How much does a tool and die maker make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical tool and die maker in the United States makes $64,050 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some tool and die makers must measure parts to within 0.0001 inch—just one ten-thousandth of an inch!
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $44,680 and $92,680How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($109,390), lowest in Texas ($55,470).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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