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Toolmaker Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

ALPLA Group

Toolmaker

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$26 - $33.50/hr

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #toolmaker #BOW2 ALPLA is an Equal ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Tool and Die Maker

Erlanger, KY

$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 Aug 9, 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 skills make successful toolmakers?

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.

Is a toolmaker well paid?

Toolmakers typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual salary for a toolmaker in the United States is around $50,000 to $60,000, with experienced professionals earning higher. Certifications and proficiency with CAD/CAM tools can also influence earning potential.

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, such as lathes and grinders, and often require skills in blueprint reading and metal fabrication. Toolmakers typically work in manufacturing environments and may need certifications in machining or manufacturing technology.

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.

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.

Do toolmakers make good money?

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 have higher earning potential. Overall, the profession offers solid compensation for those with technical skills and precision craftsmanship.

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
What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in Kentucky? For Toolmaker jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,193 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Toolmaker

ALPLA Group

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$26 - $33.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Build a Career, Not Just a Job
Join ALPLA, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions serving some of the world's most recognized brands, including P&G, Unilever, L'Oréal, PepsiCo, and many more.
As a family-owned company with locations around the world, ALPLA offers stable careers, hands-on training, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth. Whether you're an experienced manufacturing professional or looking to start a new career, we provide the support and development you need to succeed.
What Can You Expect From ALPLA
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Childcare and dependent care savings programs
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Company-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance programs
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities
  • Employee recognition programs
  • Hands-on training and professional development
  • A stable, growing company committed to sustainability

Ready to Build Your Future?
Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is supported, and your career can grow with a global industry leader.
Apply today and discover what a career at ALPLA can offer.
What Will You Enjoy Doing
  • Maintains molds
    • maintaining
    • cleaning
    • modifying
    • repairing
    • reporting damaged equipment to Supervisor
  • Works with outside mold vendors
    • Supplies needed documentation
    • Acts as main contact for technical department
  • Machine parts
    • Assists Maintenance in modifying and repairing parts if needed
    • Orders parts as needed

What Makes You Great
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of Apprenticeship or equivalent
  • Able to meet deadlines
  • Accuracy and precision

Qualifications/Skills:
• Able to read and follow prints
• Basic computer skills
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions. While performing the duties of this job:
  • The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms
    and very occasionally to climb or balance.
  • The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel;
    stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 10 lbs, frequently lift and/or
    move up to 30 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

It is required to act in a safe and environmentally responsible manner at all times by
adhering to all ALPLA policies and procedures and Safety Standards (OSHA). #toolmaker #BOW2
ALPLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: ALPLA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ALPLA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. ALPLA will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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