Trade certification for mould makers is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario. Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking. Patternmaking trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of 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. 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. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $66,300 a year The middle half earn $51,753 to $76,050.
- About 11,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 11,900 are projected by 2033. (+1.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- Sheet metal workers
- Boilermakers
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- Ironworkers
- Welders and related machine operators
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Questions people ask
How do I become a tool and die maker?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of 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 maker trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. Red Seal endorsement 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. Trade certification for mould makers is available, but voluntary, in Quebec and Ontario. Patternmakers usually require completion of an apprenticeship or college program in patternmaking. Patternmaking trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario.
How much does a tool and die maker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $66,300 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,753 to $76,050.
Is a tool and die maker a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to stay about the same by 2033: about 11,700 people now and 11,900 later (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a tool and die maker?
Usually not. Only 5% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03