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Toolmaker Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Machinist

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Must be comfortable with on-the-job training, cross-training and training other toolmakers * Must be able to work as a team player as well as independently, exploring and sharing ways to improve ...

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 ...

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 ...

This position requires a minimum of 5 years of toolmaker, CNC programming, & Injection Die/Mold maintenance experience and/or training. * Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United ...

Showing results 21-28

Toolmaker information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$29

$39

How much do toolmaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for toolmaker in Virginia is $29.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $32.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 and hold certifications tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by overtime and benefits.

Is a toolmaker well paid?

Toolmakers typically earn competitive wages that vary by location, experience, and industry. In the United States, the median annual salary for toolmakers is around $50,000 to $60,000, with experienced professionals earning higher. Skilled toolmakers with certifications and proficiency in CAD/CAM tools tend to have better earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Toolmaker jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Toolmaker jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in Virginia?

For Toolmaker jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Toolmaker jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Toolmaker jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Toolmaker jobs in VA?

For Toolmaker jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Toolmaker job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $60,720 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Tool & Die Maker A

STIHL Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA

$44.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


STIHL rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 494 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 paywith multiple bonus opportunities and potential for annual merit increases 
  • Excellent health benefitsincluding Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 
  • Onsite Health & Wellness Centerfor employees and eligible family members 
  • Company-paid Life InsuranceandShort & Long-Term Disability 
  • Robust retirement offeringsincluding: 
    • A fully vestedPension Planafter 5 years 
    • A401(k)with generous employer match 
  • Paid time offincluding  11 Paid Holidays 
  • A strong culture ofstability, community, and innovation 
  • Compensation: $44.66/hr
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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