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The average salary for a tool and die maker in the United States is approximately $52,956 annually, or around $25 per hour. Factors influencing this salary include the level of experience, geographic location, and specific industry sector. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with more experience or specialized skills can command higher wages.
For instance, entry-level tool and die makers may earn around $40,000, whereas those with over 10 years of experience can see salaries exceeding $70,000. As you progress in your career, opportunities for advancement may also lead to higher earnings.
According to recent data, states such as California, Texas, and New York are among the highest-paying for tool and die makers. This compensation reflects the demand for skilled workers in these regions, often driven by a high concentration of manufacturing facilities.
For those looking to enter the field, exploring job postings can provide insight into current salary estimates and employer expectations. Websites like Zippia offer a comprehensive view of available positions, giving you an edge in your job search.
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The highest-paying states for tool and die makers are New York, Alaska, and Minnesota. The lowest average tool and die maker salary states are South Dakota, Louisiana, and Texas.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | $58,195 | $27.98 |
| 2 | Minnesota | $59,111 | $28.42 |
| 3 | Mississippi | $57,509 | $27.65 |
| 4 | Utah | $58,849 | $28.29 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $57,600 | $27.69 |
| 6 | Michigan | $55,130 | $26.50 |
| 7 | New York | $62,204 | $29.91 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $57,623 | $27.70 |
| 9 | Illinois | $55,731 | $26.79 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $56,485 | $27.16 |
| 11 | Indiana | $53,837 | $25.88 |
| 12 | Kentucky | $54,565 | $26.23 |
| 13 | Iowa | $55,199 | $26.54 |
| 14 | South Carolina | $55,179 | $26.53 |
| 15 | Oklahoma | $56,373 | $27.10 |
| 16 | Alabama | $53,125 | $25.54 |
| 17 | Missouri | $53,957 | $25.94 |
| 18 | Ohio | $52,336 | $25.16 |
| 19 | Massachusetts | $56,151 | $27.00 |
| 20 | New Hampshire | $52,866 | $25.42 |
| 21 | Rhode Island | $53,725 | $25.83 |
| 22 | Idaho | $52,839 | $25.40 |
| 23 | Vermont | $54,734 | $26.31 |
| 24 | Alaska | $61,080 | $29.37 |
| 25 | New Jersey | $55,481 | $26.67 |
| 26 | Maine | $51,736 | $24.87 |
| 27 | Kansas | $51,288 | $24.66 |
| 28 | Georgia | $53,181 | $25.57 |
| 29 | Nevada | $53,264 | $25.61 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $50,826 | $24.44 |
| 31 | Wyoming | $51,763 | $24.89 |
| 32 | Virginia | $52,750 | $25.36 |
| 33 | Delaware | $53,809 | $25.87 |
| 34 | Washington | $53,839 | $25.88 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $49,909 | $23.99 |
| 36 | Colorado | $53,811 | $25.87 |
| 37 | Arizona | $51,711 | $24.86 |
| 38 | Florida | $50,954 | $24.50 |
| 39 | Tennessee | $49,477 | $23.79 |
| 40 | Oregon | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| 41 | California | $51,627 | $24.82 |
| 42 | District of Columbia | $53,537 | $25.74 |
| 43 | Arkansas | $48,632 | $23.38 |
| 44 | South Dakota | $45,412 | $21.83 |
| 45 | North Carolina | $44,409 | $21.35 |
| 46 | Montana | $45,894 | $22.06 |
| 47 | Louisiana | $45,099 | $21.68 |
| 48 | Texas | $44,673 | $21.48 |
| 49 | Maryland | $47,237 | $22.71 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $44,458 | $21.37 |
| 51 | New Mexico | $42,693 | $20.53 |
The highest-paying cities for tool and die makers are Syracuse, NY, Winona, MN, and Milwaukee, WI.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Syracuse, NY | $61,650 | $29.64 |
| 2 | Winona, MN | $59,212 | $28.47 |
| 3 | Milwaukee, WI | $58,285 | $28.02 |
| 4 | Lincoln, NE | $57,610 | $27.70 |
| 5 | Tulsa, OK | $56,445 | $27.14 |
| 6 | Stoughton, MA | $56,296 | $27.07 |
| 7 | Skokie, IL | $55,791 | $26.82 |
| 8 | Davenport, IA | $55,389 | $26.63 |
| 9 | Grand Rapids, MI | $54,869 | $26.38 |
| 10 | Fort Wayne, IN | $54,044 | $25.98 |
| 11 | Jefferson City, MO | $54,034 | $25.98 |
| 12 | Athens, AL | $53,492 | $25.72 |
| 13 | Alpharetta, GA | $53,340 | $25.64 |
| 14 | Virginia Beach, VA | $52,878 | $25.42 |
| 15 | Massillon, OH | $52,565 | $25.27 |
| 16 | Selma, CA | $52,060 | $25.03 |
| 17 | Clearwater, FL | $50,927 | $24.48 |
| 18 | York, PA | $50,772 | $24.41 |
| 19 | Knoxville, TN | $49,784 | $23.93 |
| 20 | Fort Worth, TX | $44,669 | $21.48 |
A tool and die maker's salary ranges from $41,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $68,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $68,000 | $5,667 | $33 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,000 | $5,000 | $29 |
| Average | $52,956 | $4,413 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,000 | $3,833 | $22 |
| 10th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,417 | $20 |
The highest paying types of tool and die makers are tool specialist, tool designer, and jig builder.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Machinist | $48,038 | $4,003 | $23.10 | 9,149 |
| Maintenance Machinist | $52,077 | $4,340 | $25.04 | 83,042 |
| Tool Technician | $42,908 | $3,576 | $20.63 | 78,258 |
| Tool Designer | $64,763 | $5,397 | $31.14 | 51,666 |
| Mold Maker | $48,841 | $4,070 | $23.48 | 13,896 |
| Tool Maker | $52,443 | $4,370 | $25.21 | 18,166 |
Top companies hiring tool and die makers now:
Tool and die maker salaries at Amphenol and Ford Motor are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average tool and die maker salary at companies like Navistar and ABB are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amphenol | $67,849 | $32.62 |
| 2 | Ford Motor | $64,785 | $31.15 |
| 3 | Navistar | $63,687 | $30.62 |
| 4 | ABB | $61,909 | $29.76 |
| 5 | Tesla | $61,897 | $29.76 |
| 6 | Daimler Trucks North America | $61,824 | $29.72 |
| 7 | John Deere | $61,293 | $29.47 |
| 8 | Spectrum Brands | $61,133 | $29.39 |
| 9 | International Trucks | $60,827 | $29.24 |
| 10 | IDEX | $60,467 | $29.07 |
| 11 | Corning Incorporated | $60,201 | $28.94 |
| 12 | Eaton | $60,084 | $28.89 |
| 13 | Barnes Group | $59,908 | $28.80 |
| 14 | Lear | $59,610 | $28.66 |
| 15 | Sanmina | $59,467 | $28.59 |
| 16 | Schaeffler | $59,465 | $28.59 |
| 17 | Dana Incorporated | $59,209 | $28.47 |
| 18 | Ducommun | $59,191 | $28.46 |
| 19 | Silgan Holdings | $59,188 | $28.46 |
| 20 | American Axle & Manufacturing | $59,039 | $28.38 |
The average tool and die maker salary varies across industries:
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology | $59,333 | $28.53 |
| 2 | Automotive | $57,900 | $27.84 |
| 3 | Professional | $56,186 | $27.01 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $54,919 | $26.40 |
The average tool and die maker salary has risen by $7,843 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average tool and die maker earned $45,113 annually, but today, they earn $52,956 a year. That works out to a 7% change in pay for tool and die makers over the last decade.
Compare tool and die maker salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare tool and die maker salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,000 | $25.46 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $52,100 | $25.07 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $51,000 | $24.52 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $50,800 | $24.40 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | $49,400 | $23.74 | +1.5% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IDEX | Tool & Die Maker III | Denver, CO | 06/30/2025 | $74,200 |
| Jeppesen | Tool and Die Maker | Auburn, WA | 06/30/2025 | $73,045 |
| Stanley Black & Decker | Tool & Die Maker; Nights (Mon-Thurs 4PM AM) Pay at | Verona, MS | 06/28/2025 | $62,986 |
| Aerotek | Tool and Die Maker | West Bridgewater, MA | 06/28/2025 | $41,600 |
| Tradesmen International | Tool & Die Maker | Detroit, MI | 06/28/2025 | $79,306 |
| Tradesmen International | Tool & Die Maker | Milwaukee, WI | 06/28/2025 | $79,306 |
| Closures White Cap Corp | Tool & Die Maker | Richmond, VA | 06/28/2025 | $61,191 |
| Heico Corp | Tool & Die Maker | Chicago, IL | 06/27/2025 | $75,132 |
| Illinois Tool Works | Tool and Die Maker Apprentice | Waterbury, CT | 06/27/2025 | $43,827 |
| Precision Castparts Corporation | Aerospace Machinist-Tool & Die Maker | Northfield, NH | 06/27/2025 | $41,740 |
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