Career Outlook

Graduates that start work in the Rio Grande Valley often earn an annual wage of $16,000 to $20,000 and those figures rise to $27,000 to $35,000 outside of this region. The pay scales for these careers rise dramatically for employees with experience.

With the increase in the number of Maquiladoras in South Texas , the need for Mold Makers and Toolmakers has increased dramatically . In addition, the demand for this skill will continue to increase as older craftsmen retire from the trade in areas all over the Country. The Rio Grande Valley as well as Houston, Dallas, and Austin are among the best locations in Texas to find jobs. The US Government projects 2 job openings for every new certified precision metalworker through year 2005.

Precision machining provides a practical basis for an engineering or business degree. With experience and the appropriate aptitudes, a machinist / tool and die / mold maker may move into a supervisory position, and additional formal training or education may allow further advancement. Over 70% of tool and die makers are employed in manufacturing, mainly in metal fabricating. Nearly all jobs are full-time.