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Toolmaker Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

UACJ Automotive Whitehall

TOOLMAKER TRAINEE

Paducah, KY · On-site

$26 - $33.50/hr

Job Purpose: To provide precision tooling and dies which support company production operations for extruding, machining, and assembling aluminum products. Qualifications: * Education and Experience

WestFall Technik

Tool Maker

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

High school diploma or equivalent is required * 5-7 years' experience as a toolmaker * 5 years production environment in injection molding or related field preferred * Ability to multi-task and ...

Westfall Technik

Tool Maker

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

High school diploma or equivalent is required * 5-7 years experience as a toolmaker * 5 years production environment in injection molding or related field preferred * Ability to multi-task and ...

Westfall Technik

Tool Maker

Elizabethtown, KY

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

High school diploma or equivalent is required * 5-7 years' experience as a toolmaker * 5 years production environment in injection molding or related field preferred * Ability to multi-task and ...

Metalsa

Tooling Supervisor

Elizabethtown, KY

Provide training to toolmakers on maintenance tasks and support the department in various projects, including drawing checks. * Ensure compliance with ISO TS standards and be audit-ready, taking the ...

Metalsa

Tooling Supervisor

Elizabethtown, KY · On-site

Provide training to toolmakers on maintenance tasks and support the department in various projects, including drawing checks. * Ensure compliance with ISO TS standards and be audit-ready, taking the ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Tool and Die Maker

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$68K - $100K/yr

Desire to continue learning and refining toolmaker skills on the job. Pay Range $68,000 - $100,000/year Ready to Make Your Mark? This role may fill quickly. Submit your resume to be considered. Apply ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Tool and Die Maker

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$68K - $100K/yr

Desire to continue learning and refining toolmaker skills on the job. Pay Range $68,000 - $100,000/year Ready to Make Your Mark? This role may fill quickly. Submit your resume to be considered. Apply ...

All JobsToolmaker JobsToolmaker Jobs in Kentucky

Toolmaker information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$25

$34

How much do toolmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for toolmaker in Kentucky is $25.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $28.61 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.
More about Toolmaker jobs
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What job categories do people searching Toolmaker jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Toolmaker jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in KY? For Toolmaker jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Toolmaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Toolmaker job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,193 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
TOOLMAKER TRAINEE

TOOLMAKER TRAINEE

UACJ AUTOMOTIVE WHITEHALL INDUSTRIES INC

Paducah, KY

$26 - $33.50/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Purpose: To provide precision tooling and dies which support company production operations for extruding, machining, and assembling aluminum products.

Qualifications:

  • Education and Experience: High School Diploma, USDOLOA certification as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker preferred or five years of equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge: Knowledge of fixture making, tooling, die making, tool room machinery, lathes, and mills, and strong working knowledge of mathematics.
  • Skills & Abilities: Ability to interpret blueprints. Must have own basic tools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Job:

  1. Study blueprints, sketches, models, or specifications to plan sequences of operations for fabricating tools, dies, or assemblies.
  2. Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  3. Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
  4. Set up and operate conventional or computer numerically controlled machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders to cut, bore, grind, or otherwise shape parts to prescribed dimensions and finishes.
  5. File, grind, shim, and adjust different parts to properly fit them together.
  6. Fit and assemble parts to make, repair, or modify dies, jigs, gauges, and tools, using machine tools and hand tools.
  7. Conduct test runs with completed tools or dies to ensure that parts meet specifications, making adjustments as necessary.
  8. Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
  9. Smooth and polish flat and contoured surfaces of parts or tools, using scrapers, abrasive stones, files, emery cloths, or power grinders.
  10. Lift, position, and secure machined parts on surface plates or worktables, using hoists, vises, v-blocks, or angle plates.
  11. Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

What UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries employees say

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