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Tool And Die Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tool & Die Maker A

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

High school degree or equivalent 4 year certified Tool & Die apprenticeship + 10 years relevant experience or 14 years of relevant experience * Frequent standing, occasional walking or sitting.

Tool & Die Maker A

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$23 - $29/hr

High school degree or equivalent 4 year certified Tool & Die apprenticeship + 10 years relevant experience or 14 years of relevant experience * Frequent standing, occasional walking or sitting.

Die Maker

Pulaski, VA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or apprenticeship in Tool & Die Making preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Tool & Die Maker in a ...

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Knee Mill, Die Plate Inspection, Die Plate return, etc. Position description - Tasks ... Desirable Machinist / Tool Maker apprenticeship card (i.e. journeyman) Technical training ...

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Knee Mill, Die Plate Inspection, Die Plate return, etc. Position description - Tasks ... Desirable • Machinist / Tool Maker apprenticeship card (i.e. journeyman) • Technical training ...

CNC Machinist 2nd Shift

Eagle Rock, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

... Knee Mill, Die Plate Inspection, Die Plate return, etc. Position description - Tasks ... Desirable • Machinist / Tool Maker apprenticeship card (i.e. journeyman) • Technical training ...

Tool And Die Apprentice information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$26

$38

How much do tool and die apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool and die apprentice in Virginia is $26.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tool and Die Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tool and Die Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of mechanical concepts, blueprint reading, and basic machining skills, often supported by a high school diploma or completion of a technical training program. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, CNC machines, and CAD/CAM software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this hands-on role. These skills ensure accurate fabrication, safe operation, and efficient collaboration in a manufacturing environment.

What are the most common challenges faced by Tool and Die Apprentices during their training period?

Tool and Die Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering precision measurement techniques, interpreting complex blueprints, and becoming proficient with different machining tools. Adjusting to strict tolerances and high-quality standards can require patience and attention to detail. Additionally, apprentices must learn to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, often under the supervision of experienced journeypersons, which helps build strong foundational skills for career growth.

What are Tool and Die Apprentices?

Tool and Die Apprentices are individuals in training to become skilled craftsmen who build, repair, and maintain precision tools, dies, and special guiding and holding devices used in manufacturing. During their apprenticeship, they learn how to read blueprints, operate machinery, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify metal parts. The apprenticeship typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience to develop technical skills and knowledge required for the trade. Upon completion, apprentices can advance to become fully qualified tool and die makers.

What is the difference between Tool And Die Apprentice vs Machinist?

AspectTool And Die ApprenticeMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship programs, technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training, sometimes apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, machine shops, tool and die shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, production environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in tool and die manufacturing, metalworkingUsed across various manufacturing sectors, metalworking, and fabrication

While both roles require technical skills and work in manufacturing environments, a Tool And Die Apprentice focuses on learning to design, build, and repair dies and molds, often through formal apprenticeships. A Machinist operates machine tools to produce precision parts, often with more emphasis on machining skills. Both careers are essential in manufacturing but serve different functions within the industry.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tool And Die Apprentice jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Tool And Die Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Tool And Die Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 37% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,396 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Tool & Die Maker A

Tool & Die Maker A

STIHL

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


STIHL rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Us
As a family-owned company, it's the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand. Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service.
We are seeking a Tool & Die Maker to join the team. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it is a great time to join the STIHL team!
Why You'll Love Working at STIHL:
  • Competitive pay with multiple bonus opportunities and potential for annual merit increases
  • Excellent health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Onsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and eligible family members
  • Company-paid Life Insurance and Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Robust retirement offerings including:
    • A fully vested Pension Plan after 5 years
    • A 401(k) with generous employer match
  • Paid time off including 11 Paid Holidays
  • A strong culture of stability, community, and innovation

About You
You excel at analyzing specifications and determining mold and tooling requirements. You are skilled in planning fabrication processes and in the creation, repair, and maintenance of plastic injection molds, cutting tools, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools. You are trusted to handle the most difficult and complex tooling and molding projects, and you provide guidance by answering procedural and technical questions for less experienced team members.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Studies specifications such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions, and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts and molds.
  • Possesses a complete set of toolmaker skills with all shop equipment (milling, lathe, precision grinding, polishing, and fitting) and able to make part to print Smoothes flat and contoured surfaces, grinds and fits assemblies together, and into mechanisms.
  • Possesses advanced manual machining skills including: milling contours, engraving; turning threads, boring pockets; grinding flats, diameters, shoulders, slots, and dressing radii
  • Able to perform machining operations with a specified degree of accuracy and within a timely manner
  • Maintain close and exacting tolerances and finish requirements ensuring highest quality workmanship on all tools, gages, and fixtures with minimal scrap
  • Has working knowledge of advanced shop mathematics, including trigonometry
  • Possesses comprehensive knowledge of gages, precision measuring instruments, and all necessary inspection equipment
  • Must actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and reduce costs
  • All work affecting product quality shall be competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, skills, and experience. Level of supervision required: must routinely work independently with minimum guidance in a team environment and displays leadership qualities and technical guidance for other Toolmakers
  • Performs additional related duties as required. Fixture Group Qualifications Possesses 4 and 5 axis CNC skills for mill or lathe
  • Possesses extensive knowledge of detail cutting tool geometry for different cutting tool types and materials
  • Able to multi-task and run multiple pieces of equipment simultaneously
  • Set-up and assemble new equipment and support manufacturing and engineering on new and existing product lines
  • Able to project manage and complete complex fixture work efficiently including assemblies with minimal supervision and on schedule
  • Perform all machinery operations requiring complicated and unusual set ups, improvising in the absence of established tooling and documentation Mold Group Qualifications
  • Able to perform preventative maintenance and repair on injection molds including electrical and hydraulic components
  • Able to reverse engineer and manufacture mold components within time limitations
  • Able to rebuild complete hot runner systems
  • Able to complete complex mold repairs and spot shutoffs
  • Able to project manage and complete complex mold repairs efficiently, including coordinating welding, electrode mfg, and plating/texturing
  • Possesses advanced welding skills (TIG, Micro, and Laser) or advanced EDM skills (multiple work positions)

Specifications
  • High school degree or equivalent 4 year certified Tool & Die apprenticeship + 10 years relevant experience or 14 years of relevant experience
  • Frequent standing, occasional walking or sitting. Occasional using of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reaching with hands and arms, and stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
  • Frequent lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.

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