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Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Builds the precision tools, dies and molds factories use.
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Tool and die makers use CNC machines and hand tools to build the dies, molds and fixtures that stamp, shape and hold parts in manufacturing, to thousandths of an inch.
Open the tool and die maker guide
The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.
High school courses that build toward it
- Algebra I · Math
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Engineering Design · Career and Technical
Builds engineering, which this job uses.
- Computer Science Principles · Computer Science
Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.
- Physics · Science
Builds math, which this job uses.
- Ceramics · Arts
Builds design and technical drawing, which this job uses.
- English 10 · English
Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.
Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.