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Tool and Die Makers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 189 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 29% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. 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.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools, hand tools, or welders.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

    Somewhat similar work
    +3% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 3% more—$71,717 vs your $69,633 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Near Vision
    • Control Precision
    • Visualization
    • Information Ordering

    New skills to build

    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Extent Flexibility