Tool and Die Makers
Machines can already do 22% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 58%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Tool and Die Makers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 22% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 58% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 56,930 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $64,050 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 59% for contact with people.
- Also called: Die Machinist, Die Repair Laborer, Die Repair Technician (Die Repair Tech), Jig and Fixture Repairer.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, or grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes | 26% | 20% to 60% | |
| Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders | 12% | 3% to 30% | |
| Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators | 9% | 20% to 60% | |
| Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies | 6% | 55% to 85% | |
| File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together | 6% | 3% to 30% | |
| Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications | 5% | 50% to 85% | |
| Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects | 4% | 20% to 60% | |
| Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates | 4% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills tool and die makers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Rail Car Repairers40% of tasks by 2035 · US median $67,530
- Medical Appliance Technicians57% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,030
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines44% of tasks by 2035 · US median $65,510
- Electricians50% of tasks by 2035 · US median $63,190
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Tool and Die Makers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of tool and die makers?
Machines can do 22% of the tasks of tool and die makers today and 58% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-4111.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Tool and Die Makers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/tool-and-die-makers/