Tool and Die Technology/Technician
Total graduates
107
2025 · 17 schools
International share
0.0%
0 international students
Overview
Tool and Die Technology/Technician is a specialized field focused on the design, production, and maintenance of tools and dies used in manufacturing processes. This program equips students with the skills necessary to create precision parts and components through various manufacturing techniques, including machining, molding, and stamping.
Students in this program typically learn to work with a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites, and gain expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. They also study the principles of metallurgy, mechanical drawing, and manufacturing processes, which are crucial for understanding how different materials behave under various conditions.
The curriculum often includes hands-on training in workshops where students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, creating prototypes and testing their designs. This practical experience is essential for developing problem-solving skills and understanding the intricacies of tool and die production.
Graduates of Tool and Die Technology/Technician programs often find employment in diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. They may work as tool and die makers, machinists, or quality control inspectors, ensuring that manufacturing processes run efficiently and that products meet stringent quality standards.
Overall, this field plays a vital role in modern manufacturing, as the quality and precision of tools and dies directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of production lines. As technology evolves, professionals in this area are increasingly expected to adapt to new tools and techniques, making continuous learning a key component of their careers.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 74% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 17 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #317 | Michigan | 9 | 0 | |
| — | VVincennes University | Indiana | 22 | 0 |
| — | GGadsden State Community College | Alabama | 13 | 0 |
| — | DDes Moines Area Community College | Iowa | 10 | 0 |
| — | GGeorge C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | Alabama | 9 | 0 |
| — | SShelton State Community College | Alabama | 8 | 0 |
| — | NNorth Iowa Area Community College | Iowa | 8 | 0 |
| — | New York | 8 | 0 | |
| — | MMacomb Community College | Michigan | 5 | 0 |
| — | BBevill State Community College | Alabama | 4 | 0 |
| — | MMarshalltown Community College | Iowa | 3 | 0 |
| — | DDelta College | Michigan | 2 | 0 |
| — | HHennepin Technical College | Minnesota | 2 | 0 |
| — | JJ. F. Drake State Community and Technical College | Alabama | 1 | 0 |
| — | PPrairie State College | Illinois | 1 | 0 |
| — | WWichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Kansas | 1 | 0 |
| — | AAlamance Community College | North Carolina | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers | 56,930 | $32.14 | $66,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.