How much does a tool and die maker make?
Answer: A typical tool and die maker in the United States makes $64,050 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 57,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Tool and die maker pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $44,680 | $64,050 | $92,680 | about 57,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $109,390 | about 2,000 |
| Kansas | $83,890 | about 660 |
| Connecticut | $77,540 | about 2,000 |
| California | $77,030 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $74,460 | about 540 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, skill with computer-controlled machines, and optional certificates can help tool-and-die makers earn more, especially on complex jobs. Pay also varies by industry, employer, and location; apprentices earn more as their skills grow, and night, weekend, or overtime schedules can change total pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a tool and die maker do?
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists’ hand tools.
What's a typical day like?
They read a blueprint, set up a CNC mill or grinder, and shape metal into a die. Then they check tiny gaps with a micrometer, test the die, and adjust it until parts meet the drawing.
How to get this job
In the U.S., finish high school and take technical classes in math, blueprint reading, and CAD/CAM; many start an apprenticeship around age 18. Apprentices train on the job for several years, and CNC or CAD/CAM certificates are optional.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some tool and die makers must measure parts to within 0.0001 inch—just one ten-thousandth of an inch!
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Production jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/production/machinists-and-tool-and-die-makers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-4111.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2022/may/oes514111.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.cvtc.edu/academics/apprenticeships/tool-die-maker
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY