Tool and Die Maker Salary in 2026
Design and build tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes.
Median Salary
$64,050
$5,338/mo
Entry Level
$44,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$86,100
experienced
Job Growth
0%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Tool and Die Makers (SOC 51-4111) at a national median of $64,050 per year (mean $66,860), or $30.79 per hour, with 56,930 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Tool and Die Maker Overview
Design and build tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes.
Education
Apprenticeship
Experience
4-5 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
57K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$30.79/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,338
Tool and Die Maker Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Tool and Die Maker salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Tool and Die Maker Salary
$72,000
$6,000/month · $2,769/biweekly · $34.62/hr
Tool and Die Maker Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Tool and Die Maker field.
Entry-level Tool and Die Makers earn around $44,200, while the top 10% earn $95,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Tool and Die Makers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $67,000 | +$2,950 |
| Michigan | $61,000 | $-3,050 |
| Ohio | $61,000 | $-3,050 |
| Wisconsin | $61,000 | $-3,050 |
| Indiana | $60,000 | $-4,050 |
Top Paying Cities for Tool and Die Makers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $67,000 | +$2,950 |
| Detroit | $61,000 | $-3,050 |
| Milwaukee | $61,000 | $-3,050 |
| Cleveland | $60,000 | $-4,050 |
| Indianapolis | $60,000 | $-4,050 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Tool and Die Maker Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Tool and Die Maker from entry level to expert.
$44,200
0-2 years
$65,000
3-7 years
$86,100
8-14 years
$104,900
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Tool and Die Maker Salary FAQ
How much does a Tool and Die Maker make in 2026?
The median salary for a Tool and Die Maker in the United States is $64,050 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Tool and Die Makers (SOC 51-4111); the mean is $66,860. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $44,200, senior professionals around $86,100, and top earners at $104,900 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Tool and Die Maker?
A Tool and Die Maker typically requires a Apprenticeship with 4-5 years of experience. Key skills include CNC, Precision Machining, Blueprint Reading. Relevant certifications such as NIMS Certification can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Tool and Die Makers?
The job market for Tool and Die Makers is projected to grow by 0% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 57K Tool and Die Maker positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 3%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Tool and Die Makers the most?
The highest-paying states for Tool and Die Makers include Michigan, Ohio, Illinois. In Michigan, the median salary is approximately $61,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Tool and Die Maker salary?
To increase your Tool and Die Maker salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like CNC and Precision Machining. Pursue certifications such as NIMS Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Detroit. With 4-5 years of experience, you can progress from $44,200 to $86,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Tool and Die Maker Salary
How we calculate Tool and Die Maker salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Tool and Die Makers (SOC 51-4111), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $64,050, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Tool and Die Makers; BLS mean $66,860; BLS hourly median $30.79.
- Entry-level ($44,200) and senior-level ($86,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: 0% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 56,930 Tool and Die Makers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $64,050; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Tool and Die Maker compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Tool and Die Maker job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Tool and Die Maker salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (CNC, Precision Machining, Blueprint Reading), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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