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Tool Die Apprentice Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Must have completed a tool and die maker apprenticeship, or have equivalent education as is required for an apprenticeship. * Must have at least six months previous experience as a tool and die maker ...

Tool Die Apprentice information

See Normal, IL salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do tool die apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tool die apprentice in Normal, IL is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Tool Die Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of mechanical principles, blueprint reading, and basic machining, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC machines, hand tools, and measurement instruments, as well as safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure precise fabrication, safe operation, and continuous improvement in a highly technical manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Tool Die Apprentices during on-the-job training?

Tool Die Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the precise measurement and machining techniques required to fabricate and repair complex dies and tools. Adjusting to the pace of production environments and learning to interpret technical blueprints can also be demanding for newcomers. Additionally, apprentices must develop strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and ensure quality standards are consistently met. Collaboration with experienced machinists and engineers is key, as it provides valuable mentorship and helps apprentices build confidence in their abilities.

What are Tool Die Apprentices?

Tool Die Apprentices are individuals who are learning the skills necessary to become tool and die makers. They work under the supervision of experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience in designing, constructing, repairing, and maintaining precision tools, dies, and special guiding and holding devices used in manufacturing. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction and can last several years. Upon completion, apprentices are often eligible to become certified tool and die makers, opening doors to advanced manufacturing careers.

What is the difference between Tool Die Apprentice vs Machinist?

AspectTool Die ApprenticeMachinist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, apprenticeship programs, technical trainingHigh school diploma or GED, technical training, sometimes apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, machine shops, tool and die shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, production environments
Industry UsageCommonly employed in tool and die manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceUsed across various manufacturing sectors including aerospace, automotive, and general machining

Both Tool Die Apprentices and Machinists work in manufacturing environments, often requiring similar technical training and certifications. While Tool Die Apprentices focus on learning to create and repair dies and molds, Machinists operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts. The roles are closely related, with apprentices typically training to become skilled Machinists or Tool and Die Makers in the future.

What job categories do people searching Tool Die Apprentice jobs in Normal, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Tool Die Apprentice jobs in Normal, IL are:
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Tool Die Apprentice jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Tool Die Apprentice job openings:
Tool & Die Maker (2nd Shift)

Tool & Die Maker (2nd Shift)

Eaton

Lincoln, IL • On-site

$1K/day

Full-time, Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Eaton rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 203 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION FROM WITHIN THE US IS PROVIDED AND A *$3000 SIGN ON BONUS! COME JOIN OUR DYNAMIC TEAM!
Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Tool & Die Maker (2nd Shift). The hourly rate for this position is $33.67 - $39.54 + $1 Shift Differential per hour. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.
Shift: 3:30PM - Midnight
Why work at Eaton? Below are a few of the outstanding benefits we offer:
  • Health benefits offered on first day of your employment!
  • Vacation available after 60 days of employment
  • 13 Paid holidays
  • Weekly pay
  • Career progression opportunities to cross-train in different departments and increase compensation.
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Retirement benefits
  • Educational Assistance Program, Wellness Reimbursement, and more!

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
*This position offers a $3,000 bonus (minus applicable taxes), paid in three installments: $1,000 after the 60-day probationary period, $1,000 after six months of employment, and $1,000 after 12 months. The timing of the payment will be as soon as administratively possible following the 60 days, six month and year of employment time frames. You must be an active employee at each payment date to receive the corresponding installment.
What you'll do:
  • Plan, layout, construct, alter and repair a variety of tools, jigs, fixtures, gages, progressive of single station metal dies and molds.
  • Repair or adjust metal dies while in the press.
  • Modify and repair, or construct fixtures and bowl feeding equipment used on automated machines.
  • Maintain a safe and clean work area and adhere to all facility safety guidelines and encourage communication and participation of personnel to further identify and reduce/eliminate potential hazards.
  • Run the machines in a safe manner, with all safeguards applied. Constant care is required to prevent injury to others.
  • Adhere to and support all facility environmental guidelines and procedures to identify additional pollution prevention projects to reduce waste and raw material consumption.
  • Responsible for organization and cleanliness of the work area, and will support and abide by all procedures set forth to assure product and process quality and plant manufacturing principles.

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Qualifications:
Basic Qualification Required to be considered:
  • Must have completed a tool and die maker apprenticeship, or have equivalent education as is required for an apprenticeship.
  • Must have at least six months previous experience as a tool and die maker in a manufacturing or like environment.
  • Must have a high school diploma/GED from an accredited institution
  • Relocation is provided from within the United States
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

* Individuals are also placed in this position in an apprenticeship-training program to become fully qualified as a tool and die maker. The criteria for entrance into the apprenticeship program are outlined in the apprenticeship program guide. Entrance into the apprenticeship program requires a high school diploma/GED.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US