1

Toolmaker Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Provide technical support to toolmakers and production teams * Review work in progress to ensure quality standards and alignment with project goals * Troubleshoot design and manufacturing issues and ...

Builder II

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Journeyman toolmaker or equivalent skills. * Strong mechanical aptitude. * Good interpersonal skills. * Must be knowledgeable in the proper use and selection of tools and equipment, for example:

Toolmaker information

See Kansas salary details

$13

$26

$35

How much do toolmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for toolmaker in Kansas is $26.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.74 and $29.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Toolmaker, you need a strong background in precision machining, blueprint reading, and mathematics, often supported by an apprenticeship or technical diploma. Familiarity with CNC machines, CAD/CAM software, and measuring instruments is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that distinguish top performers. These skills ensure the accurate production and maintenance of tools and dies, which is critical to efficient manufacturing processes.

What are some typical challenges a Toolmaker might face when working with new or complex tooling designs?

Toolmakers often encounter challenges when working with new or intricate tooling designs, such as interpreting detailed blueprints, ensuring high precision during machining, and troubleshooting unforeseen issues during the assembly or testing phases. Adapting to evolving technology, such as CNC programming or advanced materials, can also be demanding. Collaboration with engineers and production teams is essential to address design adjustments or production constraints, making strong communication skills important for effective problem-solving.

What job does a toolmaker do?

A toolmaker designs, creates, and maintains precision tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing processes. They work with metalworking machines, read technical drawings, and ensure tools meet specifications, often requiring skills in machining, measurement, and quality control.

What Is a Toolmaker?

A toolmaker is a machinist who makes precision tools for use in manufacturing. As a toolmaker, responsibilities include reading and interpreting engineering drawings, using a clamp to secure raw materials, and cutting tools to the right shape and size using equipment like mill machines, jig grinders, and lathes. This process of cutting raw materials into a desired shape or size is also known as machining. The advancement of technology through computer-aided design (CAD) means you need to learn new toolmaking technologies to keep up with developments in the industry.

Are Toolmakers well paid?

Toolmakers typically earn competitive wages, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and industry. Skilled toolmakers who work with advanced machinery or hold certifications often receive higher pay. Overall, the profession offers solid compensation compared to many manufacturing roles.

What is the difference between Toolmaker vs Machinist?

AspectToolmakerMachinist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeshipHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentManufacturing shops, tool rooms, machine shopsFactories, machine shops, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, industrial equipmentManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, general machining
Common Search & ComparisonToolmaker vs Machinist

Both Toolmakers and Machinists work in manufacturing environments and often require similar certifications. Toolmakers focus on designing and building precision tools and dies, while Machinists operate and set up machines to produce parts. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

How much does a toolmaker earn per month?

A toolmaker's monthly earnings typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled toolmakers with certifications and proficiency in CAD/CAM tools tend to earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing and industrial settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Toolmakers typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians, especially with overtime or union benefits. These jobs often require technical training or apprenticeships rather than formal college degrees.

What does a toolmaker do?

A toolmaker is a skilled tradesperson who designs, builds, and repairs precision tools, dies, molds, and special guiding and holding devices used in manufacturing. They work with materials like metal and plastic, using both manual and computer-controlled machinery to create parts that meet exact specifications. Toolmakers often collaborate with engineers and machinists to ensure that tools and components function properly in the production process. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency in manufacturing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in Kansas? For Toolmaker jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Toolmaker jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Toolmaker jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Toolmaker jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Toolmaker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in KS? For Toolmaker jobs in KS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Toolmaker job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,621 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Journeyman Toolmaker 1-Joplin,Missouri

Eaglepicher Technologies

Baxter Springs, KS

$21 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview
ABOUT EAGLEPICHER
EaglePicher Technologies is driving the electrification of defense, aviation and space. We provide the broadest range of battery systems in the world for the most demanding applications. We develop leading-edge products that make drones fly higher, undersea vessels run longer, aircraft fly farther, rockets launch safely and satellites operate longer. With our cutting-edge research and manufacturing, we continue to set new standards in the industry. For 100 years, we have provided mission-critical power solutions to the defense, aviation and space markets. EaglePicher provides custom battery assemblies, battery management systems, pyrotechnic devices and other power solutions.
Our employees are passionate, dedicated and empowered to realize our vision. We strive for the right mix of people with diverse backgrounds personalities and perspectives, and to ensure this works, we create an inclusive work environment that places a premium on communication and collaboration. At EaglePicher, we will give you the opportunity to harness all that is within you with access to the latest tools, information and training.
EaglePicher is headquartered in Joplin, MO with manufacturing and research and development facilities in Joplin, MO, Seneca, MO, Pittsburg, KS, and Southbridge, MA.
For more information visit www.eaglepicher.com
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Journeyman Toolmaker with a passion for customer service at EaglePicher is a key contributor in delivering first class tools, fixtures, and prototype parts for upcoming and ongoing projects. Successful execution of multiple projects ensures timely delivery of our Energetic Devices products that safely and efficiently meet mission-critical, life-saving applications our Defense customers demand.
Responsibilities
  • Experienced in ensuring a safe and productive team-oriented environment.
  • Maintaining excellent house-keeping, setup and operations work practices.
  • Operate and program a variety of machine shop equipment: Lathe, vertical mills, drill presses, surface grinders, saws, welders, 3D printers, etc.
  • Read, interpret and maintain drawings for tools, fixtures, and machines with a conceptual understanding of GD&T.
  • Contribute to customer-oriented team environment in determining solutions for a variety of upcoming projects.
  • Learn from higher level toolmakers and help train apprentice level toolmakers.
  • Multi-task across multiple projects and equipment to maintain dynamic response network of tasks and projects to ensure on time delivery, resuming production, and smooth production starts.
  • Actively learn new methods and techniques in machining, fabrication, welding, and additive manufacturing.

Qualifications
Hiring Requirements:
  • U.S. Persons.
  • H.S. diploma or equivalent.
  • Mechanical understanding of machines and small parts tolerances.
  • Detail-oriented with an analytical, structured approach to problem solving.
  • Proficient with Microsoft office software.
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills.
  • Understand the theory and use of tools and fixturing in a production environment.
  • Self-motivated, helpful team spirit, with a passion for smooth-running production life cycles.
  • Ability to operate CNC equipment with instruction;
  • Understand the basics of surface grinding, wheel grit and type, depth of cut, etc.
  • Basic ability to create files, set up and run FDM and SLA equipment;
  • Experienced in the use of shop math, geometry and shop trigonometry;
  • Good working knowledge of Machinery's Handbook, threads, fits, gears, feeds, speeds.
  • Exposure to types of metals, tool steels and the concepts of metallurgy.
  • Ability to read and interpret detail drawings for conversion into parts;
  • Learn to safely lift and maneuver tools and weights in excess of 80+ lb.

Hiring Preferences:
  • Journeyman level or equivalent, 5-15yrs experience.
  • Technical degree in toolmaking, or related technical discipline.
  • Experience in semi-automated industrial environments;
  • Experience with high precision presses, tooling and dies;
  • Experience with welding/metal joining (TIG, solder).

PERKS OF BEING AN EAGLEPICHER EMPLOYEE
Some of the great things about being an EaglePicher employee include:
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance;
  • 10 paid holidays and PTO;
  • Matching 401K;
  • Annual Profit Sharing;
  • Tuition reimbursement;
  • Dependent scholarship programs.