Tool and Die Maker Jobs in Arlington, TX
The stamped panels of every full-size SUV built at GM Arlington Assembly start with dies, and those dies are built, fitted, and maintained by tool and die makers, one of the most skilled and highest-paid trades in the plant. Arlington's stamping operation and the metal-forming suppliers feeding it keep experienced tool and die makers in short supply and high demand, and the skill transfers across the entire DFW manufacturing base.
No current openings matched right now — new jobs are posted daily.
Browse all jobsTop Arlington Employers Hiring Tool and Die Makers
The GM plant and area stamping and tooling shops drive most tool and die hiring.
- GM Arlington Assembly - die maintenance and tooling in the stamping and body shop.
- Gestamp - stamping dies and tooling maintenance.
- Martinrea - metal-forming tooling and die repair.
- Local tool and die shops - custom tooling and mold shops across the metro.
- Bell Textron - aerospace tooling and fixtures in the DFW area.
- Lockheed Martin - precision tooling for aerospace manufacturing nearby.
Tool and Die Maker Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level / apprentice: about $20 to $26 per hour.
- Experienced (journeyman): about $28 to $40 per hour.
- Senior / master: $40 to $52+ per hour on the GM skilled-trades scale and at specialized shops.
These are estimates that vary by employer, certification, and shift. GM UAW skilled-trades roles add strong benefits, shift premiums, and overtime, pushing experienced journeyman earnings well into six figures.
How to Become a Tool and Die Maker in Arlington
Tool and die making is a formal skilled trade, usually entered through a multi-year apprenticeship combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Tarrant County College offers machining, CNC, and manufacturing programs that feed the trade, and GM runs UAW skilled-trades apprenticeships. No state license is required, but journeyman status and NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) credentials carry real weight. Precision machining, blueprint reading, and CNC skills are the foundation, and the apprenticeship path is the classic route.
What the Job Involves
Tool and die makers build, fit, repair, and maintain the dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures used in stamping and manufacturing. They read complex blueprints, machine parts on lathes, mills, grinders, and CNC equipment, hand-fit components to tight tolerances, and troubleshoot dies that produce defective parts. The work is precise, demanding, and problem-solving intensive, blending machining skill with mechanical judgment.
Skills Employers Look For
- Precision machining (lathe, mill, grinder, CNC)
- Complex blueprint and GD&T reading
- Tight-tolerance measurement and hand-fitting
- Die and mold troubleshooting and repair
- Math, geometry, and strong mechanical problem-solving
- Patience, precision, and a craftsman's attention to detail
Career Path and Advancement
Apprentices become journeyman tool and die makers, then advance to master toolmaker, tooling lead, CNC programmer, or tooling/manufacturing engineering roles. Because the trade is aging and skilled makers are scarce, experienced tool and die makers have excellent job security and mobility across automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing throughout DFW.
Related Careers in Arlington
If tool and die work interests you, these related Arlington roles are worth exploring.
- CNC Machinist Jobs
- Stamping Press Operator Jobs
- Robotics Maintenance Technician Jobs
- Quality Control Inspector Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a tool and die maker in Arlington?
No Texas state license is required. The trade is entered through an apprenticeship, and journeyman status plus NIMS metalworking credentials are what employers value. Strong machining and blueprint-reading skills matter more than any license.
How long does it take to become a tool and die maker?
A full apprenticeship typically runs four to five years of combined paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction to reach journeyman level. Machining coursework at Tarrant County College can shorten the ramp and strengthen your starting position.
Is tool and die making a good career in Arlington?
Yes. It is one of the highest-paid skilled trades in manufacturing, the workforce is aging so demand is strong, and the skills transfer across GM, aerospace employers like Bell and Lockheed, and general manufacturing. Job security is excellent for skilled makers.
Can tool and die maker work be done remotely in Arlington?
No. It is hands-on machining and die-fitting work at the shop or plant. CAD/CAM design elements can sometimes be done off-site, but the core trade is on the floor.
Which Arlington employer pays tool and die makers the most?
GM Arlington Assembly, on the UAW skilled-trades scale, is typically the top payer with benefits, shift premiums, and overtime. Specialized tooling shops and aerospace employers also pay strongly for master-level makers.
Ready to apply? Browse all Tool and Die Maker jobs in Arlington, TX on LocalJobPage and apply today.