by our College Data Analytics TeamTool & Die Technology/Technician was the 810th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 584 degrees in this year alone. This 55 less than the prior year, a decrease of 9.4%.
Our 2023 Best Tool & Die Technology/Technician Schools ranking analyzes 5 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for tool and die technology/technician students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of tool and die tech programs later in this article.
Controlling operations of equipment or systems is a required skill for tool and die tech majors. Required skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
tool and die technology/technician degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic tool and die technology/technician program qualifications, to serve in some tool and die tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Tool and Die Tech degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in tool and die technology/technician to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the tool and die technology/technician degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to tool and die tech, with approximately 16.7% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to tool and die tech tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 68.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 16.7% |
| High School Diploma | 11.0% |
| First Professional Degree | 2.6% |
| Some College Courses | 1.3% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in tool and die technology/technician have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the tool and die tech career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your tool and die tech degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to tool and die technology/technician.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers | 67,300 | -7.2% |
As you might expect, salaries for tool and die tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for tool and die technology/technician graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers tool and die tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers | $53,650 |
With over 86 different tool and die tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased tool and die tech school rankings to help you with this.
One of 8 majors within the Precision Metal Working area of study, Tool & Die Technology/Technician has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | 42,490 |
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist | 3,285 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist | 2,689 |
| Machine Shop Technology/Assistant | 1,921 |
| Metal Fabricator | 430 |
