Toolmaker
Also advertised as: Jig and Tool Fitter, Mould Toolmaker, Precision Toolmaker, Tool and Die Maker, Toolmaker, Toolroom Engineer
Makes and repairs the precision tools, jigs and moulds used in manufacturing.
What the job involves
Toolmakers craft the highly accurate tools, dies and moulds that other machines rely on to make consistent parts. You work from detailed drawings, using precision machines and hand-finishing skills to hold tolerances measured in microns. It is a respected skilled trade that takes years to master fully.
Typical responsibilities
- Manufacture jigs, fixtures, dies and moulds to fine tolerances
- Set up and operate precision machine tools
- Hand-finish and fit components
- Repair and refurbish existing tooling
- Inspect finished tools against specification
Common employers
- Precision engineering firms
- Automotive and aerospace suppliers
- Injection moulding companies
- Press tool manufacturers
- Contract toolrooms
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£24,000 – £29,000 a year
With experience
£34,000 – £45,000 a year
Typical hours
37-40 hours, occasional overtime for urgent repairs
Working environment
Toolroom workshop
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Precision machining
- Reading engineering drawings
- Hand-fitting skills
- Metrology
- Problem solving
Transferable skills you may already have
- Manual dexterity
- Patience with detailed work
- Practical problem solving
Requirements employers ask for
- Precision machining
- Reading engineering drawings
- Hand-fitting skills
- Metrology
- Problem solving
- Level 3 apprenticeship in toolmaking or engineering, or equivalent experience
Useful but not essential
- Manual dexterity
- Patience with detailed work
- Practical problem solving
- Level 4 qualification for progression to tool design
Helpful qualifications
- Level 4 qualification for progression to tool design
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Toolmaker (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Design and technology
- Related subject: Mathematics
Where this career can lead
next
Senior Toolmaker
next
Tool Designer
next
Toolroom Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Highly valued, scarce specialist skill
- Strong apprenticeship route with good pay progression
- Satisfaction of precision craftsmanship
What people find hard
- Long apprenticeship before reaching full skill level
- Physically demanding, close-tolerance work
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a toolmaker?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a toolmaker earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £24,000 to £29,000 a year, rising towards £45,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Manual dexterity, Patience with detailed work, Practical problem solving.
Related careers
Process Engineer
Designs and optimises industrial processes such as chemical, food or pharmaceutical production.
Manufacturing Engineer
Designs and improves the processes used to build products on a production line.
Production Planner
Schedules manufacturing activity so materials, machines and people are ready when needed.
Quality Inspector
Checks parts and products against specifications to catch defects before they reach customers.
Machine Operator
Sets up and runs production machinery to manufacture parts or products.
Fabricator
Cuts, shapes and assembles metal components into structures and products.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 16 September 2026.
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