Tool and Die Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Tool and Die Technology is a precision-focused field that equips students with advanced technical expertise in manufacturing metal components through the operation of specialized machinery and the creation of custom tooling systems. This program emphasizes accuracy, efficiency, and innovation in industrial production environments where high-precision parts are essential.
- Machine Tool Operation: Mastery of CNC and manual machines including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and shapers to shape, cut, and finish metal components with exacting tolerances.
- Die and Mold Design Fundamentals: Understanding the principles of designing and fabricating dies and molds used in stamping, forging, and forming processes to produce consistent, repeatable metal parts.
- Jigs and Fixture Development: Learning to construct specialized work-holding devices that ensure precision alignment and repeatability during machining and assembly operations.
- Blueprint Reading and Technical Documentation: Interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and schematics to guide fabrication, assembly, and quality control procedures.
- Materials and Metallurgy: Studying the properties, behaviors, and applications of various metals and alloys to select appropriate materials for specific manufacturing tasks.
- Quality Assurance and Tolerancing: Applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards to verify dimensional accuracy and ensure compliance with industry specifications.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Utilizing software to generate toolpaths and automate machine operations, enhancing efficiency and precision in production workflows.
Tool and Die Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Tool and Die Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Tool and Die Technology degrees, including Tool and Die Makers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 55,130 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers 51-4111 | $63,180 | $44,200 - $87,660 | 55,130 | $30.38 |
Tool and Die Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,220 in Louisiana to $81,230 in Kansas—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include Kansas, Washington, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 55,130 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Tool and Die Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Tool and Die Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Tool and Die Technology is found at South Texas College (STC) (55 graduates), Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) (52 graduates), Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (38 graduates), Mech-Tech College (31 graduates), and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 509 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas College (STC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
55 | McAllen, Texas | Public | southtexascollege.edu |
| Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52 | Gadsden, Alabama | Public | gadsdenstate.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
38 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Mech-Tech College |
Associate's
|
31 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | mechtech.edu |
| Shelton State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | sheltonstate.edu |
| Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
29 | Ankeny, Iowa | Public | dmacc.edu |
| George C Wallace State Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
25 | Hanceville, Alabama | Public | wallacestate.edu |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Associate's
|
24 | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
22 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
21 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Other Award
|
18 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Bevill State Community College (BSCC) |
Associate's
|
16 | Jasper, Alabama | Public | bscc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
15 | Jackson, Tennessee | Public | tcatjackson.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Owens Community College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Perrysburg, Ohio | Public | owens.edu |
| Escuela De Troqueleria Y Herramentaje |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
12 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Public | escuelatroqueleria.jimdo.com |
| Marshalltown Community College (MCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Marshalltown, Iowa | Public | mcc.iavalley.edu |
| Ferris State University (FSU) |
Associate's
|
10 | Big Rapids, Michigan | Public | ferris.edu |
| Monroe Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Rochester, New York | Public | monroecc.edu |
| North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Mason City, Iowa | Public | niacc.edu |
| Alpena Community College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Alpena, Michigan | Public | alpenacc.edu |
| Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Rainsville, Alabama | Public | nacc.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Schnecksville, Pennsylvania | Public | lccc.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
3 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Other Award
|
2 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Other Award
|
2 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
| Western Technical College (WTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | westerntc.edu |
| J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) |
Associate's
|
1 | Huntsville, Alabama | Public | drakestate.edu |
| Lawson State Community College (LSCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | lawsonstate.edu |
| Henry Ford College (HFC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | hfcc.edu |
| Northwest State Community College (NSCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Archbold, Ohio | Public | northweststate.edu |
| Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Cleveland, Wisconsin | Public | gotoltc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Tool and Die Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Tool and Die Technology degree?
Salaries for Tool and Die Technology graduates vary by role and location. Tool and Die Makers earn a median of $63,180 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Kansas average $81,230 compared to $45,220 in Louisiana. Approximately 55,130 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Tool and Die Technology programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Tool and Die Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include South Texas College (STC) (55 graduates), Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) (52 graduates), and Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (38 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Tool and Die Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 483 in 2010 to a peak of 639 in 2020, before declining slightly to 509 in 2023-24. This represents a 5% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Tool and Die Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Tool and Die Makers. Related occupations employ approximately 55,130 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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