Tool and Die Makers

O*NET-SOC code: 51-4111.00

Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery high
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
Source dataset (XLSX download)
Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745
Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
Source dataset (CSV download)
Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.20
0.09Range of values carried here0.70
Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

17 rated tasks · 5 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (29.4%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.

Source: OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release: gh-main-0471612
License: MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.

Task (O*NET 27.2)	βE1 + 0.5 × E2
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. O*NET Task ID 8492	1.0
Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software. O*NET Task ID 8504	1.0
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies. O*NET Task ID 8489	0.5
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications. O*NET Task ID 8491	0.5
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects. O*NET Task ID 8496	0.5
Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators. O*NET Task ID 8490	0.0
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together. O*NET Task ID 8493	0.0
Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary. O*NET Task ID 8495	0.0
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders. O*NET Task ID 8497	0.0
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates. O*NET Task ID 8498	0.0
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers. O*NET Task ID 8499	0.0
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools. O*NET Task ID 8500	0.0
Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products. O*NET Task ID 8501	0.0
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance. O*NET Task ID 8502	0.0
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly. O*NET Task ID 8503	0.0
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden. O*NET Task ID 8505	0.0
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders. O*NET Task ID 23938	0.0

β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (17)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)	Type
Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.	Core
Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.	Core
Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.	Core
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.	Core
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.	Core
Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.	Core
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.	Core
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.	Core
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.	Core
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.	Core
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.	Core
Design jigs, fixtures, and templates for use as work aids in the fabrication of parts or products.	Core
Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.	Core
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.	Core
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.	Core
Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.	Supplemental
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.	Supplemental

Anthropic, "What work can robots do?"2026-09

0.59/ 3· Robot exposure index

0 none3 unstructured settings

Scale, basis and source

Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time

Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks

Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.

Source dataset

The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.

Tier of each physical task

Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)

E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site

Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.

Task (O*NET 29.3)	Robot environment tier
Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
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.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.	E0 none
Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.	E0 none
Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Measure, mark, and scribe metal or plastic stock to lay out machining, using instruments such as protractors, micrometers, scribes, or rulers.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Cut, shape, and trim blanks or blocks to specified lengths or shapes, using power saws, power shears, rules, and hand tools.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.	E1 purpose-built robot settings
Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.	E0 none
Set pyrometer controls of heat-treating furnaces and feed or place parts, tools, or assemblies into furnaces to harden.	E1 purpose-built robot settings

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025: 57K
Projected employment, 2035: 52K
Change (2025–35): -9.2%
Median annual wage, 2025: $64,050
Typical education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award

lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO code	KSCO title	Relation	Status
74010	금형원	This occupation is broader	confirmed
85515	공구 조립원	This occupation is broader	confirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

ISCO-08 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Toolmakers and related workers make and repair custom-made and specialised tools, sports guns, locks, dies, patterns, machinery components and other metal articles using hand and machine tools to work metal to fine tolerances.

Tasks

(a) reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications of tools, dies, prototypes or models;
(b) preparing templates and sketches, and determining work processes;
(c) visualizing and computing dimensions, sizes, shapes and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications;
(d) positioning, securing and measuring metal stock or castings to lay out for machining;
(e) setting up, operating and maintaining conventional and computer numerically controlled machine tools to cut, turn, mill, plane, drill, bore, grind or otherwise shape work pieces to prescribed dimensions and finish;
(f) fitting and assembling parts to make and repair jigs, fixtures and gauges;
(g) repairing and modifying sports guns and other small arms;
(h) making, fitting, assembling, repairing and installing lock parts and locks;
(i) making and repairing metal patterns for preparation of foundry moulds;
(j) laying out lines and reference points on metal stock to guide other workers who cut, turn, mill, grind or otherwise shape metal;
(k) verifying dimensions, alignments and clearances of finished parts for conformity with specifications, using precision measuring instruments and testing completed items for proper operation.

Example occupations

Die maker · Gunsmith · Jig maker · Locksmith · Patternmaker · Toolmaker

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

tool and die makerESCO 7222.5Same scope
Tool and die makers operate a variety of equipment and machinery designed to create metal tools and dies, which are both needed in several areas of manufacturing, and produce these tools in all steps of the production process. They design the tools and dies, then cut and shape them to size and finish them by manually operated machine tools, power tools, hand tools, or programming and tending CNC tool and die making machines.
fitter and turnerESCO 7223.7Overlapping, not the same
Fitters and turners use machine tools to create and modify metal parts according to set specifications in order to fit components for machinery. They ensure the finished components are ready for assembly.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME code	ROME title (French)	Relation
H2901	Ajusteur-monteur / Ajusteuse-monteuse	This occupation is narrowerprovisional
H3408	Metteur au point polisseur / Metteuse au point polisseuse sur matrice en orfèvrerie	This occupation is broader
H2903	Usineur / Usineuse	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 code	CNO-11 title (Spanish)	Relation
7322	Trabajadores de la fabricación de herramientas, mecánico-ajustadores, modelistas, matriceros y afines	This occupation is narrowerprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB code	KldB title (German)	Relation
24522	Berufe in der Werkzeugtechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten	This occupation is narrower
24523	Berufe in der Werkzeugtechnik - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten	Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO code	JSCO title (Japanese)	Relation
529	その他の製品製造・加工処理従事者（金属製品）	This occupation is narrower
523	金属工作機械作業従事者	Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources