Tool and Die Maker Salary in 2026
Design and build tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing processes.
Median Salary
$58,000
$4,833/mo
Entry Level
$40,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$78,000
experienced
Job Growth
0%
10-yr outlook
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)
68K
5-Year Growth
+3%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$27.88/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,833
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
$65,000
$5,417/month · $2,500/biweekly · $31.25/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 $40,000, while the top 10% earn $86,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Tool and Die Makers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $60,000 | +$2,000 |
| Michigan | $55,000 | $-3,000 |
| Ohio | $55,000 | $-3,000 |
| Wisconsin | $55,000 | $-3,000 |
| Indiana | $54,000 | $-4,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Tool and Die Makers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $61,000 | +$3,000 |
| Milwaukee | $56,000 | $-2,000 |
| Detroit | $55,000 | $-3,000 |
| Indianapolis | $55,000 | $-3,000 |
| Cleveland | $54,000 | $-4,000 |
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.
$40,000
0-2 years
$59,000
3-7 years
$78,000
8-14 years
$95,000
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Tool and Die Maker Salary FAQ
Methodology & Data Sources — Tool and Die Maker Salary
How we calculate Tool and Die Maker salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $58,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Tool and Die Maker in the Trades sector.
- Entry-level ($40,000) and senior-level ($78,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: 0% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 68K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 3% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Trades sector wages.
- Education requirement: Apprenticeship, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $58,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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